User Guide
User Guide
User Guide
USERGUIDE
Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting help for Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Contents
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Contents
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CHAPTER1
Getting Help
Using the Gateway Web site
Using Help and Support
Using online help
1 Click
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.
www.gateway.com
2 Type a word or phrase 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. To find the answer, click the result
that most closely matches your question. Additional results may be available if the first list
does not address your question.
Contacting Gateway
The label on your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number.
Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for help.
2 In the Help and Support window, type Windows Media Center in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER. The Media Center Help window opens.
-ORIf you are connected to the Internet, click Windows Online Help, then type Windows
Media Center in the Search Help For box.
CHAPTER2
Using Windows
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.
Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your computer is set up.
The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.
Desktop elements
Description
The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the
Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar
represent programs that are running.
Click a programs button on the taskbar to open the programs window.
The Start button provides access to programs,
files, help for Windows and other programs,
and computer tools and utilities.
Click the Start button, then open a file or
program by clicking an item on the menu that
opens.
The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and
programs that you discarded are stored. You
must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently
delete them from your computer. For
instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see
Deleting files and folders on page 11.
The Windows Security Center icon may appear
on the taskbar near the clock. The icon
changes appearance to notify you when the
security settings on your computer are set
below the recommended value or when
updates are available. Double-click this icon to
open the Windows Security Center. For more
information, see Modifying security settings
on page 59.
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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 All Programs
1 Click
(Start) on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start menu opens, showing
you the first level of menu items.
2 Click All Programs to see all programs, files, and folders in the Start menu. If you click an
item with a folder
You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you use frequently.
To add icons to the desktop:
Shortcut
Start All Programs right-click program Send To Desktop (create shortcut)
When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window opens on the desktop.
This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which opens after you double-click the
Local Disk (C:) icon in the Computer window.
Search box
Close
Maximize
Minimize
Title bar
Menu bar
Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls.
Most windows include these items:
Window item
Description
The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows
the window title.
The Search box lets you search for
a word or phrase in the current
window.
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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 computer 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.
Viewing drives
Help
For more information about files and folders, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type
files and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer almost always has more
than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local Disk (C:) for the hard drive. You may also have
more drives such as a CD or DVD drive.
To view the drives, folders, and files on your computer:
1 Click (Start), then click Computer.
Hard drive
Disc drive
Creating folders
Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and other folders.
Files are much like paper documentsletters, spreadsheets, and picturesthat you keep on your
computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.
Folders
Files
To create a folder:
Shortcut
Click File New Folder type name
3 If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click the existing folder.
4 Click Organize, then click New Folder. The new folder is created.
5 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears by the folder icon.
For information about renaming folders, see Shortcuts on page 16.
The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.
When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder on the Windows
clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide what folder you want the copy to
go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.
When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from its original location and
place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard. When you decide where you want the file or
folder to go, you paste it there.
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 mouse button) the file or folder that you want to copy. A pop-up
menu opens on the desktop.
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1 Locate the file or folder you want to move. For more information, see Viewing drives on
page 9 and Searching for files on page 12.
2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want to move. A pop-up
menu opens on the desktop.
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4
5
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2 Click Organize, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the Recycle Bin.
To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:
1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens
and lists the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.
2 Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how to select multiple
files and folders, see Shortcuts on page 16.
3 Click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders to their original locations.
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1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your 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.
Help
For more information about emptying the Recycle Bin, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type emptying the Recycle Bin in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER.
1 Click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
2 If you want to search on your computer by file or folder name, type in all or part of the file
or folder name in the Search box in the top right of the window.
If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that name.
If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder names containing
the letters you typed.
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2 Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder that you want to find.
3 Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the file or folder you
want.
Help
For more information about browsing for files and folders, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type files and folders in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
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1 Click
2 Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at the top of the
window to format the document.
Saving a document
After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.
To save a document:
1 Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.
File name
2 Click Browse Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder where you want to save
the file.
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.
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3 Click Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder you want to open.
Printing a document
To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or have access to a
network printer. For more information about installing or using your printer, see the printer
documentation.
To print a document:
1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
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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.
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To...
Do this...
CHAPTER3
Using the Internet and Faxing
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Your computer
connects to the Internet
through an ISP.
ISP Servers
let you connect to the Internet
and access your e-mail
messages.
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The method you use to access your Internet account varies from ISP to ISP. Contact your ISP for
the correct procedure.
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.
3 To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for Universal Resource Locator)
in the browser address bar (for example www.gateway.com), then click GO on the
browser address bar.
The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads (transfers) data
to your computer, and displays the page on the site that you requested.
Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on your screen depends
on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet conditions. Additionally, the speed of your
connection will determine how fast Web pages display.
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Downloading files
Caution
To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you
download. For more information, see Protecting your computer from viruses on page 57.
Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your computer.
To download files or programs from a Web site:
1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file or program you
want to download, then press ENTER.
- OR Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file that you want to
download.
3 Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your computer. For more
information, see Working with files and folders on page 9.
4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you want. A copy of
the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that it takes to transfer the file to your
computer depends on file size and Internet conditions.
Using e-mail
E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet connection and
e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet account.
The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your e-mail messages
arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.
An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain name of the
Internet service provider (ISP) or company that hosts that user. Your e-mail address is assigned
when you sign up for an account with an ISP. For example, a person with an account with Hotmail
might have an e-mail address that is similar to this one:
[email protected]
User name
Sending e-mail
To send e-mail using Windows Mail:
1 Connect to your Internet service provider.
2 Click (Start), then click E-mail. Your default e-mail program opens.
3 Click Create Mail.
4 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the To box.
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7 When finished, click Send. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to the e-mail address you
specified.
1
2
3
4
Click
Click Send/Receive.
Double-click the message you want to read.
Tip
To protect your computer from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using
anti-virus software. For more information, see Protecting your computer from
viruses on page 57.
For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages, see the online help
in your e-mail program.
Sending a fax
Windows Fax and Scan lets you send and receive faxes using your dial-up modem.
To send a fax:
(Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
1 Click
2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
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3 If you have never sent a fax on this computer before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The Fax
Setup window opens.
4 Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a
modem name screen opens.
5 Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next. The Choose how to receive
faxes screen opens.
6 Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the The Security Alert window
opens. The New Fax window opens.
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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.
10 Type your location information, then click OK. The Dialing Rules dialog box opens.
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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.
1 Click
2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
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3 Click Tools, Cover Pages, then click New. The Fax Cover Page Editor opens.
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).
If you want to include text that always appears on your cover page (such as a letterhead
or address), draw a box using the text box tool, type your text inside of it, then move
the box to the appropriate place on your template.
If you want to include a logo that appears on your cover page, copy it to the Windows
clipboard, then paste it into the Cover Page Editor and move it to the appropriate place
on your template.
To save your cover page template, click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens
with your personal cover pages folder already in the Save in list.
5 Type the new cover page template name, then click Save.
2
3
4
5
Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.
Click Print. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
Complete the wizard by following the instructions in Sending a fax on page 21, or Faxing
a scanned document or from programs on page 25.
Canceling a fax
You can cancel a fax that you have set up to send at a time in the future.
To cancel a fax that has not been sent:
(Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
1 Click
2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel.
4 Click Delete to cancel the fax.
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5 Click Yes.
2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The fax viewer opens,
where you can view and print the fax.
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CHAPTER4
Playing and Creating
Media Files
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1 Click
(Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2 Click Library, then double-click the media file you want to play.
Playback controls
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Media library
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Repeat
Shuffle
Rewind
Stop
Fast forward
Pause/Play
Volume
Mute
Help
For more information about playing optical discs, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type playing discs in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Use Windows Media Player to listen to CDs or watch movies on DVDs, HD-DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs.
For more information about using Windows Media Player, click Help.
To play an optical disc:
Shortcut
Insert disc Windows Media Player automatically plays
1 Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in and that the
volume is turned up.
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3 If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want the computer to do with the disc, click
Play. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the disc.
Playlist
Video screen
Playback controls
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Repeat
Shuffle
Rewind
Stop
Fast forward
Pause/Play
Volume
Mute
You can create several types of audio files for your listening enjoyment, including WAV, MP3, and
WMA files.
1 Plug a microphone into one of the microphone jacks on your computer. For the location of
the microphone jacks, see your computers Reference Guide.
2 Click
3 Click
Start Recording, then speak or make other sounds into the microphone.
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5 Type a name for the recording, specify the file type and location where you want to save
the recording, then click Save. The recording is saved.
Using Windows Media Player, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computers 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. WMA files end in the file extension WMA,
and MP3 files end in the file extension MP3.
To create WMA or MP3 files:
1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2 Right-click the Rip tab, then click Format, then click Windows Media Audio or mp3 to select
the format you want for your music files.
Tip
For more information about ripping music from CDs, click the Rip tab, then
click Help with Ripping.
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Downloading files from the InternetWhen you are connected to the Internet, WMA and MP3
files that you download are automatically added to your music library.
1 Click
4 Enter track information such as Title, Artist, Album, and Genre, then click OK. The new
track information appears in the Windows Media Player library.
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Library
4 Click Start Burn. The music is recorded onto the blank CD.
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Burn List
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1 Insert a blank, writeable DVD into your recordable optical disc drive.
2 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows DVD Maker. The Windows DVD Maker
introduction window opens.
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4 Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens.
5 Find and select the videos you want to add to the video DVD, then click Add. The videos are
added to the video list, and a graphic in the lower left corner of the window shows you how
much disc capacity will be used.
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1 Insert a blank, writable optical disc into your optical disc drive. The Autoplay dialog box
opens.
2
3
4
5
Click Burn files to disc. The Prepare this blank disc dialog box opens.
Type the title of the disc, then click Show formatting options.
Click Mastered, then click Next. An empty folder opens.
Open the folder that contains the files you want to burn to disc, then click and drag the files
to the empty disc folder.
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1 Click
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 Centers main
screen opens.
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3 Use the remote control navigation buttons to select a Media Center menu option, then
press OK.
TV + Movies lets you play TV programs you have recorded, play a DVD or Blu-ray movie,
or set up your TV tuner card (if installed).
burn an optical disc (CD or DVD), and synchronize with another digital media device (such
as an MP3 player).
Pictures + Videos lets you view individual pictures, pictures in a slideshow, or select
movies from your video library.
Music lets you select songs from your music library, set up and use your FM radio tuner
card (if installed), and play music playlists.
4 To exit Windows Media Center, click the in the upper-right corner of the screen.
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Power button
Start button
Transport buttons
Navigation buttons
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Button(s)
Functions
Shortcut buttons
Start button
Lets you control volume levels, volume mute, channel selections, and the
movie menu.
Lets you enter numbers and characters from the remote control.
Power button
Transport buttons
Let you control the playback of media files and optical discs.
Navigation buttons
Let you move the cursor around the Guide and menus, make selections,
navigate back to the previous screen, change the screen display aspect
ratio, and get more information. Press the OK button to make a selection.
CHAPTER5
Networking Your Computer
Introduction to Networking
Ethernet networking
Bluetooth networking
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Introduction to Networking
Networking terms you should know
DHCPDynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP address
to a computer on the network.
IP addressInternet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the
network.
LANA 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.
PANA personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among
computer devices (including cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and printers) close to
one person. A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is made possible with Bluetooth. The primary
purpose of a WPAN is to replace USB or Firewire cables.
Subnet maskSubnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer is located
on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.
WANA wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad geographical area.
The largest and most well-known example of a WAN is the Internet.
Ethernet networking
Wired Ethernet networking
An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an
Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be
used to build computer networks in the home.
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet
runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using
Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit
Ethernet components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables in
your home or office.
Using a router
The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)
using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign IP addresses
to each computer or network device. For information on setting up a router, see the routers
documentation.
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.
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Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the
router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet.
Cable/DSL
modem
Router
1
2
3
4
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Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection
is working correctly. To test the connection, log on to the Internet using your current setup. If the
connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to install
Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the card
and any required drivers.
Plug your Ethernet cable into your computers jack and the router or the cable or DSL modem at
this point, if you have not already done so.
Connecting network cables
We recommend using category 5 (Cat 5), unshielded, twisted-pair cable (about 1/4-inch diameter
with a thin outer-jacket, containing eight color-coded wires), and equipment compatible with this
type of cable. This type of cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like a large telephone jack
connector, but with eight pins) on each end.
Cat 5 cables are available in two different types; straight-through cables, used to connect
computers to a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two computers.
To determine which type of cable you have, hold both ends of the cable with the connectors facing
away from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For straight-through cable, the wires on
both connectors are attached to copper pins in the same order (same colors, left to right). For a
crossover cable, the wires on each connector are attached to the copper pins in a different order
(different colors, left to right).
Setting up a network using a router
If you are setting up a network for more than two computers and you will be connecting your
network to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable or DSL modem), we recommend
the use of a router. A router lets you access the Internet connection from any network computer.
The router can assign IP addresses to the computers on the network and can provide firewall
protection for your network as well.
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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
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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
802.11a
802.11a only
802.11b
802.11b only
802.11g
802.11n
Access point
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Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection
is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your current setup. If the
connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Installing wireless cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of wireless equipment you are using for your network, you
need to install wireless cards and drivers on the computers that do not have them already installed.
Use the documentation that comes with your wireless cards for instructions on installing the cards
and any required drivers.
Setting up your access point
A wireless Ethernet network sends and receives information through radio waves. This means that
another computer outside your network can intercept the radio waves and take control of your
network.
If you do not set up security for your network, a hacker can gain access to your Internet connection
to send spam e-mail and to your hard drive to download viruses or view your personal data, like
credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and personal online banking information.
Check your access point documentation for information about installing the access point and
setting network security.
Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network).
If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling.
To identify this computer on the network:
1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Click System and Maintenance. The System and Maintenance window opens.
3 Click System, then click Change Settings in the Computer Name, Domain and
Workgroup settings area. The System Properties dialog box opens.
4 Click Change.
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. Use a workgroup name of up to
15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for all computers
in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any computer name on
your network.
7 Click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart Now.
47
After you have named your computer and workgroup, you need to set up the network connection
on your computer.
To connect to your wireless Ethernet network:
(Start), then click Network. The Network window opens.
1 Click
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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.
49
Wireless security
For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access point.
Help
For more information about wireless network security methods, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type
wireless network security methods in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Sharing resources
With a network, you can share your Internet connection, drives, and printers.
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
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2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to share, then click Share. The Properties dialog
box opens.
If you share a drive, the entire contents of that drive will be available to everyone on your
network. If you share a folder, only the contents of that folder will be available to everyone
on the network.
Click Share.
- OR If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive or folder.
1
2
3
4
Right-click the drive or folder that you want to un-share, then click Share.
Click Advanced Sharing, then click Share this folder (or drive) to uncheck the box.
Click Apply, then click OK.
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.
51
2 If no drives or folders are displayed, click the option bar under the menu bar, then click Turn
on network discover and file sharing.
3 Double-click the name of the computer containing the drive or folder you want to view. All
shared drives and folders are listed.
1 Locate the drive or folder by completing the steps in Viewing shared drives and folders
on page 52.
2 Right-click the drive or folder, then click Create Shortcut. A shortcut is created for the drive
or folder and the icon for the shortcut is placed on your desktop.
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
5
52
Browse to the network drive that contains the file you want to copy.
Browse to the file you want to copy.
Right-click the file, then click Copy.
Right-click the folder where you want to copy the file to, then click Paste.
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Bluetooth networking
You can use Bluetooth to communicate with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. These devices may
include printers, MP3 players, cellular telephones, and other computers. Bluetooth lets you transfer
information between these devices without the use of a USB or Firewire cable. To access a
Bluetooth-enabled device, you must install the device, then connect to the Bluetooth personal area
network.
Important
Your notebook may have a Bluetooth radio built-in. If you are using a desktop computer or if your notebook does
not have built-in Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter to connect to a USB port on your computer.
1
2
3
4
Click
2
3
4
5
6
Click
7 Under Bluetooth devices, click that device you want to connect to, then click Connect.
Help
For more information about Bluetooth, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type Bluetooth in the Search
Help box, then press ENTER.
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54
CHAPTER6
Protecting your computer
Hardware security
Data security
Security updates
55
Hardware security
Although you may be able to replace your computer with a call to your insurance agent, you cannot
replace the information stored on your computer. Take steps to prevent theft of your computer.
Data security
The second step in computer security is keeping your data safe and secure.
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.
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Using Norton Internet Security to check files and programs that are attached to e-mail
messages or downloaded from the Internet.
Making sure that the Windows Security Center is configured to provide you with the highest
level of protection.
Tip
For more information about modifying security settings, see Modifying security
settings on page 59.
Help
For more information about protecting your computer against viruses, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type viruses in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
57
2 On the left side of the window, click Scan Now. Norton Internet Security scans your computer
for viruses and spyware and removes any that it finds. When the scan is finished, a summary
of fixed problems appears.
2 Click
(Start), All Programs, Norton Internet Security, then click Norton Internet
Security. Norton Internet Security opens.
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3 On the left side of the window, click Run LiveUpdate. Your computer downloads and installs
the latest virus definitions.
Important
To update Norton Internet Security after the 60-day subscription period ends,
you must extend your subscription.
2 Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
59
3 Click:
Windows Update to run Windows Update or modify the Windows Update settings.
Windows Firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing the information on your
computer.
Windows Defender to scan your computer for malicious or unwanted software that
may have been placed on your computer either from an Internet Web site or from other
programs that you have installed.
Internet Options to prevent certain programs from running on your computer that
might be found on Web sites.
Help
For more information about Windows Security Center, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type security center in the Search Help box, then press
ENTER.
For more information about the Windows Security Center, click Get help about Security Center.
Security updates
To keep your computer secure, you need to keep Windows and your computers 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 computer secure.
To update Windows:
1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security.
2 Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
3 Click Windows Update. Windows checks the Microsoft web site to see if any updates are
available.
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4 Click:
Install Updates to download and install updates on your computer. These updates
2 Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
3 Click Windows Update.
4 Click Change Settings. The Change Settings dialog box opens.
BigFix
Your computer may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It
automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix
sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar
icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
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62
CHAPTER7
Customizing Windows
63
2 To change the color depth, click the Colors list, then click the color depth you want.
Low (8-bit) = 256 colors
Medium (16-bit) = 65,500 colors
Highest (32-bit) = 16,700,000 colors
3 To change the screen resolution, drag the Resolution slider to the size you prefer.
4 Click Apply. If the new settings do not look right, click No. If the new settings make the screen
illegible and you cannot click No, the settings return to their previous values after several
seconds.
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2 Click one of the color choices and adjust the Color intensity slider, then click OK. Your new
color settings are applied.
3 For even more color adjustment options, such as color schemes, shading effects, and screen
fonts, click
(Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click
Change the color scheme. Change the setting you want, then click OK.
1 Click
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.
65
You can use a screen saver to keep others from viewing your screen while you are away from your
computer. Windows supplies a variety of screen savers that you can choose from, and many more
are available from the Internet and as commercial products.
To select a screen saver:
(Start), Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, then click Change
screen saver. The Screen Saver Settings dialog box opens.
1 Click
2 Click the Screen saver list, then click the screen saver you want to use. An example of the
screen saver plays on the preview screen.
To change the settings for the screen saver, click Settings, change the settings, then
click OK.
Important
If the Settings button is not available, you cannot customize the screen saver
you selected.
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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.
Gadgets can include:
Clocks and timers
News feeds, weather forecasts, and stock tickers
Slide shows and puzzles
Calendars and contact lists
Sticky notes
To add a gadget:
1 Click the + at the top of the Sidebar, or right-click in an empty area of the Sidebar and click
Add Gadgets. The gadget selection window opens.
To configure a gadget:
1 In the Sidebar, right-click the gadget, then click Options. The gadgets configuration window
opens.
2 Make the changes you want, then click OK. Your changes are saved.
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If your computers video card supports additional monitors (it must have two video ports), you
can connect an additional monitor or projector to your computer.
You can use the second monitor or projector as a duplicate of the primary display, or as an
extension to roughly double the size of your Windows desktop. Use the additional desktop space
to accommodate additional windows.
To use a projector or additional monitor:
3 Plug the projectors or monitors power cord into an AC power outlet, then turn it on.
4 Turn on your computer. Windows recognizes the new hardware and searches for its driver.
You may need to install the driver from the disc supplied by the manufacturer or download
the driver from the manufacturers Web site.
6 Right-click the second monitor icon (labeled 2), click Attached, then click Apply.
7 Adjust properties such as Resolution or Color Quality if necessary.
Tip
To help identify your multiple monitors in the Display Settings dialog box, click
Identify Monitors. A large number appears on the screen of each monitor.
8 To use the second monitor or projector as a mirror (duplicate) of the primary monitor (both
monitors have the same content), click to deselect the check box for Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor.
69
9 To use the second monitor or projector as an extension of your desktop (increasing the size
of your Windows desktop), click to select the check box for Extend my Windows desktop
onto this monitor. You can click and drag the 2 monitor icon to position it the same way
the physical monitor is arranged on your desk.
10 Click OK.
1 Click
2 Click the Sound Scheme list, then click the sound scheme you want.
- OR Click an event in the Program list, then click the Sounds list and click the sound file you
want associated with the event. If you do not see the sound file in the Sounds list, click
Browse and find the file in the appropriate folder.
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You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and
other mouse settings.
To change your mouse settings:
Shortcut
Start Control Panel Hardware and Sound Mouse
1 Click
(Start), Control Panel, then under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse. The Mouse
Properties dialog box opens.
access to your computer, be sure to make that account limited. Remember that limited
accounts may not be able to install some older programs.
Files created in one account are not accessible from other accounts unless the files are stored
in the Shared Documents folder. The Shared Documents folder is accessible from all accounts
on that computer and from other computers on the network.
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To create a new account, click Create a new account, then follow the on-screen
For more information about user accounts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type user accounts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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.
Caution
If you click Log Off, any programs that were running may be closed, and
unsaved document changes may be lost.
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1 Click
(Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Power Options, click
Change power-saving settings. The Select a power plan dialog box opens.
3 To change a power plan, click Change plan settings, change the settings you want, then
click Save changes.
73
4 To change advanced power settings, click Change plan settings, Change advanced power
settings.
Power-down times for your hard drive, wireless network adapter, USB devices, and
processor
Power management settings for your display, processor, and expansion cards
Behavior of your computers power button
6 Click Save changes.
7 To create a new power plan, on the left side of the Select a power plan window click Create
a power plan, then follow the on-screen instructions.
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1 Click
2 In the Quick access to common tools section, click one of the following options to make
some of the most common accessibility changes to Windows:
Start Magnifier provides a close-up view of the area near your mouse pointer.
Start On-Screen Keyboard displays a keyboard on the screen. You can press keys on
75
Take Speech Tutorial helps you learn how to use speech recognition.
Train your computer to better understand you helps you create several voice
samples that your computer can use to better recognize the words you speak.
Open the Speech Reference Card lets you view and print a list of common voice
commands.
3 If you want to configure your computers settings for reading aloud on-screen text, click
Text to Speech on the left of the window.
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1 Click
2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for. The User Controls dialog box opens.
3 Click On, enforce current settings, then click Windows Vista Web Filter. The Web
Restrictions dialog box opens.
4 Specify the settings you want to use for this user, then click OK. The settings are saved.
77
1 Click
2 Click the user account to schedule for, then click Time limits. The Time Restrictions dialog
box opens.
3 Click inside the grid to set when the user can access the computer. Blocked hours are blue,
and allowed hours are white.
2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Games. The Game Controls dialog
box opens.
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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.
2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Games. The Game Controls dialog
box opens.
3 Click Block or Allow specific games. The Game Overrides dialog box opens.
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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 80.
1 Click
2 Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Allow and block specific
programs. The Application Restrictions dialog box opens.
3 Click [User name] can only use the programs I allow, click the checkbox for each program
you want to allow access to, then click OK.
Tip
Click Check All, then click to uncheck the checkboxes of the programs you
want to restrict access to.
2 Click the user account to create a report for, then click View activity reports. The activity
report is displayed.
The activity report includes such information as:
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Notices
Copyright 2007 Gateway, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
7565 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Trademark acknowledgments
Gateway and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered
trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names
mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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82
Index
A
CD
access point
setting up 47
using 46
accessibility
high contrast color scheme
74
Magnifier 74
Narrator 74
on-screen keyboard 74
settings 74
accessing
shared drives 52
shared files 52
shared folders 52
accounts
Internet 18
ISP 18
user 71
Windows user 56
adding
user accounts 71
address
e-mail 20
Web 19
AU file
playing 28
audio
playing 28
recording file 31
audio CD
adding tracks to library 33
editing track information 33
playing 29
AVI file
playing 28
E
Ease of Access Center 75
editing
music track information 33
e-mail
address 20
checking for messages 21
sending 20
using 18, 20
Ethernet network
See wired Ethernet network
See wireless Ethernet network
background
changing Windows 65
BigFix 61
Bluetooth network 53
installing device 53
installing printer 53
personal area network 53
D
Blu-ray Disc
deleting files and folders 6, 11, 16 F
playing 29
Fast Ethernet 42
desktop
broadband Internet connection
faxes
adding icon 8
18, 44, 47
canceling 25
adding shortcut 8
browser
receiving and viewing 25
adjusting settings 64
Web 18, 19
sending 21, 25
changing background 65
browsing for files and folders 13
sending from program 25
changing color scheme 65
sending scanned image 25
extending 69
setting up cover page
C
selecting screen saver 66
template 25
using
6
cable modem 18, 42, 44
83
Index
files
copying 10, 16
cutting 10
deleting 6, 11, 16
downloading 20
finding 12, 13
moving 10
opening 7
opening shared 52
pasting 10, 16
recovering 11
renaming 16
searching for 12, 13
sharing 51
un-sharing 51
viewing list 9
finding
files and folders 12, 13
Help and Support topics 2
folders
copying 10, 16
creating 10
cutting 10
deleting 6, 11, 16
finding 12, 13
moving 10
opening 9
pasting 10, 16
recovering 11
renaming 16
searching for 12, 13
sharing 51
un-sharing 51
viewing list 9
G
gadgets
adding 67
changing 67
configuring 67
configuring Sidebar 68
using control panel 68
game access
restricting 78
Gateway
contact information 3
model number 3
serial number 3
Web address 2
Web site 2
Gigabit Ethernet 42
H
HD-DVD
playing 29
help
Media Center 3
84
online 3
using 2
Help and Support 2
searching 2
hyperlinks 19
sending e-mail 20
MIDI file
playing 28
minimize button 9
model number 3
modem
I
cable 18, 42, 44
dial-up 18
Internet
DSL 18, 42, 44
account 18
connecting to 19
monitor
downloading files 20
color quality 69
filtering 77
controls 64
requirements to access 18
screen resolution 69
using 18
setting up multiple 69
using screen saver 66
Internet Explorer 18
Internet service provider (ISP) 18 mouse
changing settings 71
connecting to 19
using Magnifier 74
disconnecting from 18
setting up account 18
moving
files 10
IP address 42
folders 10
entering 48
MP3 file
ISP
creating 32
See Internet service provider
editing track information 33
playing 28
K
MPEG file
Kensington lock slot 56
See MP3 file
keyboard
multimedia
on-screen 74
playing audio CD 29
shortcuts 16
playing DVD 29
recording audio 31
L
using Windows Media Player
labels
28
model number 3
music library
serial number 3
building 33
LAN 42
editing 33
LCD panel
music tracks
using screen saver 66
copying 32
links 19
local area network (LAN) 42
N
lock slot
name
Kensington 56
computer 47
workgroup 47
M
naming
computers 47
maintenance
workgroup 47
virus protection 57
Narrator 74
mapping network drives 52
network
maximize button 9
Bluetooth 53
Media Center
testing
50
See Windows Media Center
using 52
Media Player
wired Ethernet 42
See Windows Media Player
wireless Ethernet 45
menu bar 9
Norton Internet Security
messages
scanning for viruses 58
checking e-mail 21
starting 58
www.gateway.com
updating 58
O
online help 2, 3
opening
documents 14
files 7
files across network 52
folders 9
programs 7
optical disc
creating data 37
playing 29
Outlook 18
Outlook Express 18
opening 7
restricting 80
projector
color quality 69
connecting 69
screen resolution 69
R
recording
audio file 31
CD tracks 32
recovering files and folders 11
Recycle Bin 6
deleting files and folders 11
emptying 12
recovering files and folders
11
remote control
PAN 42
Windows Media Center 40
parental controls
removing
files and folders 6, 11,
activity reports 80
12, 16
blocking specific games 79
renaming files and folders 16
game ratings 78
resolution
Internet filtering 77
changing screen 64
restricting game access 79
restricting games 78
restoring files and folders 11
restricting programs 80
router
scheduling computer use 78
configuring 48
scheduling Internet access 78
example network 42
setting up 76
setting up 44, 45
time limits,setting 78
using 42
password
hard drive 56
S
startup 56
saving
pasting
documents 14
files and folders 10, 16
scheduling
text and graphics 16
computer use 78
personal area network (PAN) 42
screen
playing
adjusting settings 64
audio CD 29
resolution 69
audio file 28
saver 66
multimedia files 28
screen
saver
music CD 29
66
changing
video files 28
Search
utility
12
Windows Media Player file 28
searching
power
for files and folders 12, 13
changing plans 73
in Help and Support 2
plans 73
security
schemes 73
BigFix 61
printer
data 56
adding Bluetooth 53
hardware 56
sharing 51
lock slot 56
printing
Norton Internet Security 57
documents 15
password 56
files across network 53
user accounts 56
programs
virus protection 57
closing 16
Windows Security Center 59
Windows Update 60
wireless Ethernet 50
serial number 3
Shared Documents folder 71
sharing
drives 51
folders 51
printer 51
shortcuts
adding to desktop 8
closing programs 16
closing windows 16
copying 16
deleting files and folders 16
keyboard 16
pasting 16
renaming files and folders 16
selecting adjacent items in
list 16
selecting items in list 16
switching between files,
folders, or programs
16
Sidebar
configuring 68
gadgets 68
software
See programs
sound
changing system 70
scheme 70
Sound Recorder
recording audio 31
speech recognition 76
Start button 6
Start menu 7
starting programs 7
subnet mask 42
entering 48
support
using 2
system identification label 3
T
taskbar 6
TCP/IP protocol
configuring 48
telephone
canceling fax 25
installing Windows Fax and
Scan 21
receiving and viewing faxes
25
sending fax 25
sending fax from program 25
sending scanned image fax
85
Index
25
U
un-sharing
drives 51
folders 51
updating
device drivers 2
Norton Internet Security 58
Windows 60
user accounts
adding in Windows 71
deleting 71
switching in Windows 71
V
VGA port 69
video
playing 28
viewing
shared drives 52
shared folders 52
virus
protecting against 57
removing 57
voice recognition 76
W
WAN 42
WAV file
playing 28
Web browser 18, 19
Web page 19
Web site 19
connecting to 19
downloading files 20
Gateway 2
wide area network (WAN) 42
window 8
changing colors 65
close button 9
closing 9, 16
maximize button 9
menu bar 9
minimize button 9
title bar 8
Windows
changing background 65
86
clipboard 10
Search utility 12
user accounts 56
Windows Fax and Scan 21
Windows Media Center 38
help 3
starting 38
Windows Media Player
building music library 33
creating MP3 32
creating music files 32
creating WMA files 32
editing tack information 33
playing audio CD 29
playing audio file 28
viewing video file 28
Windows Security Center
icon 6
using 57
Windows Update 60
wired Ethernet network 42
equipment needed 43
example 42
installing cards 44
installing drivers 44
setting up 44
wireless Ethernet network 45
connecting to 48
equipment needed 46
installing cards 47
installing drivers 47
security 50
setting up 47
WMA file
creating 32
editing track information 33
playing 28
Wordpad 13
workgroup
naming 47
World Wide Web (WWW) 19
downloading files 20