Solo 2550 User manual
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
Using Your
Solo 2550
Contents
Learning about
Your Notebook
Keyboard and
LCD
Front
Back
Right
side
Left
side
Bottom
System status
indicators
For more
information...
Accessories
Using Your
Notebook
Connecting AC
power
Turning on the
notebook
Using the
keyboard
· Function
combination keys
· Pad Lock keys
Using pointing
devices
· Using the EZ Pad
touchpad
· Using the EZ Point
· Connecting an
external mouse
Using
audio
· Adjusting volume
· Making an audio
recording
Learning about Your
Notebook
This chapter shows features and options that are available on your notebook. It also
describes the various resources that you can access for more information.
Keyboard and LCD
Component Description
ATFT Color Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) Backlit anti-glare screen
BKeyboard Provides the full functionality of a
desktop computer keyboard.
CEZ PadTM touchpad or EZ PointTM
stickpoint Controls the pointer movement on the
screen.
Front
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (1 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
· Changing the audio
source
· Playing CDs
· Playing DVDs
Using
video
· Changing screen
resolution
Connecting the
modem
Using PC
Cards
Using USB
ports
Using the
infrared port
Replacing the
hard disk drive
· Preventing static
electricity
Managing Power
Use
Checking battery
status
Maximizing
battery life
Swapping
batteries
Recalibrating the
battery
Managing
power
· Windows98
· Windows95 and
WindowsNT
Using the Power
menu
Using the Internet
Learning about
the Internet
Setting up an
Internet account
· Accessing your
Internet account
Component Description
AMicrophone Use to record sound when the system is recording.
BPower LED Check LED for notebook power status:
Steady green - power is ON.
Blinking green - notebook is in suspend or standby
mode. The LED flashes every four seconds.
LED off - power is OFF.
CCover release
button Open notebook cover by sliding right.
DCD/DVD drive Insert data or audio CD discs into this drive. Optional DVD
drive reads DVD and CD discs.
ECD/DVD Eject
button Press to eject the CD/DVD tray from the drive.
Back
Component Icon Description
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (2 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
Using the
WorldWideWeb
· Connecting to a
Website
· Downloading files
Using e-
mail
· Sending e-mail
· Checking your e-mail
Safety, Regulatory,
and Notices
· American users
· Canadian users
· European users
· Japanese users
· Australia and New
Zealand users
AParallel port
(LPT1) Connect a parallel device such as a
printer to this port.
BDocking port Connect an optional docking station to
this port.
CIR (Infrared) port
Enable this port to connect your
notebook to separate devices (printers,
peripherals, other computers) using
infrared signals that travel between
the notebook and the remote device.
DVGA port Connect an external monitor cable to
this port.
ESerial port Connect an optional serial device to
this port.
Right side
Component Icon Description
ADiskette drive or LS120
drive Insert either a standard or
LS120 diskette (for LS120
drives only) into this slot.
BDiskette drive eject
button Press the eject button to
remove a diskette from the
drive.
CModem jack (optional) Connect the notebook on-
board modem to an analog
phone system by plugging a
phone line into this jack and to
a phone wall jack.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (3 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
DPC Card eject buttons Press the eject button to
remove PC Cards from PC
Card slots. See "Using PC
Cards for more information.
EPC Card slots Insert PC Cards Type I, II, or
III into these slots. See "Using
PC Cards for more
information.
FPS/2 port Connect the keyboard, mouse,
numeric keypad, or other
external device to this port.
GPower connector Connect the AC power adapter
to this port.
.
Left side
Component Icon Description
AKensington lock slot Attach a Kensington lock
cable into this slot.
BUSB (Universal Serial
Bus) ports Plug USB serial devices
into these ports.
CBattery bay Insert battery into this
bay.
DMic In Connect an external
microphone to this port to
record audio (1/8-inch/3.5-
mm jack).
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (4 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
EAudio Line In Connect an external audio
input source (computer,
stereo, VCR, etc.) to this
port to record or play
audio through the
notebook speakers (1/8-
inch/3.5-mm jack).
FSpeaker Out/
Headphone jack Connect external speakers
or headphones to this port.
Supports small unamplified
speakers (1/8-inch/3.5-
mm jack).
GVolume wheel Use to adjust volume for
built-in speakers, external
speakers, and
headphones. Other port
volume levels are
controlled by multimedia
software.
Bottom
Component Icon Description
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (5 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
ASystem identification
label Find the product model
number, serial number,
display type, and
processor speed on this
label.
BDiskette drive slot Insert either a standard
diskette drive or LS120
drive into this slot.
CBattery release latch Slide to release battery
pack.
DHard disk drive bay Open the cover to replace
hard disk drive.
EMemory bay Open the memory bay
cover to install or remove
SO-DIMM memory
modules.
System status indicators
This indicator icon appears... when...
Battery gauge A battery is installed. It shows battery
activity and status.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (6 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
Charge A battery is charging on AC power. Turns
off when battery is fully charged.
AC power
adapter The notebook is powered by the AC
adapter.
Hard drive The notebook accesses the hard drive.
Diskette drive The notebook accesses the diskette drive or
LS120 drive.
CD/DVD drive The notebook accesses the CD/DVD drive.
Scroll lock The scroll lock is enabled.
Pad lock The pad lock is enabled.
Caps lock The caps lock is enabled.
System docked The notebook is docked.
For more information...
In addition to this user guide, these resources are available to help you get the most
from your Gateway notebook:
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Gateway Solo Notebook
This manual contains information about managing system resources, preserving your
system performance, reinstalling your operating system and drivers, and
troubleshooting.
Microsoft Windows manual
This manual addressed many questions about Windows for both beginners and
advanced users. Use this manual to find information about using the operating
system, getting help, using applications, organizing your files, troubleshooting,
maintaining your notebook, and learning about advanced features such as connecting
to a network.
Welcome to Windows
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (7 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
The interactive Windows tutorial helps you become more familiar with Windows
features and learn more about using and getting the most out of your notebook. The
tutorial opens when you first start Windows. If you want to use the tutorial later, click
Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Welcome to Windows.
Online help
Most applications provide online help. You can use online help to find out more about
the application and to get information about how to complete tasks.
To use help, select Help or Contents and Index from the Help menu in an application.
When the help window opens, you can select one of three tabs:
Contents provides a list of topics and help information about tasks you can do in
Windows.
Index lets you search the entire help file for topics using keywords. Keywords are
assigned to each help topic.
Search lets you search for any word that appears in a help
file.
Microsoft Office assistants
In addition to standard help, Microsoft Office applications provide animated characters
called assistants. You can ask an assistant a question to get information about a task.
To use an assistant, select Help from the Help menu in a Microsoft Office application,
then click Help.
Gateway Web site (www.gateway.com)
If you have a subscription to an Internet service provider, visit the technical support
section of the Gateway web site for notebook support help, system specifications,
technical documents, tech tips, frequently asked questions (FAQs), glossary, software
library with BIOS updates, and other resources that can help you make the most of
using your notebook.
Accessories
Gateway offers various accessories that can help you make the most of using your
Solo notebook:
Port
replicators
Docking
stations
Battery
packs
Battery
chargers
Automobile/airplane
adapters
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (8 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents
Memory
modules
External
keyboards
External
monitors
Speakers
Carrying
cases
Printers
Tape backup
units
Hard
drives
Modems
Network
cards
Software
Uninterruptable Power Supplies
(UPS)
For more information on these or other Gateway accessories for your notebook, visit
our Web site at www.gateway.com or call 1.800.846.2000.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/index.htm (9 of 9)7/28/2004 7:11:47 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
Learning about Your
Notebook
This chapter shows features and options that are available on your notebook. It also
describes the various resources that you can access for more information.
Keyboard and LCD
Component Description
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (1 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
ATFT Color Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) Backlit anti-glare screen
BKeyboard Provides the full functionality of a
desktop computer keyboard.
CEZ PadTM touchpad or EZ PointTM
stickpoint Controls the pointer movement on the
screen.
Front
Component Description
AMicrophone Use to record sound when the system is recording.
BPower LED Check LED for notebook power status:
Steady green - power is ON.
Blinking green - notebook is in suspend or standby
mode. The LED flashes every four seconds.
LED off - power is OFF.
CCover release
button Open notebook cover by sliding right.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (2 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
DCD/DVD drive Insert data or audio CD discs into this drive. Optional DVD
drive reads DVD and CD discs.
ECD/DVD Eject
button Press to eject the CD/DVD tray from the drive.
Back
Component Icon Description
AParallel port
(LPT1) Connect a parallel device such as a
printer to this port.
BDocking port Connect an optional docking station to
this port.
CIR (Infrared) port
Enable this port to connect your
notebook to separate devices (printers,
peripherals, other computers) using
infrared signals that travel between
the notebook and the remote device.
DVGA port Connect an external monitor cable to
this port.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (3 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
ESerial port Connect an optional serial device to
this port.
Right side
Component Icon Description
ADiskette drive or LS120
drive Insert either a standard or
LS120 diskette (for LS120
drives only) into this slot.
BDiskette drive eject
button Press the eject button to
remove a diskette from the
drive.
CModem jack (optional) Connect the notebook on-
board modem to an analog
phone system by plugging a
phone line into this jack and to
a phone wall jack.
DPC Card eject buttons Press the eject button to
remove PC Cards from PC
Card slots. See "Using PC
Cards for more information.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (4 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
EPC Card slots Insert PC Cards Type I, II, or
III into these slots. See "Using
PC Cards for more
information.
FPS/2 port Connect the keyboard, mouse,
numeric keypad, or other
external device to this port.
GPower connector Connect the AC power adapter
to this port.
.
Left side
Component Icon Description
AKensington lock slot Attach a Kensington lock
cable into this slot.
BUSB (Universal Serial
Bus) ports Plug USB serial devices
into these ports.
CBattery bay Insert battery into this
bay.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (5 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
DMic In Connect an external
microphone to this port to
record audio (1/8-inch/3.5-
mm jack).
EAudio Line In Connect an external audio
input source (computer,
stereo, VCR, etc.) to this
port to record or play
audio through the
notebook speakers (1/8-
inch/3.5-mm jack).
FSpeaker Out/
Headphone jack Connect external speakers
or headphones to this port.
Supports small unamplified
speakers (1/8-inch/3.5-
mm jack).
GVolume wheel Use to adjust volume for
built-in speakers, external
speakers, and
headphones. Other port
volume levels are
controlled by multimedia
software.
Bottom
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (6 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
Component Icon Description
ASystem identification
label Find the product model
number, serial number,
display type, and
processor speed on this
label.
BDiskette drive slot Insert either a standard
diskette drive or LS120
drive into this slot.
CBattery release latch Slide to release battery
pack.
DHard disk drive bay Open the cover to replace
hard disk drive.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (7 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
EMemory bay Open the memory bay
cover to install or remove
SO-DIMM memory
modules.
System status indicators
This indicator icon appears... when...
Battery gauge A battery is installed. It shows battery
activity and status.
Charge A battery is charging on AC power. Turns
off when battery is fully charged.
AC power
adapter The notebook is powered by the AC
adapter.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (8 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
Hard drive The notebook accesses the hard drive.
Diskette drive The notebook accesses the diskette drive or
LS120 drive.
CD/DVD drive The notebook accesses the CD/DVD drive.
Scroll lock The scroll lock is enabled.
Pad lock The pad lock is enabled.
Caps lock The caps lock is enabled.
System docked The notebook is docked.
For more information...
In addition to this user guide, these resources are available to help you get the most
from your Gateway notebook:
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Gateway Solo Notebook
This manual contains information about managing system resources, preserving your
system performance, reinstalling your operating system and drivers, and
troubleshooting.
Microsoft Windows manual
This manual addressed many questions about Windows for both beginners and
advanced users. Use this manual to find information about using the operating
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (9 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Learning about Your Notebook
system, getting help, using applications, organizing your files, troubleshooting,
maintaining your notebook, and learning about advanced features such as connecting
to a network.
Welcome to Windows
The interactive Windows tutorial helps you become more familiar with Windows
features and learn more about using and getting the most out of your notebook. The
tutorial opens when you first start Windows. If you want to use the tutorial later, click
Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Welcome to Windows.
Online help
Most applications provide online help. You can use online help to find out more about
the application and to get information about how to complete tasks.
To use help, select Help or Contents and Index from the Help menu in an application.
When the help window opens, you can select one of three tabs:
Contents provides a list of topics and help information about tasks you can do in
Windows.
Index lets you search the entire help file for topics using keywords. Keywords are
assigned to each help topic.
Search lets you search for any word that appears in a help
file.
Microsoft Office assistants
In addition to standard help, Microsoft Office applications provide animated characters
called assistants. You can ask an assistant a question to get information about a task.
To use an assistant, select Help from the Help menu in a Microsoft Office application,
then click Help.
Gateway Web site (www.gateway.com)
If you have a subscription to an Internet service provider, visit the technical support
section of the Gateway web site for notebook support help, system specifications,
technical documents, tech tips, frequently asked questions (FAQs), glossary, software
library with BIOS updates, and other resources that can help you make the most of
using your notebook.
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (10 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM
Table of contents
