Gateway Notebook USERGUIDE ®
Contents Chapter 1: Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Thank you for purchasing our notebook! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contacting Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing optical discs . . . . . . . .
www.gateway.com Changing color depth and screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds . . . . . Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing system sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing mouse, touchpad, or pointing device settings . . . . . . . . . . .
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 To search for a topic: 1 Click (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens. Tip 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. 2 Type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search Help box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then press ENTER. For each search, you receive a list of suggested topics.
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 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 Á All Programs Á 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.
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 2 Double-click the drive icon. 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 Á New Á Folder Á type name 1 Click (Start), then click Computer on the Start menu.
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 Click Copy on the pop-up menu. 4 Open the destination folder. 5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click. 6 Click Paste.
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 Windows 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 Calibrating your tablet The first time you use your tablet PC, you should calibrate your digital pen for both portrait and landscape orientations. Calibration ensures the accuracy of the digital pen and adjusts the screen’s performance for different users. If the on-screen pointer does not seem to line up with the tip of the digital pen—for example, because someone else has used your tablet PC and adjusted it for their own use—recalibrate it to your tapping patterns.
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 Backspac e 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.
CHAPTER 2: Using Windows 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 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 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 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 e-mail in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Tip To protect your notebook from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using anti-virus software. For more information, see “Protecting your notebook from viruses” on page 61.
www.gateway.com 4 5 6 Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a modem name screen opens. Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next. The Choose how to receive faxes screen opens. Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the Security Alert window opens. The New Fax window opens.
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 28 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 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 3 30 Click Tools, Cover Pages, then click New. The Fax Cover Page Editor opens.
www.gateway.com • If you want to include fields that are imported from the Send Fax Wizard or the Fax 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).
CHAPTER 3: Using the Internet and Faxing 32
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 Á Computer Á find the file Á double-click the file 1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.
www.gateway.com • Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback. • Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the next file in the playlist (when you click it). • Volume adjusts the volume. Playing optical discs Optical discs are flat discs that use a laser to read and write data. CDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs are all optical discs. Important Some music CDs have copy protection software.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 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 4 If the disc is not already playing, click 5 Click one of the following to control playback: Repeat Shuffle Rewind Stop (play).
www.gateway.com • Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the previous file on the disc (when you click it). • Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback. • Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the next file on the disc (when you click it). • Volume adjusts the volume.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You cannot copy tracks from copy-protected CDs. Using Windows Media Player, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your notebook’s hard drive as WMA or MP3 files. WMA and MP3 are methods for digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact files without noticeably sacrificing quality.
www.gateway.com Editing track information After you add a WMA or MP3 file to your music library, you can edit the track’s tags (informational fields). To edit track information: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens. 2 Click the Library tab. 3 Right-click the track or album you want to edit, then click Advanced Tag Editor. The Advanced Tag Editor dialog box opens. 4 Enter track information such as Title, Artist, Album, and Genre, then click OK.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 5 Click the Burn tab, then click and drag songs that you want to burn to CD from the Library to the Burn List. Library 6 Burn List Click Start Burn. The music is recorded onto the blank CD. Creating a video DVD If your notebook has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can create video DVDs using Windows DVD Maker. Important We recommend that you do not use your notebook for other tasks while creating CDs or DVDs.
www.gateway.com 3 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows DVD Maker. The Windows DVD Maker introduction window opens. 4 Click Choose Photos and Videos. The main screen opens. 5 Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files 6 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. 7 Click Next. The Ready to burn disc dialog box opens. 8 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.
www.gateway.com Creating and copying data discs You can burn two types of data discs: • Live File System writes files immediately to the recordable disc, making it a one-step process like copying files to a flash drive. The resulting disc is compatible with Windows XP and later versions of Windows. • Mastered copies files to a temporary folder before you tell your notebook to burn the files to the disc.
CHAPTER 4: Playing and Creating Media Files Starting Windows Media Center To start Windows Media Center: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Center. The first time you start Windows Media Center, the Welcome screen opens. 2 For the easiest setup, click Express setup, then click OK. The Windows Media Center’s main screen opens. 3 Use the arrow buttons on your keyboard to select a Media Center menu option, then press OK.
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 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 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 4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one. 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.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 5 If your computer does not already have a name, type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name identifies the computer to other users on the network. Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name must be unique on your network. All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names must contain some letters. 6 Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box.
www.gateway.com To connect to your wireless Ethernet network: 1 Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens. 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.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook 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. Wireless security For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access point.
www.gateway.com After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can access them as though they were attached directly to your computer. Then you can: • View a network drive • Open and copy files stored on other network computers • Print documents on network printers Sharing drives or folders To share drives or folders: 1 Click (Start), then click Computer. 2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to share, then click Share. The Properties dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Sharing printers To share printers: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Under Hardware and Sound, click Printer The Printers window opens. 3 Right-click the name and icon of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing on the menu. 4 On the Sharing tab, click Share this printer, then click OK.
www.gateway.com 4 Double-click the folder containing the file, then double-click the file. Copying files across the network To copy files across the network: 1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Browse to the network drive that contains the file you want to copy. 3 Browse to the file you want to copy. 4 Right-click the file, then click Copy. 5 Right-click the folder where you want to copy the file to, then click Paste.
CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook To connect to a Bluetooth personal area network: 1 Turn on your Bluetooth radio and the Bluetooth device. 2 Click 3 Click Network and Sharing Center. 4 Click Manage Network Connections. The Network Connections window opens. 5 Under Personal Area Network, click Bluetooth Network Connection. 6 On the toolbar, click View Bluetooth network devices. The Bluetooth Personal Area Network Devices dialog box opens.
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 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 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. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction.
CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Notebook 62 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Norton 360, then click Norton 360. Norton 360 opens. 2 Click on the left PC Security column. The PC Security window opens. 3 At the bottom of the window first click on Run Scans and then choose which scan you would like to run and click Go.
www.gateway.com Norton 360 scans your computer for viruses and spyware and removes any that it finds. When the scan is finished, a summary of fixed problems appears. Important Extend your Norton 360 subscription before it expires to remain protected against online threats.
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. Traveling securely For information about traveling securely with your notebook, see “Traveling with Your Notebook” in your Reference Guide.
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 67
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 Á Control Panel Á Hardware and Sound Á 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 4 To change a digital pen option, click or tap the Other tab, then click or tap Go to Pen and Input Devices. Click or tap a tab, then change a pen option. 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.
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 • 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. Set up High Contrast changes the Windows color scheme to use high-contrast colors.
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: • Click (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 your 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 3 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. 84 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 85. 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.
CHAPTER 7: Customizing Windows 86
CHAPTER8 Maintaining Your Notebook • • • • • Setting up a maintenance schedule Updating Windows Managing hard drive space Scheduling maintenance tasks Moving from your old computer 87
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule. Maintenance task Weekl y 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 Á Computer Á right-click drive Á Properties (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 1 Click 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 Á Computer Á right-click drive Á Properties Á 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 To check the hard drive for errors: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors, click Properties, then click the Tools tab. 3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook To defragment the hard drive: 1 Disconnect your notebook from the network. 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.
www.gateway.com 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: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook 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.
www.gateway.com 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.
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Notebook 96
Index A connecting to Internet 23 accessing to Web site 24 shared files 56 copying accounts files across network 57 Internet 22 files and folders 10, 19 ISP 22 text and graphics 19 user 77 copyright notice 95 adding creating icons to desktop 8 desktop icons 8 user accounts 77 desktop shortcuts 8 address documents 17 e-mail 25 folders 10 Web 24 music files 38 AU file 34 video DVD 40 audio WMA files 38 playing 34 customizing 67 audio CD cutting adding tracks to library 38 files and folders 10 editing track i
Index checking e-mail 25 sending e-mail 25 Microsoft Internet Explorer 22 Outlook 22 Outlook Express 22 I Windows Media Player 34 Internet Wordpad 17 account 22 MIDI file 34 connecting to 23 minimize button 9 downloading files 24 filtering 82 modem requirements to access 22 cable 23, 47, 48 using 22 dial-up 22 DSL 23, 47, 48 Internet service provider (ISP) 22 mouse connecting to 23 changing settings 74 disconnecting from 22 moving setting up account 22 files 10 IP address files from old computer entering 5
www.gateway.
Index Web browser 22, 23 Web page 23 Web site 23 connecting to 24 downloading files 24 Gateway 2 window 8 close button 9 closing 9, 19 maximize button 9 menu bar 9 minimize button 9 title bar 8 Windows clipboard 10 Search utility 12 Windows Media Center 43 help 3 Windows Media Player building music library 38 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 80 Windows Security Center icon 6 usi
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