Gateway SZSL95IN0XXXXXXXX User manual

Reference
Guide
8512740.book Page a Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:43 PM

8512740.book Page b Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:43 PM

i
Chapter 1: About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .2
Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. .3
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started . . . 5
Checking out your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .6
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .6
Back . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .7
Sides . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .8
Power module . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .10
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..11
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .12
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .13
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . .13
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..14
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . ..14
Connecting power . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..15
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .16
Setting up the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .17
Installing keyboard batteries .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .17
Installing mouse batteries . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .18
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .19
Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .20
Turning off and restarting your computer . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .20
Using the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .22
Syncing the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .22
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .23
Using the mouse . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .24
Using the remote control . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .26
Installing remote control batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .26
Understanding the remote control buttons . . . . . . . . . . .28
Contents
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Contents
ii
Storing the remote control . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 30
Using the DVD-RW drive . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 30
Loading a disc . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 30
Ejecting an optical disc . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 31
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 31
Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 32
Using the memory card reader . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 32
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 33
Using a memory card . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 33
Connecting peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 34
Connecting the TV tuner . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 34
Connecting the Web cam . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 39
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . 41
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 41
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
Chapter 3: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 45
Opening and closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 46
Installing memory . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 48
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 50
Adding or replacing Mini PCI cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 51
Replacing the DVD-RW drive . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 52
Installing or replacing the graphics card . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 55
Changing the system battery . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 56
Chapter 4: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 59
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 60
Caring for your computer . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . 61
Changing batteries . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 61
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 62
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . 62
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 63
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 63
Cleaning optical discs . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 63
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 64
Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 64
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 65
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iii
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..65
Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..66
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .67
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .68
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..69
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..71
Moving from your old computer . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .72
Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .72
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . ..73
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Safety guidelines . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..76
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .76
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..77
Audio . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..77
CD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .77
Display . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..77
DVD-RW drive . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .78
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .79
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .80
Hard drive . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..81
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .82
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .83
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .83
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .84
Memory card reader . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .85
Modem (cable or DSL) . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .85
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .85
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..89
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .89
Passwords . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .89
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .90
Printer . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . .90
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..91
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..91
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..92
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . ..93
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Contents
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Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 98
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 101
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 102
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 103
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . .. . . . . 103
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 104
Self-help . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 104
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 105
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 105
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
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CHAPTER1
1
AboutThisGuide
•Aboutthisguide
•AccessingyouronlineUserGuide
•Gatewaycontactinformation
•MicrosoftCertificateofAuthenticity
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CHAPTER 1: About This Guide
2
Aboutthisguide
This guide includesinformation and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustrations in this guide may look different than your
computer because hardware options may vary. For all other
computer information, see your online User Guide.
For moreinformation
For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s
Supportpageatwww.gateway.comortheWebaddressshown
on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to
additionalGatewaydocumentationanddetailedspecifications.
AccessingyouronlineUser
GuideInadditiontothisguide,yourUser Guide hasbeenincludedon
your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read
manual that includes information on the following topics:
•Help and technical support
•Using and customizing Windows and other software
•Controlling audio and video settings
•Using the Internet
•Protecting your files
•Playing and recording media
•Networking
To access your User Guide:
•Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
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3
Gatewaycontactinformation
Thelabelonthebottomofyourcomputercontainsinformation
that identifies your computer model and serial number.
Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call
for assistance.
MicrosoftCertificateof
Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
bottom of your computer includes the product key code for
your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from the
installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to
activate Windows.
S/N: SZSL95IN0XXXXXXXX
Serial number and
Customer Care
telephone number
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity
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CHAPTER 1: About This Guide
4
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CHAPTER2
5
SettingUpand
GettingStarted
•Checkingoutyourcomputer
•Workingsafelyandcomfortably
•Preparingpowerconnections
•Connectingtoabroadbandmodemor
network
•Settingupthekeyboardandmouse
•Startingyourcomputer
•Turningoffandrestartingyourcomputer
•Usingthekeyboardandmouse
•Usingthe remotecontrol
•Usingthe DVD-RWdrive
•Usingthememorycardreader
•Connectingperipheraldevices
•Adjustingthevolume
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CHAPTER2: Setting Up and Getting Started
6
Checkingoutyourcomputer
Front
Component Description
Web cam port Connect the optional Web cam to this port.
IR sensor Detects signals from the remote control. Do not block.
IRactivity/RFsync
indicator IndicateswhenthecomputerisreceivingIRsignalsfromthe remote control and when the computer is syncing with the
wireless (RF) keyboard and mouse.
Data ports For more detail, see “Sides” on page 8.
Display This 19-inchTFTdisplay has1400 × 900 resolution,displays
16.2million colors, and has an 850:1 contrast ratio.
DVD-RW drive For more detail, see “Sides” on page 8.
Power indicator The Gatewaylogoindicateswhen powerison(glowing) and
when power is on Standby (flashing).
NXT™ SoundVu™
acoustic front
panel
Thispanel is advanced, patented technology developed by
Authentic using NXT technology. Because the panel itself
vibrates and creates sound, no speakers are needed.
NXT SoundVu acoustic front panel
(replaces conventional speakers)
Data ports
IR activity/RFsync
indicator
W
e
b
cam port
IR sensor
Display
DVD-RW drive
Power indicator
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Back
Component Description
Web cam port Connect the optional Web cam to this port.
Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For more information, see your
online User Guide.
Slide-out support
stand Supports your computer in an upright position and helps maintain the viewing angle. As you push the top of the
screen back or pull it forward, this support stand
automatically adjusts to maintain that angle. For more
information onadjustingtheviewingangle,see“Settingup
your computer desk and chair” on page 13
Cable lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach the cable to a
solid object like a desk or table to prevent your computer
from being stolen or opened.
Slide-out
support stand
Power button Cable lock slot
Web cam port
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CHAPTER2: Setting Up and Getting Started
8
Sides
Memory card reader
Microphone jack
Power button
Slot-load DVD-RW drive
Headphone jack
IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port
USB ports
Slide-out support stand
Power/data cable
Power/data cable
Slide-out support stand
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9
Component Description
Power/data cable Connects your computer to the power module. This cable
must be connected before you connect the module to
AC power. For more information, see “Connecting power”
on page 15.
Slide-out support
stand Supports your computer in an upright position and helps maintain the viewing angle. As you push the top of the
screen back or pull it forward, this support stand
automatically adjusts to maintain that angle. For more
information on adjusting the viewing angle, see “Reducing
eye strain” on page 12.
Memory card
reader Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory
cardreader.Foracompletelistofsupportedmemorycards,
see “Using the memory card reader” on page 32.
IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire™) devices (such as a
digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE1394 port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other
device” on page 41.
USB ports Plug USB (UniversalSerial Bus) devices (such as a USB
printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these
ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page 41.
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier,
or headphones into this jack.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
DVD-RW drive Use this DVD-RW drive to listen to audio CDs, install games
and programs, watch DVDs, and write large files onto
recordable discs.
Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode.
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CHAPTER2: Setting Up and Getting Started
10
Power module
Component Description
Ethernet (network)
jack PluganEthernetnetworkcableoradevice(suchasaDSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection)
into thisjack.Formore information,see“Learningabout
the Internet” in your online User Guide.
IR blaster port Plug the IR blaster into this port. The IR blaster lets you
position an IR emitter on your set-top box (tuner), so the
computer’s MediaCenter remote canchangethetuner’s
channel for viewing and scheduled recording.
Optical digital audio
out jack Plugan optical digital audio cable into this jackand into an optical Audio In jack on an amplifier or
entertainment system for digital sound.
Coaxial digital audio
out jack Plug a coaxial digital audio cable into this jack and into a coaxial Audio In jackonanamplifierorentertainment
system for digital sound.
USB ports Plug a USB device into these ports.
Power/data cable
connector Plug your computer’s power/data cable into this connector.
Ethernet network jack IR blaster port USB ports Optical digital
audio out jack
USB ports Power/data cable connector
Coaxial digital
audio out jack
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11
Workingsafelyand
comfortably
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines
for setting up a safe and comfortable workarea 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, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye
level.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor
Hands and arms are
parallel to the floor
Screen is perpendicular to
your line of sight
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CHAPTER2: Setting Up and Getting Started
12
Reducingeyestrain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
screen or shine directly into your eyes.
•Position the computer desk and computer so you can
avoid bright reflections and glare. 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 computer in a dark room.
•Setpaperholdersatthesameheightanddistanceasthe
display.
•Avoid focusing your eyes on your display for long
periodsoftime.Every10 or 15minutes, look around the
room, and try to focus on distant objects.
•Stand up your computer so the slide-out support stand
extends out the back for stability. Your computer is
stable through a 10° range of motion, from nearly
upright (leaning back 5°) to noticeably tilted (leaning
back 15°).
Thesupportstandhelpsmaintaintheviewinganglethat
you set. As you push the top of the screen back or pull
it forward, the stand automatically adjusts to maintain
that angle.
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13
Settingupyourcomputerdeskandchair
Follow these guidelines for good ergonomic workstation
design:
•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.
•Adjustthechairheight,adjusttheforwardtiltoftheseat,
or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the
chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.
•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.
•Positionyourchairsothekeyboardisatorslightlybelow
thelevelofyourelbow.Thispositionletsyourshoulders
relax while you type.
•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.
Sittingatyourcomputer
•Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make
sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
•Donotslouchforwardorleanfarback.Sitwithyourback
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.
Avoidingdiscomfortandinjuryfromrepetitive
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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CHAPTER2: Setting Up and Getting Started
14
Preparingpowerconnections
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
intoyourcomputercanincreasetofarabovenormallevelsand
cause data loss or system damage. Protect yourcomputer 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
toyourcomputerduringapowerfailure.Althoughyou 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.
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power/data
cable and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge
protector. If you have a telephone or DSL modem, usea surge protector that has
a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an
antenna/cableTV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge
protector and the modem.
Warning
The AC power module contains peripheral expansion components that
need to connect to the system before to AC power is connected. Make sure that
you connect power components in the following order:
• Plug the power/data cable into the power module.
• PlugtheACpowercableintothepowermoduleandintoanACpoweroutlet.
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