Gateway P-6825 Manual
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CHAPTER3 13 Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Connecting the AC adapter Connecting the optional dial-up modem Connecting to a broadband modem or network Starting your notebook Turning off your notebook Restarting (rebooting) your notebook Using the status indicators Using the keyboard Using the optional fingerprint reader Using the EZ Pad touchpad Using the optional multimedia panel Using the optional webcam Adjusting the brightness Adjusting the volume Turning your wireless radio on or off
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 14 Working safely and comfortably Before using your notebook, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight. Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do not use your notebook while it rests on your unprotected lap. Notebook operating temperatures can become quite high, increasing the risk of burns to your legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to protect your legs. Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming s u rfac e, s u ch as yo u r l ap, a bl a n ket , ca rp e t , o r a so fa. S o ft surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation openings, leading to overheating, permanent damage to your notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that you keep the ventilation openings on the sides clear. Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the screen or shine directly into your eyes. Position the computer desk and screen 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. Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your notebook in a dark room. Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects. Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye level.Warning Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat, increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.
www.gateway.com 15 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 touchpad. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard. 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. Sitting at your notebook 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. 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.
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 16 Connecting the AC adapter You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the ACadapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully charge. To connect the AC adapter: 1Connect the power cord to the AC adapter. Warning Do 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. CautionMake sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook or one of the same type purchased from Gateway. 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. 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 three hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 70.
www.gateway.com 17 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 6 for the location of the battery charge indicator) . If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, complete the following steps until it turns on: Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it back in. Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off. Make sure the power cord is firmly attached to the AC adapter. Plug the power cord into a different wall outlet. 4When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn off your notebook and leave your notebook connected to AC power until the battery charge indicator turns blue. Important If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact information” on page 3.
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 18 Protecting from power source problems During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase to levels 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. Connecting to a broadband modem or network Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network. To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network: 1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on your notebook. 2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack. Warning High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and the modem connection. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock, use 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.
www.gateway.com 19 Connecting the optional dial-up modem Your notebook may have a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line. To connect the modem: 1Insert one end of the modem cable into the optional modem jack on your notebook. 2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. Starting your notebook To start your notebook: 1Press the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift the LCD panel. Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dial-up modem connection. ImportantThe modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines. WarningDo not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin. CautionProvide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 20 2Press the power button located above the keyboard. 3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and time zone and to create your first user account. 4Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and speakers. 5To open the main menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using Windows, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide. Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 75. TipFor more information about connecting peripheral devices, see “Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 60. TipSee the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions. Power button
www.gateway.com 21 Waking up your notebook When you have not used your notebook for several minutes or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Sleep mode, press the power button to “wake” it up. Turning off your notebook Putting your notebook into Sleep mode is the easiest way to power down your notebook. Although it does not turn your notebook completely off, it turns off or slows down most system operations to save power. Sleep mode saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your notebook from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on your notebook after it has been turned completely off. Hibernate mode is an alternative to Sleep mode. In Hibernate mode, your notebook is turned completely off. When you wake your notebook from Hibernate mode, however, the programs that were running when your notebook entered Hibernate mode are running just as you left them. To put your notebook to sleep: Click (Start), then click (power). The notebook saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. -OR- Press F N+F3.The notebook saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. To put your notebook into hibernation: Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Hibernate. The notebook saves your session and shuts down to save power. Tip For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes” on page 72. TipYou can change the Sleep mode from the standard Sleep mode (default) to Hybrid Sleep. For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes” on page 72.
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 22 To turn off your notebook: Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The notebook turns off. Restarting (rebooting) your notebook If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or mouse 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 notebook. To close unresponsive programs on your notebook: 1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. 2Click Start Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager dialog box opens. 3Click the program that is not responding. 4Click End Task. 5Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box. To restart your notebook: Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. The notebook turns off, then turns on again.Important If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to turn off your notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it. 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. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10 seconds.