Computer Basics

    This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by:

Providing an introduction to your computer features
Describing the basic operation of your computer
Introducing you to Microsoft Windows®
Providing an overview of sources for more extensive information

Controls

    The following illustrations show the controls and features on the Micro-tower, Easy-Access Midtower, Mid-tower, Flex ATX, front panels and keyboards.

    These illustrations show typical computer systems. Your computer system may not look exactly the same.

Micro-tower front panel

Easy-Access Midtower front panel

Mid-tower front panel

Flex ATX case

Desktop to tower conversion

    You can convert your Flex ATX computer from desktop to tower configuration using the accessory base included with your system.

Keyboard features

    Your system comes with either the standard keyboard or the Multi-function Keyboard. If you purchased the Multi-function Keyboard with your Gateway computer, look for the additional function buttons located above the standard function keys.

    Your Multi-function Keyboard may vary somewhat from the one shown on the following pages.

Standard keyboard

Function keys start program actions. Refer to the software documentation to find out more about the function key actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
Additional keys move the cursor up the page, down the page, to the beginning (home), or to the end of a document.
Indicator lights show if your Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock keys
are activated.
Windows keys open the Windows Start menu.
The application key opens a menu for the current program.
Directional keys move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
The numeric keypad types numbers when Num Lock is activated.

Multi-function Keyboard

Previous returns you to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.
Play/Pause starts or pauses the play of the CD or DVD.
Stop ends the play of CD or DVD.
Next moves you to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.
Volume adjusts the audio level up or down.
Mute turns the audio off.
Help starts online help.
Internet launches your Web browser.
E-mail launches your e-mail program.
Shortcut launches the program of your choice.
Sleep starts or stops the sleep mode.

Millennium Keyboard

Previous returns you to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.
Play/Pause starts or pauses the play of the CD or DVD.
Stop ends the play of CD or DVD.
Next moves you to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.
Volume down decreases the audio level.
Volume up increases the audio level.
Mute turns the audio off.
Shortcut launches the program of your choice.
Shopping cart opens an Internet shopping site.
E-mail launches your e-mail program.
Help starts online help.
Internet launches your Web browser.

Starting and turning off your computer

To start your computer:

    1. Connect the cables to your computer using the setup poster.

    2. Press the power button.

    3. Turn on any peripherals (speakers, printers, scanners, etc.). When the computer is finished starting, the Windows desktop screen appears.

    4. If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen setup instructions.

To turn off your computer:

    1. Click Start, then select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.

    2. Select Shut down from the drop-down list.
    1. Click OK. Windows shuts down your computer.
      If for some reason you cannot use the Shut down option in Windows to shut down your computer, press the power button for about five seconds.

        Warning

        When you shut down your computer the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through the computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cable and modem cable from the wall outlets.

    Protecting from power source problems

      During a power surge, the voltage of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripherals by connecting them to a surge suppressor, which will absorb voltage surges and prevent them from reaching your computer.

        Warning

        High voltages can enter your computer through the AC power line of your computer, its peripherals and the phone line connected to the modem. Protect your computer by using a surge suppressor with several AC outlets and a modem connection. Connect the AC power cord of the computer, all peripherals used with the computer, and the telephone line to the surge suppressor. During an electrical storm, disconnect the surge suppressor from the power outlet and the telephone line from the phone jack.

        During a power failure, an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut your computer down normally.

      Using the mouse

        The mouse is a device that controls the pointer and cursor movement on screen. This illustration shows the standard Gateway mouse.

        As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.

        You can use the left and right buttons on your mouse to select objects on the screen.

        You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. For more information on using special features of your mouse and changing mouse settings, see Windows Online Help.

        To... Do this...

        Move the pointer on the screen

        Move the mouse around on the mouse pad. If you run out of space on your mouse pad and need to move the pointer farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in the middle of the mouse pad, then continue moving the mouse.

        Select an object on the screen

        Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the left mouse button once. This action is called clicking.

        Start a program or open a file folder

        Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the left mouse button twice. This action is called double-clicking.

        Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the screen.

        Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the right mouse once. This action is called right-clicking.

        Move an object on the screen.

        Position the pointer over the object. Press the left mouse button and hold it down. Move (drag) the object to the appropriate part of the screen, then release the button.

      Working safely

        Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.

      Improving monitor legibility and reducing eye strain

        Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect off the screen of the computer monitor or shine directly into your eyes.

      Position the computer desk and monitor so that you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes.
      Reduce bright light by installing shades or curtains on windows.
      Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not work on your computer in a dark room.
      Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Look away from your computer occasionally, perhaps focusing on a distant object.

      Setting up your computer table and chair

        When you are setting up your computer table and chair, make sure that you use a computer table that is the appropriate height and use a chair that helps you maintain good posture, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.

      Select a flat surface for your computer table.
      Adjust the height of the computer table so that your hands and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse.
      Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow, letting your shoulders relax while you type comfortably.
      Adjust the height of your chair so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips. You can use a foot rest to adjust the height of your knees and remove the pressure on the back of your thighs.
      Adjust the back of the chair so that it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can also use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

      Setting up your computer and computer accessories

      Set up the monitor so that the top is no higher than eye level.
      Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to reach them without stretching.
      Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the computer monitor.

      Sitting at your computer

      Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
      Do not slouch forward or lean back too far.
      Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and elbows form approximately 90 degree angles when you work.
      Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

      Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

      Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
      Take breaks so that you can change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
      Find ways to break up the work day, scheduling a variety of tasks.