Getting Started

    This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway computer. Read this chapter to find out:

How to use your computer safely
How to start and turn off your computer
How to use the keyboard
How to use the mouse

Working safely

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

Reducing eye strain

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

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

Setting up your computer desk and chair

    When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
Adjust the height of the computer desk so that your hands and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.
Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.
Adjust the back of the chair so that it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

Set up the monitor so that the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor controls are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.
Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to reach them without stretching.
Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.

Sitting at your computer

Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

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

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

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

    2. Turn on the monitor.

    3. Turn on the computer.

    4. Turn on any peripheral devices, such as speakers, printers, or scanners.

    5. If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your computer.

       

Turning off your computer

To turn off your computer in Windows XP:

    1. Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.

    2. Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

    Important

    If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.

         

    To turn off your computer in Windows 2000:

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

      2. Click the arrow button to open the What do you want the computer to do list, then click Shut down.

      3. Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

      Important

      If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.

           

      Protecting from power source problems

        During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.

        Warning

        High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

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

        Millennium keyboard

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

        Press these keys... To...
        Function keys

        Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. Refer to the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.

        Additional keys

        Move the cursor up the page, down the page, to the beginning (home) of a document, or to the end of a document.

        Indicator lights

        Show if your Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

        Windows keys

        Open the Windows Start menu.

        Application key

        Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.

        Directional keys

        Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

        Numeric keypad

        Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad (Num Lock) is turned on.

        Special-function buttons

        Special-function buttons Icons Press to...

        Previous

        Return to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.

        Play/Pause

        Start or pause the play of the CD or DVD.

        Stop

        Stop the play of CD or DVD.

        Next

        Move to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.

        Volume down

        Decrease the volume.

        Volume up

        Increase the volume.

        Mute

        Turn off all sound.

        Shortcut

        Open the program you assign to this button (by default it is set to open the My Documents folder). For instructions on how to customize this programmable button, see Customizing the Millennium keyboard.

        Shopping cart

        Open an Internet shopping site. You can customize this button to open another program. For instructions, see Customizing the Millennium keyboard.

        E-mail

        Open your e-mail program. You can customize this button to open another program. For instructions, see Customizing the Millennium keyboard.

        Help

        Open online help. You can customize this button to open another program. For instructions, see Customizing the Millennium keyboard.

        Internet

        Open your Web browser. You can customize this button to open another program. For instructions, see Customizing the Millennium keyboard.

        Mouse

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

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

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

          You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs.

        Using the mouse

        To... Do this...

        Move the pointer on the screen

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

        Select an object on the screen

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

        Start a program or open a file or folder

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

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

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

        Move an object on the screen.

        Position the pointer over the object. Press the left mouse button and hold it down. Move (drag) the object to the appropriate part of the screen. Release the button to drop the object where you want it.

          For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see Changing the mouse settings.