Gateway E4500d Manual

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
USB flash drive
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Uninterruptible power supplies 
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from data loss 
during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running 
temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work and shut down your 
computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection from power surges.
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							Chapter 3
17
Getting Started
 Using your computer safely
 Protecting your computer from power 
source problems
 Turning your computer on and off
 Adjusting the volume
 Configuring audio jacks
 Connecting the modem and network
 Installing peripheral devices
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and 
comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly 
into your eyes.
■Position the computer desk and monitor so you can avoid glare on your screen 
and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or 
curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter on your monitor.
■Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark 
room.
■Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Look 
away from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant objects.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor Hands and
arms are
parallel to
the floorScreen is 
perpendicular to 
your line of sight
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Working safely
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the 
appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.
■Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
■Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned 
parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not 
adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and 
keeps your body relaxed.
■Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. 
This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.
■Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to 
distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your 
thighs.
■Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can 
use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor controls 
are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.
■Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to 
reach them without stretching.
■Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.
Sitting at your computer
■Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed 
position when you type.
■Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, 
hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
■Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
■Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
■Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can 
increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your 
computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs 
voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a 
power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time 
with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut 
down your computer normally.
Checking the voltage selection
A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board, 
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically 
set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the 
power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your 
environment, check the voltage selection switch.
Wa rn i n g High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord 
and the modem connection. Protect your computer 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.
Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be 
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location 
before turning on your computer.
In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 
volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when 
your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the 
world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 
50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this, 
the voltage switch should be moved to 230.
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Working safely
To set the voltage selection switch:
■Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to 
the correct voltage position.
Vo l t a g e
selection
switch
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your computer. See the setup poster 
for setup instructions.
2Turn on your computer.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions 
to set up your computer.
4Plug in and turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the 
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
Waking up your computer
When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your 
computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power 
indicator flashes.
If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake” 
it up.
Important Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your 
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the 
system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to 
ensure correct system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan 
noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the 
fan noise when it switches to normal speed.
Tips & Tricks For more information about changing the power button mode, see 
“Changing Power-Saving Settings” in 
Using Your Computer which has 
been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, 
All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
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Turning off your computer
Turning off your computer
To turn off your computer:
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Tu r n  O ff  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 computer.
Wa rn i n g When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power 
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all 
electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and 
modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the 
power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used 
for long periods.
Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in 
Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button 
for about five seconds, then release it.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Restarting (rebooting) your computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close 
programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your 
computer to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your computer.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:
1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens.
2Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
3Click End Task.
4Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.
5If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then 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.
Important If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button 
for about five seconds, then release it.
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Using the keyboard
Using the keyboard
Standard keyboard
This keyboard is the basic model of keyboard available with your computer.
Press these keys... To...
Function keys Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for 
different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more 
about the function key actions.
Navigation keys Move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the 
page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of 
a document.
Indicators Show if your 
NUMLOCK, CAPSLOCK, or SCROLLLOCK keys are 
activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys Open the Windows Start menu. These keys can also be used in 
combination with other keys to open utilities like 
F(Search utility), R(Run 
utility), and 
E(Explorer utility).
Application key Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Directional keys Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Numeric keypad Type numbers when the numeric keypad (
NUMLOCK) is turned on.
Function keys Navigation keys Indicators
Windows keys Application 
keyDirectional 
keysNumeric 
keypad
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