Gateway Profile 5.5 Manual

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Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer 
includes the product key code for your operating system.
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard 
drive size, see visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
. The eSupport page also 
has links to additional Gateway documentation and...

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you can add storage 
devices to you computer.
If your computer does not include a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can purchase an 
external drive that plugs into a USB or IEEE 1394 port. You can free up hard drive space 
by backing up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as 
much as 700 MB of data. Single layer writable...

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
 Using the keyboard and the mouse
 Using the computer display
 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 display or shine directly into 
your eyes.
■Position the computer desk and display so you can avoid glare on your screen and 
light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains 
on...

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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...

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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....

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Starting your computer
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster for more information.
2Press the power button.
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.
ImportantYour computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In...

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Chapter 3: Getting Started
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.
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....

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Restarting (rebooting) your computer
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...

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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Using the cord cover
After you have the power cord and peripheral device cables connected to your computer, 
you can install the optional cord cover to make your computer look less cluttered.
To install the optional cord cover:
■Align the tabs on the top of the cover with the slots above the back ports, then 
swing the cord cover’s bottom tabs into the slots on the bottom of the computer 
(view shown from below for clarity).
To remove the cord cover:
■Press...