Gateway 400 series User Manual
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12 Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400 www.gateway.com Finding your specifications For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, go to the See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com . The eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. View your computer’s serial number by clicking Start, Help and Support, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by clicking Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.
13 Finding your specifications www.gateway.com You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site. Visit support.gateway.com . For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 42.
14 Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400 www.gateway.com Accessories Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com . Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See “Changing batteries” on page 127 for more information about using an additional battery in your notebook. With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane in-flight power receptacle. Carrying cases Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for accessories or supplies. Memory Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 213 for more information. Printers You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 34 for more information about attaching a printer to your notebook. Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents. Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.
2 15 Getting Started This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to: Connect the AC adapter Start and turn off your notebook Identify the status indicators Use the keyboard Use the EZ Pad touchpad Connect the modem Connect to an Ethernet network Install peripheral devices
16 Chapter 2: Getting Started www.gateway.com Connecting the AC adapter You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully charge. To connect the AC adapter: 1Connect the power cord to the AC adapter. ImportantIf the battery is not fully charged before you use your notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 126. WarningMake sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook. Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord or your notebook may be damaged.
17 Connecting the AC adapter www.gateway.com 2Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector. 3Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it back in. 4When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least 24 hours. The battery charge meter may not show a charge for several hours. For more information about the battery charge meter on your model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 124. 5If the battery charge meter does not show a full charge after 24 hours, contact Gateway Technical Support at support.gateway.com , then click Contact Us. WarningDo not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about returning defective AC adapters.
18 Chapter 2: Getting Started www.gateway.com Protecting from power source problems During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your notebook. WarningHigh voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your notebook by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
19 Starting your notebook www.gateway.com Starting your notebook To start your notebook: 1Open your notebook by pressing the latch on the front of your notebook and lifting the LCD panel. 2Press the power button located above the keyboard. The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 131. 3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your notebook. Powe r bu tt o n
20 Chapter 2: Getting Started www.gateway.com Waking up your notebook When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see “Changing power settings” on page 131. Turning off your notebook To turn off your notebook: 1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Tu r n O f f C o m p u t e r dialog box opens. 2Click Tu r n O f f. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook. ImportantIf for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in Windows to turn off your notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.
21 Restarting (rebooting) your notebook www.gateway.com Restarting (rebooting) your notebook If your notebook does not respond to keyboard or touchpad input, you may have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your computer. To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer: 1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. A window opens that lets you close a program that is not responding. 2Click the program that is not responding. 3Close the program by clicking End Task. 4If your notebook does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn it on again. As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts. ImportantIf your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete the following steps until the notebook turns off: 1 Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it. 2 Insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on the bottom of your notebook. 3 Remove AC power and the battery for more than 10 seconds.