GATEWAY 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 Chapter 4: Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
www.gateway.com CompuTrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Computrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Startup and hard drive password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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 Vista • • • • • • Using the Windows desktop Working with files and folders Searching for files Using Tablet PC Working with documents Shortcuts 5
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Vista 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 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 Vista 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 Vista 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 To copy a file or folder to another folder: 1 Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see “Viewing drives” on page 9 and “Searching for files” on page 12. 2 Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the file or folder that you want to copy. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop. 3 4 5 6 Click Copy on the pop-up menu. Open the destination folder. With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click. Click Paste.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Vista 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 Vista 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 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 pen or voice, then drop it into another program.
www.gateway.com Using gestures A gesture is a shape you draw with your tablet PC 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 Vista 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 Vista 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.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows Vista 20
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 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 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. Accessing your Internet account Help For general information about using Internet accounts, click Start, then click Help and Support.
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 7 Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the instructions provided on the Web site to run or install the program. Help For more information about downloading files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the downloading files in the Search Help box, then click ENTER. Using e-mail E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet connection and e-mail address.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 4 Double-click the message you want to read. 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. Tip To protect your notebook from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using McAfee SecurityCenter. For more information, see “Protecting your notebook from viruses” on page 59.
www.gateway.com 4 Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a modem name screen opens. 5 Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next. The Choose how to receive faxes screen opens. 6 Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the The Security Alert window opens. The New Fax window opens.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 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. If you have not set up a dialing rule, select New Rule from the menu. The Location Information dialog box opens.
www.gateway.com 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. 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.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing • 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. You can also use the Insert menu to include information that is automatically calculated (such as number of pages or date and time sent).
CHAPTER4 Using Multimedia • • • • • 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 31
CHAPTER 4: Using Multimedia 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, WMV, 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: Using Multimedia 3 If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want your 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 34 (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: Using Multimedia 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Sound Recorder. The Sound Recorder opens. 3 Click Start Recording, then speak or make other sounds into the microphone. 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.
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: Using Multimedia 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 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. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about your rights, contact your legal advisor.
CHAPTER 4: Using Multimedia 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: Using Multimedia 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: (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Center.
CHAPTER5 Networking Your Notebook • • • • • • • • Introduction to Networking Wired Ethernet networking Wireless Ethernet networking Setting up your network connection Testing your network Adding a printer to your network Sharing resources Using the network 43
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Introduction to Networking 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 Example router-based Ethernet network The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. The router is the central control point for the network. Tip To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built-in access point.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System. 3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens. 4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your computer is listed.
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 Wireless Ethernet networking Wireless Ethernet networking is the latest advance in computer communication. With a wireless home network, you can set up your computer wherever you like. A wireless Ethernet network uses radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless Ethernet network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem (for Internet access), and your wireless computers.
www.gateway.com Tip • • • • When you buy your access point, make sure it has: IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer. DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it easier to set up and access your network.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Setting up your network connection Naming the computers and the workgroup Important You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name and the same Workgroup Name. Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network). If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling. To identify this computer on the network: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel.
www.gateway.com Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network Important Each computer on your network needs a unique Computer Name. All the computers on your network need the same Workgroup Name. You may have already named your computer and workgroup the first time you turned on your computer. Connecting to your network Help For more information about connecting to your network, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the following keywords in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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.
www.gateway.com Adding a printer to your network Instead of plugging a printer into your computer, you can add a printer to your network. To add a printer to the network, do one of the following: • Connect your printer to your networked computer, then share the printer. For information about sharing printers, see “Sharing drives and printers” on page 53. • Connect your printer to your router or access point if the router or access point includes a USB or parallel port.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 3 Click the Sharing tab. If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive/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. Click Apply, then click OK.
www.gateway.com Using the network After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can: • View shared drives and folders • Map a network drive • Open and copy files stored on other network computers • Print documents on network printers Viewing shared drives and folders Help For more information about workgroups, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type workgroups in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Copying files across the network To copy files across the network: Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 1 2 3 4 5 Browse to the network drive that contains the file you want to copy. Browse to the file you want to copy. Right-click the file, then click Copy. Right-click the folder where you want to copy the file to, then click Paste.
CHAPTER6 Protecting Your Notebook • • • • Hardware security Data security Security updates Traveling securely 57
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 notebook security is preventing your notebook from being stolen.
www.gateway.com Data security The second step in notebook security is keeping your data safe and secure. Computrace Your notebook may include Computrace® Complete. If your notebook is stolen, you can use Computrace Complete to remotely delete personal information from your hard drive. Startup and hard drive password Use a startup and hard drive password to keep other people from using your notebook. You have to enter your password when you turn on your notebook or access your files.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook • Registering your copy of McAfee SecurityCenter and subscribing to the virus definition • update service. You may have received a free limited time subscription to one of these services when you purchased your notebook. Using the McAfee VirusScan program to check files and programs that are attached to e-mail messages or downloaded from the Internet. • Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
www.gateway.com 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. Updating your virus definitions McAfee is set up to automatically retrieve the latest virus definitions from the Internet and install them on your notebook. If you turn off this automatic feature, you should manually update your virus definitions.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook 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.
www.gateway.com To use McAfee Parental Controls: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee SecurityCenter opens. 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.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook Using Windows Security Center Windows Security Center helps protect your notebook through: • A firewall • Automatic Windows updates • Third party virus protection software • Security options in Internet Explorer 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.
www.gateway.com 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. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook 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.
CHAPTER7 Customizing Windows • Changing screen settings • Changing system sounds • Changing mouse, touchpad, or pointing device settings • Adding and modifying user accounts • Changing accessibility settings • Using the Windows Mobility Center 67
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Changing screen settings Tip If you are using a monitor, you can adjust the screen settings for brightness, contrast, and horizontal and vertical image position using the controls on the front or side of your monitor. For more information about these adjustments, see your monitor’s user guide. Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display settings you may need to change.
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 touchpad 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), All Programs, Accessories, then click Windows Mobility Center. The Windows Mobility Center opens. 2 Click (Change audio settings). The Sound dialog box opens. 3 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 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.
www.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. Log Off logs off the current user, then opens the account selection screen.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 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 touchpad 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 touchpad. • Start Narrator reads on-screen text and describes graphics.
www.gateway.com 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.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows Control Description ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 80 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 51. Click Turn wireless on to turn the wireless radio on or click Turn wireless off to turn the wireless radio off.
CHAPTER8 Maintaining Your Notebook • • • • • Updating Windows Using BigFix Managing hard drive space Scheduling maintenance tasks Moving from your old computer 81
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your notebook up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your notebook’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your notebook and keep it running smoothly.
www.gateway.com 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears. 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.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook 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.
www.gateway.com 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens. 3 Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented. Help For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type defragmenting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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 55 shared files 55 shared folders 55 accounts Internet 22 ISP 22 user 76 adding icons to desktop 8 user accounts 76 address e-mail 25 Web 24 AU file 32 audio playing 32 audio CD adding tracks to library 37 editing track information 37 playing 33 AVI file 32 B TCP/IP protocol 50 connecting to Internet 23 to Web site 24 copying files across network 56 files and folders 10, 19 text and graphics 19 copyright notice 88 creating desktop icons 8 desktop shortcuts 8 documents 17 fo
Index un-sharing 54 viewing list 9 finding files and folders 12, 13, 87 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 53 un-sharing 54 viewing list 9 fragmentation 84 IP address entering 50 ISP See Internet service provider K keyboard icon 16 keyboard shortcuts 19 L LCD panel using screen saver 70 links 23 monitor controls 68 using screen saver 70 mouse c
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Index workgroup naming 50 World Wide Web (WWW) 23 downloading files 24 writing 15 Z Zip drive 85 92
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