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8512242.book Page i Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM Contents Chapter 1: Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512242.book Page ii Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM Contents Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512242.book Page iii Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Changing mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing power-saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512242.book Page 2 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 1: Getting Help Thank you for purchasing our computer! You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer. Each and every Gateway computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.
8512242.book Page 3 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com To start Help and Support: (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens. • Click You can find help information by clicking a general topic under Find an answer, selecting an option under Ask someone, or picking a category from Information from Microsoft. You can also search for a topic.
8512242.book Page 4 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 1: Getting Help Using online help If you are connected to the Internet, many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking the Help button on the menu bar and selecting Online Support from the list.
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8512242.book Page 6 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Using the Windows desktop After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks. . Help For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase Windows desktop in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512242.book Page 7 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Using the Start menu Help For more information about the Windows Start menu, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type Windows Start menu in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders, and more using the Start menu. To use the Start menu: Shortcut Start Ö All Programs Ö 1 Click (Start) on the lower left of the Windows desktop.
8512242.book Page 8 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Adding icons to the desktop Help For more information about the desktop icons, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type desktop icons in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you use frequently.
8512242.book Page 9 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Window item Description Clicking the minimize button reduces the active window to a button on the taskbar. Clicking the program button in the taskbar opens the window again. Clicking the maximize button expands the active window to fit the entire computer display. Clicking the maximize button again restores the window to its former size. Clicking the close button closes the active window or program.
8512242.book Page 10 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Creating folders Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and other folders. Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files. Folders Files To create a folder: Shortcut Click File ÖNew ÖFolder Ötype name 1 Click (Start), then click Computer on the Start menu.
8512242.book Page 11 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click. 6 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location. Help For more information about copying files and folders or moving files or folders, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type copying files and folders or moving files and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512242.book Page 12 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows To empty the Recycle Bin: Caution Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored. 1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens. 2 Click Empty the Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty the bin. 3 Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.
8512242.book Page 13 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Using advanced search options Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your search by selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the: • Name or part of a name • Creation date • Modification date • File type • Tag • Author • Text contained in the file • Time period in which it was created or modified You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.
8512242.book Page 14 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Creating a new document To create a new document: (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click WordPad. Microsoft WordPad starts and a blank document opens. 1 Click 2 Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at the top of the window to format the document. Saving a document After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.
8512242.book Page 15 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Click Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder you want to open. 4 Double-click the document file name. The document opens. Help For more information about opening documents, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type opening files in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Printing a document To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or have access to a network printer.
8512242.book Page 16 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Shortcuts Help For more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type Windows keyboard shortcuts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and almost all programs that run in Windows. For more information about shortcuts, see your Windows or program documentation. 16 To... Do this...
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8512242.book Page 18 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing Learning about the Internet The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).
8512242.book Page 19 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your cable television or special telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. In many instances, broadband is considered an always-connected service. With this type of service, your cost is the same regardless of the amount of time you use your Internet connection.
8512242.book Page 20 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing Connecting to a Web site After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP), you can access the many information sources on the World Wide Web. To connect to a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account. 2 Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account, you may need to start your Web browser. Click (Start), then click Internet.
8512242.book Page 21 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Downloading files Caution To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses” on page 59. Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your computer. To download files or programs from a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account.
8512242.book Page 22 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 4 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the To box. 5 Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box. 6 Type the e-mail message. Tip Most e-mail programs let you attach files, such as photographs, to your e-mail. For more information, see the help for your e-mail program. 7 When finished, click Send.
8512242.book Page 23 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Sending a fax Windows Fax and Scan lets you send and receive faxes using your dial-up modem. To send a fax: (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan opens. 1 Click 2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window. 3 If you have never sent a fax on this computer before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The Fax Setup window opens.
8512242.book Page 24 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 6 Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the The Security Alert window opens. The New Fax window opens. 7 Create your fax, then open the Cover Page menu by clicking the arrow and selecting a cover page from the list. The Sender Information dialog box opens. 8 Type your information in the spaces provided, then click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.
8512242.book Page 25 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 10 Type your location information, then click OK. The Dialing Rules dialog box opens. 11 Highlight your location, then click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box opens. 12 Complete the location information, then click OK. You are returned to the Dialing Rules dialog box. 13 Click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens. 14 Enter, scan, or attach the fax information you want to send, then click Send.
8512242.book Page 26 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 3 Click Tools, Cover Pages, then click New. The Fax Cover Page Editor opens. • If you want to include fields that are imported from the Send Fax Wizard or the Fax 4 Configuration Wizard (such as To or From), add them to the page by using the Insert menu, then move them to the appropriate place on your template.
8512242.book Page 27 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Receiving and viewing a fax To receive and view a fax: (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan opens. 1 Click 2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window. 3 To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The fax viewer opens, where you can view and print the fax.
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8512242.book Page 30 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Playing music and movies Playing audio and video files Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files, including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, and MPEG formats. For more information about using Windows Media Player, click Help.
8512242.book Page 31 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Click one of the following to control playback: Repeat Shuffle • • • • • • • Rewind Stop Fast forward Pause/Play Volume Mute Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist. Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end. Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.
8512242.book Page 32 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 3 If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want the computer to do with the disc, click Play. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the disc. If Windows Media Player does not open automatically, click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens. Playlist Video screen Playback controls 4 If the disc is not already playing, click 32 (play).
8512242.book Page 33 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 5 Click one of the following to control playback: Repeat Shuffle • • • • • • • Rewind Stop Fast forward Pause/Play Volume Mute Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist. Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end. Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.
8512242.book Page 34 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 4 When you finish recording, click Stop Recording. The Save As dialog box opens. 5 Type a name for the recording, specify the file type and location where you want to save the recording, then click Save. The recording is saved. Creating WMA and MP3 music files Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You cannot copy tracks from copy-protected CDs.
8512242.book Page 35 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Building a music library Use Windows Media Player to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks (individual MP3 or WMA audio files) by categories, find a track quickly by sorting, and add information to a music file.
8512242.book Page 36 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Creating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a music CD Important We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating CDs or DVDs. If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of damages and other remedies.
8512242.book Page 37 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Creating a video DVD Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can create video DVDs using Windows DVD Maker. To create a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker: Important We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating CDs or DVDs.
8512242.book Page 38 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 4 Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens. 5 Find and select the videos you want to add to the video DVD, then click Add. The videos are added to the video list, and a graphic in the lower left corner of the window shows you how much disc capacity will be used. 6 Click Next. The Ready to burn disc dialog box opens.
8512242.book Page 39 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 7 Click any of the following options to customize your video disc: • Preview shows how your DVD’s opening menu will look using the current settings. • Menu text changes the disc title, font, and button names. • Customize menu changes the menu fonts, background and foreground videos, audio track, and button styles. • Slide show creates a slide show from photo files. 8 Click Burn. Your DVD is recorded.
8512242.book Page 40 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Using Windows Media Center If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can use Windows Media Center to watch TV, videos, and movies, listen to music, and view photos. Media Center is a simplified, streamlined interface that is ideally suited for playing and managing media files.
8512242.book Page 41 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Use the remote control navigation buttons to select a Media Center menu option, then press OK. • TV + Movies lets you play TV programs you have recorded, play a DVD or Blu-ray movie, or set up your TV tuner card (if installed). • Online Media lets you play online games.
8512242.book Page 42 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Using the Media Center remote control With Media Center mode active, you can use the optional remote control to play all of your media files from across the room. (The remote control, if included with your computer, may look different from that shown below.
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8512242.book Page 44 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Introduction to Networking Networking terms you should know DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP address to a computer on the network. IP address—Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the network. LAN—A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a local area, like a home or office.
8512242.book Page 45 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet. Cable/DSL modem Router Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network Important For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000).
8512242.book Page 46 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection works Important If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the installation the line will be activated. Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP.
8512242.book Page 47 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect to the network. Cable/DSL modem Router WAN port To set up a network using a router: 1 Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet. 2 Turn on your computers.
8512242.book Page 48 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless equipment: Access point Wireless cards supported 802.11a 802.11a only 802.11b 802.11b only 802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g 802.11n 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.
8512242.book Page 49 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection works Important If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the installation the line will be activated. Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP.
8512242.book Page 50 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Configuring the TCP/IP protocol A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. We recommend you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications.
8512242.book Page 51 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 2 Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window opens. 3 Click Connect to a network on the left of the window. The Connect to a network dialog box opens. 4 Click a network, then click Connect. If you can see the network name, but you cannot connect to it, your network is using security. Right-click on the network, then click Properties.
8512242.book Page 52 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Testing your network Now that your home network is set up, log onto one of your computers and access a favorite Internet Web site. If you are unable to connect to the Internet: • Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet, then the Network and Sharing Center. Choose Diagnose and Repair on the left of the window. Take any actions suggested.
8512242.book Page 53 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Click the Sharing tab. If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive or folder. 4 Click OK, then click Close. Un-sharing drives and folders To un-share drives or folders: Click Start, then click Computer. 1 2 3 4 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to un-share, then click Share. Click Advanced Sharing, then click Share this folder (or drive) to uncheck the box.
8512242.book Page 54 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer Viewing shared drives and folders Help For more information about workgroups, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword workgroups in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. To view shared drives and folders: 1 Click Start, then click Network. The Network window opens.
8512242.book Page 55 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Printing files across the network Important Before you can print a file across the network, you must install the driver for the printer on the computer you are sending the file from. You can obtain the printer driver and installation instructions from the CD that shipped with your printer or from the manufacturer’s Web site. To print files across the network: 1 Open the file you want to print, then click Print.
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8512242.book Page 58 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 6: Protecting your computer Hardware security Although you may be able to replace your computer with a call to your insurance agent, you cannot replace the information stored on your computer. Take steps to prevent theft of your computer. Kensington lock slot The first step in computer security is preventing your computer from being stolen.
8512242.book Page 59 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Windows user accounts Windows lets you set up a user account for each person who uses your computer. When you set up user accounts, Windows sets up a My Documents folder for each account. You can assign a password to each account so only the account owner can access files in the My Documents folder. When you set up a user account, you can also limit the programs that a user can install or run.
8512242.book Page 60 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 6: Protecting your computer • McAfee Privacy Service protects against online identity theft by blocking the transmission • of personally identifiable information. This service also filters offensive online content (including pop-ups, ads, and web-bugs) and monitors, controls, and logs where children surf. McAfee Spamkiller prevents identified spam from reaching your e-mail inbox and protects you against known Phishing scams.
8512242.book Page 61 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com To update your virus definitions: 1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee SecurityCenter opens. 3 Click Update. The McAfee SecurityCenter checks for updates. Important To update McAfee SecurityCenter after the subscription period expires, you must extend your subscription.
8512242.book Page 62 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 6: Protecting your computer 2 Click Computer & Files. A list of services appears to the right of Computer & Files category. 3 Click Configure in the services area. The Computer & Files Configuration screen opens. 4 Click the grey Virus protection is enabled bar to expand that area, then click Advanced. 5 Click the type of scan you want to configure, then set the options for that scan type. 6 Click OK.
8512242.book Page 63 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Using McAfee Parental Controls You can use McAfee Parental Controls to restrict your children from accessing specific Web sites or spending too much time on the Internet. To use McAfee Parental Controls: (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee SecurityCenter opens. 1 Click 2 Click Parental Controls, then click Configure in the services area. The Parental Controls Configuration screen opens.
8512242.book Page 64 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 6: Protecting your computer 4 Click the control you want to configure, then follow the instructions for modifying that control. 5 Click OK.
8512242.book Page 65 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Security updates To keep your computer secure, you need to keep Windows and your computer’s system software up to date. Windows Update If a hacker finds a way to bypass the security features built into Windows, Microsoft creates a high-priority Windows update to fix the problem. You should update Windows regularly to keep your computer secure. To update Windows: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security.
8512242.book Page 66 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 6: Protecting your computer 4 Click Change Settings. The Change Settings dialog box opens. 5 Make your changes to the schedule settings, then click OK. BigFix Your computer may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet.
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8512242.book Page 68 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Changing screen settings Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display settings you may need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen background and screen saver. Changing color depth and screen resolution Color depth and screen resolution are two of the most basic monitor settings you may need to change to suit your needs.
8512242.book Page 69 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds You can change the appearance of Windows desktop items, such as the colors of windows and dialog boxes and the color and design of the desktop background. To change window colors and effects: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click Customize colors. The Window Color and Appearance dialog box opens.
8512242.book Page 70 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 2 Click the Picture Location list, then click the location where you want to look for background images. If the location you want is not in the list, click Browse and locate the drive and folder. 3 Click the picture or color you want to use for the background, then click OK.
8512242.book Page 71 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Changing gadgets Gadgets are constantly running mini-programs that are visible on your Windows desktop. They can be moved, removed, resized, and configured according to your preference. Although you can position them anywhere on your desktop, gadgets are usually visible on the right edge of your screen in the Sidebar.
8512242.book Page 72 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Using a gadget’s control panel Some gadgets have built-in control panels that you can use to control their behavior. To use a gadget’s control panel: 1 In the Sidebar, hold the mouse pointer over the gadget. The gadget’s built-in control panel appears on the gadget. (Slideshow gadget shown) 2 Click the control you want to operate. Configuring the gadget Sidebar You can change the appearance and behavior of the Sidebar.
8512242.book Page 73 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Setting up multiple monitors Important The dialog boxes shown in this section are for demonstrative purposes only and may not represent the screens on your computer. If your computer’s video card supports additional monitors (it must have two video ports), you can connect an additional monitor or projector to your computer.
8512242.book Page 74 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 9 To use the second monitor or projector as an extension of your desktop (increasing the size of your Windows desktop), click to select the check box for Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor. You can click and drag the “2” monitor icon to position it the same way the physical monitor is arranged on your desk. 10 Click OK.
8512242.book Page 75 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Changing mouse settings Help For more information about mouse settings, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type mouse settings in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and other mouse settings.
8512242.book Page 76 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Adding and modifying user accounts You can create and customize a user account for each person who uses your computer. You can also change between user accounts without turning off your computer. User account tips • If you want to create an account for someone, but you do not want that user to have full • access to your computer, be sure to make that account limited.
8512242.book Page 77 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com To switch between user accounts: 1 Save any open documents that are being worked on in your current account. 2 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Switch User or Log Off. • Switch User opens the account selection screen but does not log off the current user, • and any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.
8512242.book Page 78 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 2 Click a power plan (default plans shown): • Balanced uses several energy-saving features while maintaining reasonable • • performance and convenience. Power saver maximizes energy savings but reduces performance and convenience. High performance maximizes performance but reduces energy savings. 3 To change a power plan, click Change plan settings, change the settings you want, then click Save changes.
12242.book Page 79 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Changing accessibility settings Your computer can be a powerful tool, but it may be less useful to you if items on the screen are difficult to see, or if the mouse is difficult to control. Windows has several tools that help you use it more easily. Using the Ease of Access Center Use the Ease of Access Center to change several system display settings.
8512242.book Page 80 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Using voice recognition You can attach a microphone to your computer and configure Windows to create typed text from your voice. To set up voice recognition: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Ease of Access, then click Speech Recognition Options. The Speech Recognition Options window opens. 2 Click one of the following settings to start setting up speech recognition: • Start Speech Recognition turns on speech recognition.
8512242.book Page 81 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com Filtering Internet access You can specify the type of Internet content that can be accessed by a user. To set up Internet filtering: (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. 1 Click 2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for. The User Controls dialog box opens.
8512242.book Page 82 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Scheduling computer and Internet use To schedule the times a user can access the Internet: (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. 1 Click 2 Click the user account to schedule for, then click Time limits. The Time Restrictions dialog box opens.
8512242.book Page 83 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Click Set game ratings. The Game Restrictions dialog box opens. 4 Click the level of games you want allowed, then click OK. The settings are saved. To restrict specific games: (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. 1 Click 2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Games.
8512242.book Page 84 Monday, February 12, 2007 5:07 PM CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 4 Click the level of access you want for each game listed, then click OK. If the game you want to restrict access to is not shown on the list, see “Restricting specific programs” on page 84. Restricting specific programs To restrict specific programs: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens.
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