Gateway Profile 4 User Manual

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13
Getting Started
Read this chapter to find out how to:
■Use your computer safely
■Protect your computer from power source problems
■Start and turn off your computer
■Use the keyboard
■Use the mouse
■Use the computer display
■Install peripheral devices 
						

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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 computer display 
or shine directly into your eyes.
■Position the computer desk and computer so you can avoid glare on your 
computer display 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 computer display.
■Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer 
in a dark room.
■Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer display for long periods of 
time. Look away from your display occasionally, and try to focus on distant 
objects.
Top of display 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
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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 your computer so the display is no higher than eye level, the display 
controls are within reach, and the display 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 computer display. 
						

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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.
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. 
						

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Protecting from power source problems
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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. For more 
information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power supply” on page 138.
WarningHigh 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. 
						

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Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the cables to your computer using the setup poster.
2Turn on your computer.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen 
instructions to set up your computer.
4Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the 
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions. 
						

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Turning off your computer
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Turning off your computer
To turn off your computer in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box 
opens.
2Click Tu r n  O f f. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
To turn off your computer in Windows 2000:
1Click Start, then click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.
2Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do 
list, then click 
Shut down.
3Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
Tips & TricksWhen 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.
ImportantIf 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.
ImportantIf for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down 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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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, then click Task Manager. The Ta s k  M a n a g e r window 
opens.
2Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
3Click End Task.
4If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn 
it on again.
ImportantIf your computer does not turn off, press and hold the 
power button for about five seconds, then release it. 
						

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Multifunction keyboard
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Multifunction keyboard
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 Press these keys to 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 Press one of these keys to 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 Use these keys to 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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Special-function buttons
Special-function buttonsIcons Press to...
Previous Return to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.
Play/Pause Start or pause the play of the CD or DVD.
Stop Stop the play of CD or DVD.
Next Move to the next CD track or DVD chapter.
Volume down Decrease the volume.
Volume up Increase the volume.
Mute Turn off all sound.
My Documents Open the My Documents folder.
Help Open online help.
E-mail Open your e-mail program.
Previous
Next Stop
Play/Pause
Volume down
Vo lu me  u pMuteHelp
My DocumentsInternet E-mailSearch