NOTEBOOK USERGUIDE ®
Contents Chapter 1: Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Thank you for purchasing our notebook! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Chapter 4: Playing and Creating Media Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
www.gateway.com Traveling securely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Chapter 7: Customizing Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Changing screen settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing color depth and screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds . . . . . . . . . .
Contents iv
CHAPTER1 Getting Help • Using the Gateway Web site • Using Help and Support • Using online help 1
CHAPTER 1: Getting Help Thank you for purchasing our notebook! 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 notebook. Each and every Gateway notebook uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.
www.gateway.com Using Help and Support Your notebook includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway notebook. To start Help and Support: (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.
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. Available information depends on the particular Help site to which you are taken.
CHAPTER2 Using Windows • • • • • • Using the Windows desktop Working with files and folders Searching for files Using Tablet PC Working with documents Shortcuts 5
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Using the Windows desktop After your notebook 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.
www.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.
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. To add icons to the desktop: Shortcut Start Ö All Programs Ö right-click programÖ Send To Ö Desktop (create shortcut) 1 Click (Start), then click All Programs.
www.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 notebook display. Clicking the maximize button again restores the window to its former size. Clicking the close button closes the active window or program. Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an action such as Print or Save.
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 notebook. In fact, all information on a notebook 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. 2 Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder.
www.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. To move a file or folder to another folder: 1 Locate the file or folder you want to move.
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.
www.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.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Using Tablet PC Your notebook may have the Tablet PC features. Some of these features include: • Tablet PC Settings—Lets you set the properties for the digital pen, tablet buttons, display screen, and Input Panel. • Table PC Input Panel (TIP)—Use its writing pad or soft keyboard for entering data. • Windows Journal—Hand-write documents which you can turn into text or image files. • Sticky Notes—Make a quick note with your digital pen or voice, then drop it into another program.
www.gateway.com Using gestures A gesture is a shape you draw with your digital pen to send a command to your tablet PC Input Panel. You can also use gestures to control the insertion point in the active program. When you use these gestures, you get the same result as pressing the corresponding key on a standard keyboard. Gesture To accomplish Backspace Draw a right-to-left line. Space Draw a left-to-right line.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Using the Tablet Input Panel (TIP) Tap the Tablet PC Input Panel icon on the left side of the screen to open the Tablet Input Panel (TIP). Use the TIP to enter data by hand or soft keyboard into a word processing program or a text-entry form. Access the TIP keyboard and writing pad by tapping or clicking the buttons near the top left of the window.
www.gateway.com Working with documents Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a document apply to most of these types of files. The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document using Microsoft® WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such as Corel® WordPerfect®, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Opening a document To view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open the document in the program that it was created in. To open a document: 1 Start the program. 2 Click File, then click Open. 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.
www.gateway.com 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. To... Do this... Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + C.
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CHAPTER3 Using the Internet and Faxing • • • • • • • Learning about the Internet Setting up an Internet account Using the World Wide Web Using e-mail Using Windows Fax and Scan Sending a Fax Receiving and viewing a fax 21
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 notebook to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).
www.gateway.com Accessing your Internet account Help For general information about using Internet accounts, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the ISP in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. The method you use to access your Internet account varies from ISP to ISP. Contact your ISP for the correct procedure. Using the World Wide Web The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions of information sources.
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. Your default Web browser opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.
www.gateway.com Using e-mail E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet connection and e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet account. The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your e-mail messages arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes. An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain name of the Internet service provider (ISP) or company that “hosts” that user.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing Checking your e-mail Help For general information about using e-mail, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the e-mail in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. To check your e-mail using Windows Mail: 1 Connect to your Internet service provider. 2 Click (Start), then click E-Mail. Your default e-mail program opens. 3 Click Send/Receive. 4 Double-click the message you want to read.
www.gateway.com Sending a Fax Microsoft Fax 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 notebook before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The Fax Setup window opens. 4 Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server).
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 6 Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when 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. 9 To enter optional dialing rule information, click Dialing Rule and select a rule from the menu.
www.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.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up your cover page template You can create your own cover page template that you can use in place of the cover page templates that Microsoft Fax provides for you. To create a cover page template, you use the Fax Cover Page Editor. On this template, you insert information fields that automatically import values you enter in both the Send Fax Wizard and the Fax Configuration Wizard when you send your fax.
www.gateway.com Canceling a fax You can cancel a fax that you have set up to send at a time in the future. To cancel a fax that has not been sent: (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan opens. 1 Click 2 3 4 5 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window. Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel. Click Delete to cancel the fax. Click Yes.
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CHAPTER4 Playing and Creating Media Files • • • • • Playing music and movies Creating audio files and music libraries Creating music CDs and video DVDs Creating and copying data discs Using Windows Media Center 33
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. To play a file using Windows Media Player: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö find the file Ö double-click the file 1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.
www.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. Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the previous file in the playlist (when you click it).
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 3 If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want the notebook 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 36 (play).
www.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. Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the previous file in the playlist (when you click it).
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.
www.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. You can add music tracks to your music library by: • Creating MP3 or WMA files—When you create MP3 or WMA files from the tracks on your music CD, Windows Media Player automatically adds these files to your music library.
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 notebook 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.
www.gateway.com Creating a video DVD Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker If your notebook 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 notebook 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.
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.
www.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.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Using Windows Media Center If your notebook has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can use Windows Media Center to watch 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. Starting Windows Media Center To start Windows Media Center: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Center.
CHAPTER5 Networking Your Notebook • Introduction to Networking • Ethernet networking • Bluetooth networking 45
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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. Wired and wireless Ethernet are common methods of creating a LAN.
www.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).
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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. Before you begin setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific instructions they have for setting up a network.
www.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. 3 Plug one end of a straight-through network cable into any numbered port on the router (except the WAN port).
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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.
www.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. Before you begin setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific instructions they have for setting up a network.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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.
www.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. Modify the security settings to match the settings you set on your access point.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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.
www.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: 1 Click Start, then click Computer. 2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to un-share, then click Share. 3 Click Advanced Sharing, then click Share this folder (or drive) to uncheck the box. 4 Click Apply, then click OK.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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. 2 If no drives or folders are displayed, click the option bar under the menu bar, then click Turn on network discover and file sharing.
www.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.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 58
CHAPTER6 Protecting Your Notebook • • • • Hardware security Data security Security updates Traveling securely 59
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook Hardware security You probably purchased your notebook so you can take it with you. Because it’s light-weight and compact, it’s easy to carry. But these features also make it easy for someone else to steal. You may be able to replace your notebook with a call to your insurance agent, but you cannot replace the information stored on your notebook. Kensington lock slot The first step in computer security is preventing your notebook from being stolen.
www.gateway.com Data security The second step in computer security is keeping your data safe and secure. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Your notebook may be Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 hardware-ready. TPM is a component of your notebook that is better than commercially available software security. TPM uses a combination of hardware data encryption and password access.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook When you set up a user account, you can also limit the programs that a user can install or run. Help For more information about Windows user accounts, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword user accounts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Protecting your notebook from viruses A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another.
www.gateway.com Using McAfee SecurityCenter Scanning for and removing viruses To scan for and remove viruses: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee SecurityCenter opens. 2 Click Scan. McAfee scans your notebook for viruses and automatically removes any that it finds. When McAfee is finished scanning, the program displays a summary of the items detected and removed from your notebook.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook Configuring McAfee VirusScan You can configure McAfee VirusScan to perform a virus scan at certain times and on certain drives on your notebook. You can also configure the types of files that it scans for. To configure McAfee VirusScan: (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee SecurityCenter opens. 1 Click 2 Click Computer & Files. A list of services appears to the right of Computer & Files category.
www.gateway.com 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. 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.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook 2 Click Parental Controls, then click Configure in the services area. The Parental Controls Configuration screen opens. 3 Click the grey Parental controls are disabled bar to expand that area, then click Advanced. 4 Click the control you want to configure, then follow the instructions for modifying that control. 5 Click OK.
www.gateway.com Modifying security settings To modify security settings: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security. 2 Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens. 3 Click: • Windows Update to run Windows Update or modify the Windows Update settings. • Windows Firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing the information on your notebook.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook Security updates To keep your notebook secure, you need to keep Windows and your notebook’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 notebook secure. To update Windows: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security. 2 Click Security Center.
www.gateway.com 4 Click Change Settings. The Change Settings dialog box opens. 5 Make your changes to the schedule settings, then click OK. BigFix Your notebook may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your notebook for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook 70
CHAPTER7 Customizing Windows • Changing screen settings • Changing system sounds • Changing mouse, touchpad, or pointing device settings • Adding and modifying user accounts • Changing accessibility settings • Setting up parental controls 71
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 screen settings you may need to change to suit your needs. Color depth is the number of colors your notebook uses to display images on your screen.
www.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. 2 Click one of the color choices and adjust the Color intensity slider, then click OK.
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.
www.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.
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.
www.gateway.com Changing system sounds You can change the sounds that play for system events, such as Windows startup and shut down, logging on and logging off, window maximizing and minimizing, and error messages. To change system sounds: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Sound, click Change system sounds. The Sound dialog box opens. 2 Click the Sound Scheme list, then click the sound scheme you want.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Changing mouse, touchpad, or pointing device 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.
www.gateway.com Changing touchpad or pointing device settings To change your touchpad or pointing device settings: Shortcut Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Mouse 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box opens. 2 Click the Device Settings tab, then click the device you want to modify. 3 If you want to turn the device on or off, click Enable or Disable.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 4 If you want to modify the device settings, click Settings. 5 Click the + in front of a setting, then modify the setting. Tip You may have received your notebook with the EZ Pad touchpad set to only accept clicking by using the touchpad buttons. You can change this feature to allow tapping on the touchpad to simulate clicking the left button. To turn on tapping, click Tapping, then click Enable Tapping. 6 Click OK to save your changes.
www.gateway.com 5 To change an input panel option, click or tap the Other tab, then click or tap Go to Input Panel Settings. Click or tap a tab, then change an input panel option. 6 Click or tap OK. Adding and modifying user accounts You can create and customize a user account for each person who uses your notebook. You can also change between user accounts without turning off your notebook.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 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. Log Off logs off the current user, then opens the account selection screen.
www.gateway.com 2 In the Quick access to common tools section, click one of the following options to make some of the most common accessibility changes to Windows: • Start Magnifier provides a close-up view of the area near your mouse pointer. • Start On-Screen Keyboard displays a keyboard on the screen. You can press keys on the on-screen keyboard by clicking them with your mouse. • Start Narrator reads on-screen text and describes graphics.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Using the Windows Mobility Center The Windows Mobility Center is the single place you need to go to adjust many of the settings on your notebook. Important Depending on your notebook’s features, some of these controls may not be available. To access the Windows Mobility Center: (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Windows Mobility Center. The Windows Mobility Center window opens.
www.gateway.com Control Description ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Click (Change wireless network settings) to open the Connect to a network dialog box and select a wireless network to connect to or disconnect from. For more information, see “Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network” on page 52. Click Turn wireless on to turn the wireless radio on or click Turn wireless off to turn the wireless radio off.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Setting up parental controls You can use parental controls to: • Control and monitor the internet activity of your children • Block inappropriate games and programs • Schedule the times your children can use the notebook • Print activity reports that contain a detailed history of notebook use To use parental controls most effectively, you should set up a separate user account for each of your children.
www.gateway.com 4 Specify the settings you want to use for this user, then click OK. The settings are saved. Scheduling notebook and Internet use To schedule the times a user can access the Internet: 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. 2 Click the user account to schedule for, then click Time limits. The Time Restrictions dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 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: 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. 2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Games. The Game Controls dialog box opens.
www.gateway.com 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 89. 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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CHAPTER8 Maintaining Your Notebook • • • • • • Setting up a maintenance schedule Updating Windows Using BigFix Managing hard drive space Scheduling maintenance tasks Moving from your old computer 91
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule. Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When needed Check for viruses X X X Run Windows Update X X Manage hard drive space X Clean up hard drives X X Scan hard drive for errors X X Defragment hard drive X X X X Back up files X Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your notebook up-to-date.
www.gateway.com Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space, delete unnecessary files, defragment files, and back up files. Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space. To delete unnecessary files: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens. 2 Click one of the options: • My files only cleans only the folders for the currently logged in user.
www.gateway.com Checking the hard drive for errors The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them. If you use your notebook several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your notebook less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Defragmenting the hard drive When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your notebook to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.
www.gateway.com Backing up files Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files. You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive). Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. To back up files: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Scheduling maintenance tasks Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for errors. Important Your notebook must be on during scheduled tasks. If your notebook is off, scheduled tasks will not run. To start the Task Scheduler: (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens.
www.gateway.com 3 Click Next, click Start a new transfer, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer. Help For more information about transferring files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type transferring files in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Transferring files and settings manually You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such as a writable disc, an external hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook To find files using Find or Search: 1 In Windows Vista, click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens. - OR In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window opens. - OR In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click Start, Find or Search, then click For Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens. 2 Type the filename you want to search for, then press ENTER. The search results are displayed.
Index A accessing shared drives 56 shared files 56 shared folders 56 accounts Internet 22 ISP 22 user 81 adding icons to desktop 8 user accounts 81 address e-mail 25 Web 24 AU file 34 audio playing 34 audio CD adding tracks to library 39 editing track information 39 playing 35 AVI file 34 B TCP/IP protocol 52 connecting to Internet 23 to Web site 24 copying files across network 56 files and folders 10, 19 text and graphics 19 copyright notice 100 creating desktop icons 8 desktop shortcuts 8 documents 17 f
Index searching for 12, 13, 99 sharing 54 transferring 99 types 99 un-sharing 55 viewing list 9 finding files and folders 12, 13, 99 Help and Support topics 3 folders copying 10, 19 creating 10 cutting 10 deleting 6, 11, 19 finding 12, 13 moving 10 opening 9 pasting 10, 19 recovering 11 renaming 19 searching for 12, 13 sharing 54 un-sharing 55 viewing list 9 fragmentation 96 G gadgets adding 75 configuring 75 configuring Sidebar 76 control panel 76 Sidebar 75 using 75 game access restricting 87 Gateway We
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Index Windows clipboard 10 Search utility 12 Windows Media Center 44 help 3 Windows Media Player building music library 39 creating music files 38 creating WMA files 38 editing tack information 39 playing audio CD 35 playing audio file 34 viewing video file 34 Windows Mobility Center 84 Windows Security Center icon 6 using 62 Windows Update 68, 92 WMA file creating 38 editing track information 39 playing 34 Wordpad 17 workgroup naming 51 World Wide Web (WWW) 23 downloading files 24 writing 15 Z Zip drive
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