User manual GATEWAY SOLO 2150

Do not post this document to any publicly available location. For a public version (HTML) of this document, refer to the Gateway.com technical docs library. Contents 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Connecting AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using function key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Using an external mouse or keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 System status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 2 Using Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Adjusting the LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customizing the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inserting a CD/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Listening to audio CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recording and playing audio files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the USB port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing option bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Upgrading memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 20 21 22 22 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 35 37 39 i 3 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 4 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 5 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Microsoft Windows guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Discover Windows 98 tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 QuickANSWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Before calling for technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Technical support resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 6 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 American users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Canadian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 European users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Japanese users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Australia and New Zealand users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 ii Getting Started s 1 This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway computer hardware and software. Read this chapter to: Learn how to connect power, start the notebook, and turn off the notebook Learn how to operate the pointing device and keyboard Understand indicators Identify all ports, connectors, and buttons Learn about available accessories s s s s 1 Connecting AC power Your notebook battery was shipped to you partially charged and ready to use. You may want to use the AC adapter to complete charging the battery while you are checking out some of the features. Caution Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord. Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that can cause serious personal injury or death. Contact Gateway about returning defective AC adapters. To connect the AC adapter: 1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter. 2 Getting Started 2 Plug the AC adapter into the notebook power connector. 3 Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Connecting AC power 3 Starting your computer To start your computer: 1 Slide the latches on the front of your notebook outward and lift the cover. 2 Press the power button. The power button is preset to On/Off mode. You can also set it to function in either Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing the power button mode, see "Changing settings in Windows 98" on page 45. 3 The first time you turn on your computer, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software setup. For information on signing up for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account, see "Setting up an Internet account" on page 55. Waking up your computer s When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it will go into a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the computer screen darkens and the power indicator light blinks every two seconds. When you are ready to use your computer, "wake" it up by pressing a button or key on the keyboard. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see "Changing power settings" on page 45. 4 Getting Started Turning off your computer To turn off your notebook: 1 Click Start, then select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens. 2 Select Shut down, then click OK. Windows shuts down your computer. If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse commands and you are unable to use the Shut Down option, press and hold the power button for at least four seconds. Turning off your computer 5 Using the keyboard Your notebook features a keyboard that has the same functionality as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for system operations, and a Pad Lock key that enables the embedded numeric keypad. A D C A Fn combination keys B Numeric keypad C Windows key D Fn (function) key B 6 Getting Started Using function key combinations Press the FN key together with one of the following keys to perform the function: + Combination key = Function Combination Key Function Displays the power status in the upper left corner of the Windows desktop. Press the key combination again to make the power status disappear. Toggles between the LCD display, external monitor, or both displays at the same time. Activates Standby mode in Windows 98 and Suspend mode in Windows 95 and Windows NT. Press the power button to bring the notebook out of Standby/Suspend mode. Activates Pad Lock so you can use the embedded numeric keypad. The Pad Lock status indicator stays lit while this function is enabled. Activates Scroll Lock so you can scroll through large volumes of text in some applications. The Scroll Lock status indicator stays lit while this function is enabled. Increases LCD brightness. Decreases LCD brightness. Using the keyboard 7 Using the EZ Pad touchpad Like a mouse, the EZ Pad® touchpad pointing device controls the pointer movements on the display. You can also use an external mouse. A B A EZ Pad touchpad C B Left EZ Pad button (for left mouse clicks) C Right EZ Pad button (for right mouse clicks) 8 Getting Started Mouse and touchpad action equivalents This touchpad uses one surface for both mouse and wheel actions, which means you can perform all of the wheel mouse actions without using the buttons on the notebook. When your finger reaches the edges of the touchpad, you can continue to move the pointer and drag objects. You can also move horizontally and vertically without being constrained by the size of the touchpad. This is especially useful when dragging objects and selecting text because there is no need to remove your finger until the action is complete. To... Move pointer ...do this: Slide finger. Left button click Tap one finger. Left button double-click Double-tap one finger. Left button drag Double-tap and drag. Using the keyboard 9 To... Use smart Edges ...do this: Double-tap and drag. When your finger stops at an edge of the touchpad, the pointer continues moving across the screen. Place finger on right edge of the touchpad and move up/down. Scroll up and down Changing touchpad properties Use the following procedure to change EZ Pad properties including pointer size, button assignments, pointer speed and acceleration, scrolling speed, and edge motion. To customize the EZ Pad touchpad: 1 Double-click functions. To find more help about using the touchpad, click select Help. on the taskbar, then on the taskbar. The Mouse Properties window opens. 2 Click a tab in the Mouse Properties window, then customize the touchpad Using an external mouse or keyboard You can attach an external mouse or keyboard to the notebook using the PS/2, USB, or serial port. You do not need to shut down the notebook before connecting to an external PS/2 mouse or keyboard. 10 Getting Started System status indicators B A C D E This light... A B C D E turns on when... The hard disk is accessed. The diskette drive, ZIP drive, or CD/DVD drive is accessed. A The Caps Lock is enabled. The Pad Lock is enabled. The Scroll Lock is enabled. 1 Using the keyboard 11 Multi-function buttons A B CDE F G Button A B C D E F Volume controls Mute E-mail Web browser Help Shortcut Icon Description Adjust volume. Left button increases volume. Right button decreases volume. Turns off all sound. Press again to turn sound on. Launches an e-mail program. Launches your Web browser. Launches Help. Launches a program you specify. To program this button to launch a specific program, see "Customizing the multi-function buttons" on page 20. Turns power on and off. Can also be configured to Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on mapping the power button to power saving modes, see "To change advanced power management settings:" on page 48. G Power 12 Getting Started Front [ A CD B Component A B C Release latches Speakers Battery indicator light Icon Description Release the LCD panel. Provide stereo output. Indicates battery charge status: s Green ­ Battery is fully charged. s Orange ­ Battery is charging. Indicates notebook power status: Steady ­ Power is on. s Blinking ­ Notebook is in Standby mode. s Off ­ Power is off or system is in Hibernate (save to disk) mode. s D Power indicator light Front 13 Back A BC D E F GH I Component A Network jack Icon Description Provides an Ethernet 10/100 connection to a network. Connects the built-in modem to an analog phone system using a standard telephone cable. Connects your notebook to an external PS/2 keyboard or mouse. With a PS/2 Y-splitter, you can connect an external mouse and keyboard at the same time. Connects your notebook to a parallel device, such as a printer. Connects your notebook to a serial device, such as a serial mouse. Connects your notebook to an external VGA monitor using an analog video cable. Connects your notebook to a USB device, such as a USB scanner. Connects your notebook to the Gateway Solo 2150 AC adapter. Helps cool internal components. B Modem jack C Keyboard or mouse port D E F G H I Parallel port Serial port External monitor port USB port Power connector Cooling fan outlet 14 Getting Started Right side A B C D Component A B C D E F G Icon H Description I J Diskette drive Diskette activity light Diskette eject button CD/DVD or ZIP drive Accepts standard 3.5-inch diskettes. Indicates diskette activity. While this light is on, do not eject the diskette. Ejects a diskette from the drive. The CD/DVD drive accepts all CDs. The DVD drive also accepts DVDs. The ZIP drive accepts only ZIP disks. Indicates CD/DVD activity. While this light is on, do not open the drive tray. Ejects the CD/DVD drive tray. Lets you open the CD/DVD drive tray manually using a straightened paper clip. Provides access to the hard drive. Connects your notebook to an external microphone. Connects your notebook to external speakers or headphones. E F G H I CD/DVD activity light CD/DVD eject button CD/DVD manual tray release Hard drive face plate Microphone In J Speaker Out/Headphone jack Right side 15 Left side A B C D Component A B C D Kensington lock slot PC Card slots PC Card eject buttons Battery bay Icon Description Used with a Kensington cable lock to secure your notebook to a heavy or immovable object. Accept one Type III PC Card or two Type I or II PC Cards. For more information, see "Using PC Cards" on page 30. Eject PC Cards from PC card slots. Contains the battery for power and for charging. 16 Getting Started Bottom A B C G F D E Component A B C D E F G Hard drive face plate Memory bay Modular bay latch Modular bay Battery bay Battery release latch System label Icon Description Provides access to the hard drive. Memory bay contains one SO-DIMM memory module slot. Releases the CD/DVD or ZIP drive. Contains a CD/DVD drive or ZIP drive. Holds the battery. Releases the battery so you can swap it for a fully charged battery. Provides system information. Bottom 17 Accessories Gateway offers many accessories that can help you make the most of using your Solo notebook: s s s s s s s s s Batteries Automobile/airplane power adapters Memory modules and hard drives External keyboards and speakers Modem and network cards Tape backup units Carrying cases Printers Software Important For more information on these or other Gateway accessories for your notebook, visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com or call 800-846-2000. 18 Getting Started Using Your Notebook s s s s s s s s s s 2 This chapter provides information on using your Gateway computer. Read this chapter to find out how to: Adjust the display panel angle and brightness Use and program the multifunction buttons Use the diskette and CD/DVD drives Record and play audio files View video files Connect the modem Install PC Cards Replace the battery Swap drive modules Replace the hard drive 19 Adjusting the LCD panel Your notebook features a color LCD TFT panel that provides sharp resolution and up to 16 million colors. To adjust the viewing angle of the display: s Tilt the display panel forward or backward. To control display brightness: s Press the FN key together with the up arrow or down arrow key. This notebook is shipped with the "Auto dim with battery" feature enabled. Auto dim cuts LCD power 50% when your notebook is operating on battery power. To learn how to disable this feature, see "Changing power settings" on page 45. Customizing the multi-function buttons The Multi-function Keyboard utility lets you change the actions of some of the multi-function buttons. For a description of the buttons, see "Multi-function buttons" on page 12. To program the multi-function buttons: 1 Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. 2 Double-click the Multi-function Keyboard icon. The Gateway Multi-function Keyboard utility window opens. 3 Click the tab for the button to change which program each button starts. 20 Using Your Notebook Using diskettes The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppies or floppy disks). Diskettes are useful for saving files for archive purposes or to use on another computer. Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields. Exposure could damage the data on the diskette. To use a diskette: 1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up. 2 To access a file on the diskette, use a program to view the drive A: contents, then locate and open the file. 3 To remove the diskette, make sure the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette eject button. The diskette is ejected from the drive. Using diskettes 21 Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia (audio and video) features, such as making recordings, listening to audio CDs, and watching DVD movies. Inserting a CD/DVD To insert a CD/DVD: 1 Press the eject button on the CD/DVD drive, then pull the disc tray completely open. 2 Place the CD/DVD in the tray with the label side up, then press down carefully on the disc until it snaps into place. 3 Push the tray in until it closes. Adjusting the volume You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume of specific sound devices in your computer. To adjust overall volume level: s Click the volume control icon on the taskbar, then drag the slider to change the volume or select the Mute check box to turn off all sound. - OR On the keyboard, press the volume buttons to change the volume, or press the mute button to turn off all sound. 22 Using Your Notebook To adjust specific volume levels: 1 Double-click the volume control icon SB AudioPCI 64V Mixer dialog box opens. on the taskbar. The 2 Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust, then close the window. For more information about the volume controls, select Help in the Volume Control dialog box. Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features 23 Listening to audio CDs Use the CD/DVD drive and the Windows CD Player to play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, or go to the next or previous track on any audio CD. To play a CD: s Insert an audio CD into the CD/DVD drive. The CD Player opens and the CD plays. If the CD Player does not open automatically when you insert the CD, open it from the Start menu by clicking Start, then selecting Programs, Accessories, Entertainment or Multimedia, then CD Player. When the CD Player opens, click the (play) button. If you do not hear the audio or you want to increase or decrease the volume, see "Adjusting the volume" on page 22. 24 Using Your Notebook Recording and playing audio files Use the instructions below to make an audio recording by speaking into the microphone. To make an audio recording: 1 Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, Entertainment or Multimedia, then Sound Recorder. The Sound Recorder opens. 2 Click the (record) button, then speak into the microphone. (stop) button. 3 When you finish recording, click the 4 Select File, then Save As. The Save As dialog box opens. 5 Name the recording, specify the path, then click Save. The recording is saved. To play an audio recording in the Sound Recorder: 1 Open the Sound Recorder. 2 Select File, then Open. The Open dialog box opens. 3 Select the file you want to play back, then click Open. 4 Play the file by clicking the by clicking the (play) button, then stop playing the file (stop) button. Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features 25 Using the Media Player The Media Player can play several types of audio and video files, including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, MPEG, and MOV formats. To play a file using the Media Player: 1 Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, Entertainment or Multimedia, then Media Player. The Media Player opens. Video screen Stop Play Pause Video file information 2 Select File, then Open. The Open dialog box opens. 3 Select the file you want to play, then click Open. 4 Play the file by clicking the by clicking the (play) button, then stop playing the file (stop) button. For more information about the Media Player, select Help. 26 Using Your Notebook Playing a DVD A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. If your computer has a DVD drive, you can play DVDs on the DVD Player software. Important You should disable your system screen saver and standby timers to prevent interruption while playing a DVD movie. To play a DVD: 1 Make sure that the speakers are turned on or the headphones are plugged in and that the volume is turned up. 2 Click Start, then select Programs, DVD Player, then DVD Player. The DVD Player video screen and control panel open. - OR If you have the optional MargiTM DVD-to-GoTM card and player, insert the DVD-to-Go card into the lower PC Card slot and click Start, then select Programs, Margi, then DVD-to-Go. 3 Insert a DVD into the DVD drive, then click the DVD plays. (play) button. The 4 To control the DVD or adjust the volume, use the controls in the DVD player. For more information on using the DVD player, see its online help. Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features 27 Connecting the modem Your notebook came with a built-in V.90 56K modem and a telephone cable. To connect the modem: 1 Insert one end of the telephone cable into the modem jack on the back of the notebook. 2 Insert the other end of the telephone cable into any analog telephone wall jack. 3 Turn on your notebook. 4 Start your communications software. For more information on using your notebook's modem connections, see Chapter 4, "Getting Online." 28 Using Your Notebook Connecting the network Your notebook came with a built-in network port that connects to any 10/100 Ethernet network. To connect the network: 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of the notebook. 2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack. Ask your network system administrator to help you select the correct network jack. Your notebook is now physically connected to the network. Your network system administrator can help you log on to establish an active network connection. Connecting the network 29 Using PC Cards The PC Card slots (also known as PCMCIA card slots) are located on the left side of your notebook. Install Type I or Type II PC Cards in either the top or bottom PC Card slot. Install Type III PC Cards (such as Zoomed Video or DVD decoder cards) in the bottom PC Card slot. These PC Cards can be used in your notebook: s s s PC Card 16 PC Card 32 (CardBus) Zoomed Video cards (in bottom slot only) You do not need to restart your notebook after changing most cards because your notebook supports hot-swapping (the ability to insert a PC Card while your notebook is running). If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, refer to the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information. To insert a PC Card: 1 Insert the PC Card with the label facing up. 30 Using Your Notebook 2 Slide the card firmly into the PC Card slot until it is flush with the side of the notebook. 3 Follow the Windows Setup Wizard installation steps the first time you insert a PC Card. Operate the device as recommended in the guide that came with your PC Card. To remove a PC Card: 1 Click the PC Card icon in the taskbar. 2 Click the card you want to remove. 3 Click OK. 4 Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once. 5 Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again. 6 Reset the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button again. Using PC Cards 31 Using the USB port The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port lets you connect devices such as mice, joysticks, keyboards, scanners, video conferencing cameras, and speakers that traditionally have required their own specific ports. To set up a USB device: 1 Connect the device to the USB port. The USB-compatible device is automatically recognized and installed by the system. 2 If additional drivers or disks are required, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. 32 Using Your Notebook Changing batteries Important Batteries must be changed while the system is turned off or in Hibernate mode. If the power is on during battery swapping, the computer turns off and you lose any unsaved work. Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the Gateway Solo 2150 Li-Ion battery. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mishandled. Do not disassemble, heat above 212° F (100° C), or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children. To replace the battery: 1 Save all work and turn off your notebook. 2 Close the cover and turn your notebook over. Changing batteries 33 3 Slide the battery release latch forward and hold it while sliding the battery straight out from the notebook. 4 Slide the recharged battery into the bay and snap it into place. 5 Turn the notebook right side up, then open the cover. 6 Press the power button. The notebook restarts. 34 Using Your Notebook Changing option bay modules Your notebook has an option bay that can hold a CD drive, DVD drive, or ZIP drive. Important When changing modules, you must shut down your notebook before replacing the module and restart the notebook after the new module is correctly installed. If the computer is already off, make sure it is not in Hibernate mode and that Windows is completely shut down. To swap option bay modules: 1 Save all work and turn off your notebook. Make sure the notebook is actually off, and not in Hibernate mode. For more information on Hibernate mode, see "Changing settings in Windows 98" on page 45. 2 Close the cover and turn your notebook over. 3 Slide and hold the option bay latch open, then pull the module straight out and away from your notebook. Changing option bay modules 35 4 Firmly push the new module straight into the bay until the latch clicks into place. 5 Restart your notebook. 36 Using Your Notebook Upgrading memory To add a memory (RAM) module, you must access the memory bay. Your notebook has one memory slot that accepts one SO-DIMM memory module. If you want to use Hibernate (Save to Disk) mode to save power, you must run a memory configuration utility after changing the memory. For more information on Hibernate mode, see "Changing settings in Windows 98" on page 45. Caution Disconnect all power supply cords and remove the battery before the memory bay cover is removed. Replace the cover before you restore power. To add a memory module: 1 Shut down the notebook, then disconnect the power cord and remove the battery. 2 Turn the notebook over, then remove the two screws that secure the memory bay cover. Upgrading memory 37 3 Remove the cover. 4 Remove the old memory module and insert the new one. For information on adding or replacing memory modules, see "Adding or replacing memory modules" in Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Gateway Solo Notebook. 5 After inserting the new module, replace the memory bay cover. To run the memory utility: 1 Reconnect power and start the system. Press F8 while the system is starting. The Startup Menu opens. 2 Select Command prompt only by pressing the down arrow key, then pressing ENTER. The command prompt (C:\>) appears. 3 Type chks2d, then press ENTER. The Hibernate mode memory file is regenerated. 4 Restart the computer. 38 Using Your Notebook Replacing the hard drive You can remove the hard drive from your notebook to swap it for a second hard drive. If you add a new hard drive, use the documentation that comes with the hard drive to prepare the drive for use. Caution Do not expose the hard drive to liquid or magnetic fields. Exposure could damage the data on the hard drive. To replace the hard drive: 1 Save all work, then shut down your computer. 2 Close the cover and turn the notebook over. 3 Disconnect the AC power, then remove the battery. For instructions on removing the battery, see "Changing batteries" on page 33. 4 Remove the screw that holds the hard drive to the notebook case. Replacing the hard drive 39 5 Slide the hard drive kit out. 6 Slide the new hard drive kit into the notebook case. 7 Secure the hard drive kit to the notebook case with the single screw. 8 Turn on the notebook when you are ready to use it. 9 If this is a first-time installation, follow the instructions that came with the hard drive to prepare the drive for use. 40 Using Your Notebook Travel Tips 3 Use these ideas to make travelling with your computer more convenient and trouble-free. When travelling without this manual or an Internet connection, double-click the QuickAnswers icon on the Windows desktop for more information about your computer and how to solve common problems. This chapter provides information on: s s s s Using the modem Transferring files Protecting your computer from loss and theft Efficiently managing your computer's power 41 Modem s Bring a telephone cord to connect the modem to any available telephone jack. If travelling internationally, bring telephone jack adapters or an acoustic handset coupler. Bring a telephone line protector. Bring a telephone line tester to check for unsafe lines, especially if travelling internationally. Bring remote access information with you so you can connect to your ISP while outside of your usual calling area. A list of country dialing codes may be especially useful. Download entire web sites that you frequently refer to for off-line viewing if you will be travelling for extended periods without access to an Internet connection. If your modem has difficulty making a dialing connection, try picking up a telephone handset and dialing the sequence your modem is attempting. Dialing by hand may help diagnose where the automatic dialing encounters problems: s s s s s s If you do not get a dial tone, check for problems on the telephone line. If you get a busy signal, try dialing again later. If you hear an automated voice message that requires you to pause for several seconds between entered number sequences or change the sequence of numbers, adjust the dialing sequences you have programmed on your computer. If you need to program a pause within a dialing sequence, use a comma to represent a two-second pause. s s 42 Travel Tips Files s Make copies of your working files from your desktop computer to your notebook before you travel. If you will need to access your desktop computer's files from your notebook while travelling, set up the desktop computer for remote access. Bring diskettes to quickly transfer files between computers. s s Security s Use a locking cable for your computer so you can leave your computer in your hotel room while you are away. Your Gateway notebook has a Kensington cable lock slot. While waiting in airports, train stations, or bus terminals, always keep your computer with you. While going through security checkpoints, be ready to claim your notebook as soon as it passes through the x-ray machine. Before going to sleep in a public area, place your computer under your arm or against your leg so that any attempt to take it awakens you. Write down your computer's model number and serial number in case of theft or loss, and keep the information in a safe place. Also, tape your business card or an address label to your notebook and accessories. Use a startup password to restrict access to your computer. You can often find the password setup in the Security menu of the BIOS. Remember that whoever sits next to you or behind you can see your computer screen. Avoid working with confidential documents until you can be sure of your privacy. s s s s s Files 43 Power To get the best performance out of the battery, use power sources other than the battery, monitor the battery charge status, and use the most efficient power management settings. Use alternate power sources