Solo9550.book Page 191 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Checking out the docking station Right side Power button Headphone jack PS/2 keyboard port Microphone jack PC Card slots Line in jack PS/2 mouse port Line out jack www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 192 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 13: Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station Component 192 Icon Description PC Card slots Insert Type I, II, and III PC Cards into these slots. Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. While the external microphone is connected, the built-in microphone is turned off.
Solo9550.book Page 193 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Connecting to the docking station Connecting to the docking station You can attach your notebook to the docking station while your notebook is off, on, or in Standby/Suspend mode. Important When the notebook is docked, the docking station must be connected to AC power to function properly. To dock your notebook: 1 Refer to the docking station’s packing materials for first-time setup instructions.
Solo9550.book Page 194 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 13: Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station To undock your notebook: 1 Click Start, then select Eject PC or press the Docking Eject button on the front of the docking station. The Eject PC menu item appears in the Start menu only while the notebook is docked. 2 Lift the release latch on the docking station until the notebook is disconnected. 3 Lift the notebook off of the docking posts.
Solo9550.book Page 195 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Installing a PCI card in the docking station Installing a PCI card in the docking station You can install one standard half-length PCI card in your docking station. Important The PCI card bay cover is locked when the release latch is down and the docking station is secured using the Kensington lock slot. To install a PCI card: 1 2 3 Remove your notebook from the docking station. Unplug all cables, including the power cord.
Solo9550.book Page 196 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 13: Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station 4 196 Lift the release latch on the docking station, then slide the cover straight back and lift it off. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 197 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Installing a PCI card in the docking station 5 If your card requires access for cables, push out the side panel cover and store it in a safe place. 6 7 8 Remove the retaining screw from the card bracket in the card bay. Install the PCI card in the card slot. Secure the card by replacing the retaining screw. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 198 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 13: Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station 9 10 198 Replace the cover by setting it flat on the docking station and sliding it forward into place. Do not tilt the cover. Replace the screw that secures the cover to the docking station. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 199 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Networking Your Computer 14 Connecting your home, small office, or home office computers lets you share drives, printers, and a single Internet connection among the connected computers. This chapter contains information about: ■ Benefits of a home, small office, or home office network ■ The Gateway Connected Home ■ Network connection types ■ Your networking shopping list www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 200 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Using a network A network lets you: ■ Share a single Internet connection ■ Share computer drives ■ Share peripherals ■ Stream audio and video files ■ Play multi-player games Sharing a single Internet connection A network makes sharing the Internet easy.
Solo9550.book Page 201 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using a network Sharing peripherals Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripherals, such as a printer. Select print from the computer you are currently using and your file is automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is located on your network. Streaming audio and video files With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .
Solo9550.book Page 202 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Introducing the Gateway Connected Home The Gateway Connected Home connects all your computers and other devices so that you can share files, programs, peripherals, and much more from any computer in your house. The picture below shows an example Gateway Connected Home. 202 www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 203 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Introducing the Gateway Connected Home Components of a Gateway Connected Home The Gateway Connected Home begins with two computers and a connection. From there, you can add computers and devices to fit your specific needs. You can connect: ■ Any or all of your connected computers to your Internet connection simultaneously.
Solo9550.book Page 204 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Selecting a network connection One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when creating your network is what type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless connections. Wired connections HPNA (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance) and Ethernet are two popular types of wired networks.
Solo9550.book Page 205 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Selecting a network connection Broadband Internet connections You can use your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack for more than just networking. Many broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL modems, connect to your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack. Typically, if one computer is connected to the Internet, other networked computers also access the Internet through the shared Internet connection.
Solo9550.book Page 206 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Bluetooth Bluetooth is a short-range wireless method for creating a network. Like wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth allows your computer to send and receive data without wiring. However, unlike the wireless Ethernet, the range and speed of the Bluetooth connection are greatly reduced.
Solo9550.book Page 207 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Selecting a network connection ■ You have a combination of Windows-based computers and non-Windows-based computers that are used for drive sharing, printing to a single printer, or surfing the Internet ■ Your notebook computer has an Ethernet jack for connecting to the network Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.
Solo9550.book Page 208 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Comparing data transfer speed When deciding between connection types, compare the different data transfer speeds provided by each to the programs you plan to run on your network. The following table shows types of programs that you may run in your home or small office and the connection speed each requires.
Solo9550.book Page 209 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Selecting a network connection When comparing the speed at which your network will need to run to the speed you can get from the connection type, you should consider which programs may run at the same time on your network. For example, you have stored several MP3 audio files on your network. You typically play music on your Gateway Connected Music Player, and at the same time your teenager may play music on another computer.
Solo9550.book Page 210 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Network shopping list Use the following shopping lists when purchasing equipment for your network. HPNA For an HPNA network you need: ■ An HPNA card installed in each desktop computer - OR An HPNA/V.
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Solo9550.book Page 212 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer Wireless Ethernet For a wireless Ethernet network you need: ■ A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) PCI card installed in each desktop computer - OR A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) PC card installed in each notebook computer that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in ■ Wireless Ethernet PCI card A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.
Solo9550.book Page 213 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM For more information For more information For more information about the Gateway Connected Home or networking an office, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway Country Store representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to networking. Refer to these sources for more information about networking your home or office with HPNA, Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet, or Bluetooth. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 214 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 14: Networking Your Computer 214 www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 215 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Maintaining Your Computer 15 This chapter provides basic information about maintaining your computer hardware and software. Caring for your computer Here are ways to extend the life of your system: ■ Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight. ■ When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in a carrying case.
Solo9550.book Page 216 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer ■ Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms. ■ Set up a regular maintenance schedule according to the table below to keep your computer running at its best. Maintenance task Create an emergency diskette Check for viruses Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed X See...
Solo9550.book Page 217 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Creating an emergency startup diskette Creating an emergency startup diskette An emergency startup diskette is a diskette that contains critical information that you need to start your computer if Windows fails to start. You should create a startup diskette as soon as you get your computer. HelpSpot For more information on creating an emergency startup diskette, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Solo9550.book Page 218 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer 4 Click Create Disk. A message tells you to label a new diskette and insert it into the diskette drive. 5 6 7 Place a new, labeled diskette into the diskette drive. 8 You should write-protect the diskette, which will prevent the diskette from being erased or infected by viruses, by sliding the tab that is at the top of the diskette to the up position. Click OK.
Solo9550.book Page 219 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Protecting your computer from viruses Protecting your computer 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. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time, because they are activated on a certain date.
Solo9550.book Page 220 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer To remove a virus: 1 2 3 Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus. Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds. Turn on the computer and rescan for the virus. You should periodically update your Norton AntiVirus program to protect against the latest viruses.
Solo9550.book Page 221 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Managing hard drive space Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive space and keep your hard drive running efficiently. Checking hard drive space In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive space. HelpSpot For more information on checking hard drive space, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To check hard drive space: 1 2 Double-click the My Computer icon.
Solo9550.book Page 222 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer Using Disk Cleanup Delete unneeded files, such as temporary Windows files, to free hard drive space. HelpSpot For more information on using Disk Cleanup, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To use Windows Disk Cleanup program: 222 1 2 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 3 4 Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens. 5 Click OK, then click Yes.
Solo9550.book Page 223 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Managing hard drive space Scanning the hard drive for errors The ScanDisk program examines the hard drive for surface errors and file and folder problems. ScanDisk corrects these problems so that Windows and other programs run efficiently. If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run ScanDisk once a week. On the other hand, if you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate.
Solo9550.book Page 224 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer 4 5 224 Click Check Now. The ScanDisk dialog box opens. Select the options to use, then click Start. For help, press F1. ScanDisk checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes. 6 Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions. After ScanDisk has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found. 7 Click Close. www.
Solo9550.book Page 225 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Managing hard drive space Defragmenting the hard drive When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for the computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.
Solo9550.book Page 226 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer 3 Click the Tools tab. 4 5 Click Defragment Now. If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Start or Defragment. Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program. 6 If you want to defragment another drive, click No then follow the on-screen instructions. - OR If you do not want to defragment another drive, click Yes.
Solo9550.book Page 227 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Managing hard drive space Backing up files Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files. You should back up your files regularly to diskettes or a writable CD, if you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Use diskettes or writable CDs to do partial backups of selected files or folders.
Solo9550.book Page 228 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer Using Maintenance Wizard The Maintenance Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and ScanDisk and deleting unnecessary files. HelpSpot For more information on using the Maintenance Wizard, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To start the Maintenance Wizard: 1 Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Maintenance Wizard.
Solo9550.book Page 229 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Recalibrating the battery Recalibrating the battery If your notebook unexpectedly goes into Standby mode while you are using it but the battery charge is not low, you may need to recalibrate your battery. You should also recalibrate the battery once a year to maintain the accuracy of the battery gauge. To recalibrate the battery: 1 2 Connect the AC adapter, then turn on your notebook. 3 4 Open the Advanced menu.
Solo9550.book Page 230 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your system performing at its best.
Solo9550.book Page 231 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Cleaning your computer Cleaning the keyboard You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust and lint trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to blow dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension. If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off the computer and turn the unit upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again.
Solo9550.book Page 232 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 15: Maintaining Your Computer 232 3 Remove the retaining ring and mouse ball. 4 5 Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth. 6 Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place. Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 233 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Reinstalling Device Drivers 16 Device drivers are programs that control devices such as monitors, CD/DVD drives, and modems. Drivers translate information between computer devices and programs. Drivers for your original computer hardware are installed at Gateway. If you install a new device, you need to install the drivers provided by the device manufacturer.
Solo9550.book Page 234 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 16: Reinstalling Device Drivers Reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 If you just reinstalled Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, the device drivers were automatically reinstalled. However, you need to reinstall device drivers if directed to do so while troubleshooting or if a message tells you that there is a problem with a device driver.
Solo9550.book Page 235 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 7 Click Automatic Installation, then select multiple device drivers to reinstall. - OR Click Manual Installation, then select a single device driver to reinstall. 8 9 Click Install. Follow any additional on-screen instructions. Depending on the driver you are reinstalling, you may only need to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Solo9550.book Page 236 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 16: Reinstalling Device Drivers Updating device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 The Gateway System Restoration Kit contains a device driver update utility that works over the Internet. If you do not have an Internet Service Provider, the update utility works by direct dialing the device driver update service. HelpSpot For more information on updating device drivers, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Solo9550.book Page 237 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Updating device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 7 8 Click Check Now. The Connect window opens. Install available updated device drivers by following the on-screen instructions. Depending on the driver you are updating, you may only need to restart your computer to complete the installation. However, if a setup wizard opens when you restart your computer, follow the on-screen instructions. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 238 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 16: Reinstalling Device Drivers Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 device drivers The Windows NT Driver Locator utility is a tool that lets you locate device drivers on Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit. If you have problems with a hardware device or you have reinstalled Windows NT 4.0, use the CD and the procedures in this section to reinstall your computer hardware device drivers. The process for reinstalling the Windows NT 4.
Solo9550.book Page 239 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 device drivers 4 When prompted to do so, press any key to continue. The Windows NT 4.0 Drivers List screen appears. The list shows the devices in your computer with the names and locations of each driver. 5 If you want to print the Windows NT 4.0 Drivers List (parallel port printers only), press P. Make sure your printer is connected and turned on. - OR If you do not want to print the Windows NT 4.
Solo9550.book Page 240 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 16: Reinstalling Device Drivers Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 video device drivers Use the instructions in this section to reinstall the drivers that support the video devices in your computer. To reinstall the Windows NT 4.0 video device driver: 1 Make sure you ran the Windows NT 4.0 Locator utility to find the video driver. For more information, see “Locating Windows NT 4.0 drivers” on page 238.
Solo9550.book Page 241 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 device drivers 11 12 Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens. 13 14 15 16 Click Display Type. The Display Type dialog box opens. Click the Settings tab. Click Change. The Change Display dialog box opens. Click Have Disk. The Install From Disk dialog box opens. Select the CD/DVD drive letter (usually drive D:\ where D is the letter of the CD/DVD drive) in the Copy manufacturer’s file from l
Solo9550.book Page 242 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 16: Reinstalling Device Drivers 21 Remove Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit, then click Yes. After the computer starts, a message asks you to change the display resolution settings. 22 23 24 Click OK. The Display Properties dialog box opens. 25 26 Select the desired color pallet from the Color palette list. Slide the Desktop area slider to adjust display resolution to your preferred setting.
