Desktop PC Users Guide 8512780
Desktop PC Users Guide 8512780
Desktop PC Users Guide 8512780
Desktop PC
User Guide
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Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using the eMachines Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting eMachines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting help for Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
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Contents
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Contents
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Chapter 1
Getting Help
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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.
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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 eMachines
The label on your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number.
eMachines Customer Care will need this information if you call for help.
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Chapter 2
Using Windows
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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.
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 program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.
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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 icon, the programs, files, and subfolders appear.
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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
Title bar
Maximize
Menu bar
Minimize
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Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls.
Most windows include these items:
The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows
the window title.
Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an action such as Print or Save.
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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 documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that you keep on your
computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.
Folders
Files
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To create a folder:
Shortcut
Click File ➧ New ➧ Folder ➧ type name
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 10 and “Searching for files” on page 13.
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.
3 Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
4 Open the destination folder.
5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.
Help
For more information about copying files and folders or moving files or
folders, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type copying files and
folders or moving files and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the 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.
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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.
3 Type a new file name in the File name box.
4 Click Save.
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Help
For more information about saving documents, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type saving in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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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.
2 Click File, then click Open.
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.
2 Start the program and open the document.
3 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
4 Set the print options, then click Print. The document prints.
Help
For more information about printing documents, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type printing in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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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.
To... Do this...
Copy a file, folder, text, or Click the item, then press CTRL + C.
graphic
Paste a file, folder, text, or Click inside the folder or window where you
graphic want to paste the object, then press CTRL + V.
Select multiple items in a Click the first item, press and hold down the
list or window CTRL key, then click each of the remaining
items.
Select multiple adjacent Click the first item in the list, press and hold
items in a list or window down the SHIFT key, then click the last item in
the list.
Rename a file or folder Click the file or folder, press F2, type the new
name, then press ENTER.
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Chapter 3
Using the Internet and Faxing
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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.
- OR -
On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.
Help
For more information about connecting to a Web site, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type connecting to a Web site in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER.
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 59.
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 10.
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.
6 Open the folder that you created.
7 Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the instructions
provided on the Web site to run or install the program.
Help
For more information about downloading files, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type downloading files in the Search Help box, then click ENTER.
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:
jdoe@hotmail.com
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.
Tip
To protect your computer from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using
antivirus software. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from
viruses” on page 59.
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:
1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
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.
13 Click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.
14 Enter, scan, or attach the fax information you want to send, then click Send.
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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.
4 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.
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:
1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
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.
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Chapter 4
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.
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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.
1 Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in and that the
volume is turned up.
2 Insert an optical disc into the optical disc drive.
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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.
If Windows Media Player does not open automatically, click (Start), All Programs, then
click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.
Playlist
Video screen
Playback controls
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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 computer’s Reference Guide.
2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Sound Recorder. The
Sound Recorder opens.
3 Click Start Recording, then speak or make other sounds into the microphone.
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4 When you finish recording, click Stop Recording. The Save As dialog box opens.
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 computer’s 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, click Format, then click Windows Media Audio or mp3 to select
the format you want for your music files.
3 Insert a music CD into your optical disc drive.
4 Click the Rip tab. The Rip screen opens.
5 Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record, then click Start Rip.
Windows Media Player records the tracks to your hard drive. A progress bar appears next
to each track as it is recorded.
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 Internet—When you are connected to the Internet, WMA and MP3
files that you download are automatically added to your music library.
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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3 Click the Burn tab, then click and drag songs that you want to burn to CD from the Library
to the Burn List.
4 Click Start Burn. The music is recorded onto the blank CD.
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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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2 Click Burn files to disc. The Prepare this blank disc dialog box opens.
3 Type the title of the disc, then click Show formatting options.
4 Click Mastered, then click Next. An empty folder opens.
5 Open the folder that contains the files you want to burn to disc, then click and drag the files
to the empty disc folder.
6 Click Burn to disc. The files are burned to the disc.
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2 For the easiest setup, click Express setup, then click OK. The Windows Media Center’s 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).
• Online Media lets you play online games.
• Tasks lets you set up your display and media types, shut down or restart your computer,
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 X in the upper-right corner of the screen.
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Shortcut buttons
Transport buttons
Button(s) Functions
Shortcut buttons Give you direct access to Media Center features.
Audio/Video (A/V) control Lets you control volume levels, volume mute, channel selections, and the
buttons movie menu.
Numeric keypad/data entry Lets you enter numbers and characters from the remote control.
buttons
Power button Puts the Media Center computer in Sleep mode (reduced power).
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.
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Chapter 5
Networking Your Computer
• Introduction to Networking
• Ethernet networking
• Bluetooth networking
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Introduction to Networking
Networking terms you should know
DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP address
to a computer on the network.
IP address—Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the
network.
LAN—A 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.
PAN—A 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 mask—Subnet 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.
WAN—A 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 router’s
documentation.
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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.
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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.
After you have named your computer and workgroup, you need to set up the network connection
on your computer.
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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.
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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.
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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
Sharing drives or folders
To share drives or folders:
1 Click (Start), then click Computer.
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.
3 Click the Sharing tab.
Click Share.
- OR -
If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive or folder.
4 Click OK, then click Close.
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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.
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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.
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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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Chapter 6
Protecting your computer
• Hardware security
• Data security
• Security updates
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 computer’s 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
include security updates.
• Install Extras to download additional Windows software for your computer.
Help
For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type Windows update in the Search box, then press
ENTER.
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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Chapter 7
Customizing Windows
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Chapter 7:
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.
5 Click OK, then click Yes to save your changes.
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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.
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.
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Chapter 7:
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:
1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, then click Change
screen saver. The Screen Saver Settings dialog box opens.
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 gadget’s configuration window
opens.
2 Make the changes you want, then click OK. Your changes are saved.
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If your computer’s 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:
1 Turn off your computer.
2 Plug the projector or monitor cable into the secondary monitor port on your computer. For
the location of the monitor port on your computer, see the setup poster or your Reference
Guide.
3 Plug the projector’s or monitor’s 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 manufacturer’s Web site.
5 After the driver is installed, click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and
Personalization, Personalization, then click Display Settings. The Display Settings dialog
box opens.
Shortcut
Right-click an empty space on the desktop ➧ Personalize ➧
Display Settings.
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.
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Chapter 7:
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.
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.
3 To test a sound you have selected, click Test.
4 Click OK to save your changes.
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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.
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Chapter 7:
• To create a new account, click Create a new account, then follow the on-screen
instructions to finish the setup.
• To change an account, click the account name, then click the option you want to change.
• To delete an account, click the account name, then click Delete the account and confirm
the deletion of related files. The account is deleted. (You cannot delete the administrator
account.)
Help
For more information about user accounts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type user accounts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
• 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.
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Chapter 7:
4 To change advanced power settings, click Change plan settings, Change advanced power
settings.
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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
the on-screen keyboard by clicking them with your mouse.
• Start Narrator reads on-screen text and describes graphics.
• Set up High Contrast changes the Windows color scheme to use high-contrast colors.
You can also use the Ease of Access Center to:
• Use the computer without a display, mouse, or keyboard
• Make the computer display easier to see
• Make the mouse and keyboard easier to use
• Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
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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.
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Chapter 7:
3 Click inside the grid to set when the user can access the computer. Blocked hours are blue,
and allowed hours are white.
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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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Chapter 7:
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 82.
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.
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Notices
Copyright © 2007 Gateway, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
7565 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Trademark acknowledgments
Gateway, eMachines, 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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Chapter 7:
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Index
A CD using Start menu 7
access point adding tracks to library 35 DHCP 44, 50
setting up 49 creating audio 36 disconnecting from Internet 20
using 48 creating data 39
editing track information 35 display
accessibility playing music 31 using screen saver 68
high contrast color scheme documentation
77
clipboard 11
eMachines Web site 2
Magnifier 77 close button 9 help 2
Narrator 77 closing Help and Support 2
on-screen keyboard 77 program 9, 17 online help 3
settings 77 window 9, 17 documents
accessing color creating 15
shared drives 54 changing scheme 67 opening 16
shared files 54 depth 66 printing 16
shared folders 54 high contrast scheme 77 saving 15
accounts computers downloading files 22
Internet 20 naming 49 drivers
ISP 20 configuring updating 2
user 73 router 50 drives
Windows user 58 TCP/IP protocol 50 mapping network 54
adding connecting sharing 53
user accounts 73 to Internet 21 un-sharing 53
address to Web site 21 viewing contents 10
e-mail 22 connections viewing files and folders 10
Web 21 monitor (VGA) 71 DSL modem 20, 44, 46
AU file projector 71 DVD
playing 30 VGA 71 creating data 39
audio copying creating video 37
playing 30 files across network 55 playing 31
recording file 33 files and folders 11, 17 Dynamic Host Configuration
audio CD text and graphics 17 Protocol 50
adding tracks to library 35 creating
editing track information 35 data disc 39 E
playing 31 desktop icon 8
desktop shortcut 8 Ease of Access Center 77
AVI file
playing 30 document 15 editing
folder 10 music track information 35
B MP3 file 34 eMachines
music file 34 contact information 3
background video DVD 37 Web address 2
changing Windows 67 WMA file 34 Web site 2
BigFix 63 customizing 65 e-mail
Bluetooth network 55 cutting address 22
installing device 55 files and folders 11 checking for messages 23
installing printer 55 sending 22
personal area network 55 D using 20, 22
Blu-ray Disc
playing 31 deleting files and folders 6, 12, 17 Ethernet network
See wired Ethernet network
broadband Internet connection desktop See wireless Ethernet network
20, 46, 49
adding icon 8
adding shortcut 8
browser adjusting settings 66 F
Web 20, 21 changing background 67 Fast Ethernet 44
browsing for files and folders 14 changing color scheme 67 faxes
extending 71 canceling 27
C selecting screen saver 68 receiving and viewing 27
cable modem 20, 44, 46 using 6 sending 23, 27
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Index
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Index
27 minimize button 9
sending fax 27 title bar 9
sending fax from program 27 Windows
sending scanned image fax changing background 67
27 clipboard 11
setting up fax cover page Search utility 13
template 27 user accounts 58
testing network 52 Windows DVD Maker 37
text to speech 78 Windows Fax and Scan 23
title bar 9 Windows Media Center 40
transferring help 3
files from Internet 22 starting 40
Windows Media Player
U building music library 35
un-sharing creating MP3 34
drives 53 creating music files 34
folders 53 creating WMA files 34
updating editing tack information 35
device drivers 2 playing audio CD 31
Norton Internet Security 60 playing audio file 30
Windows 62 playing Blu-ray Disc 31
playing DVD 31
user accounts playing HD-DVD 31
adding in Windows 73 playing optical disc 31
deleting 73 viewing video file 30
switching in Windows 73
Windows Security Center
icon 6
V using 59
VGA port 71 Windows Update 62
video wired Ethernet network 44
playing 30 equipment needed 45
viewing example 44
shared drives 54 installing cards 46
shared folders 54 installing drivers 46
virus setting up 46
protecting against 59 wireless Ethernet network 47
removing 59 connecting to 50
voice recognition 78 equipment needed 48
installing cards 49
W installing drivers 49
security 52
WAN 44 setting up 49
WAV file WMA file
playing 30 creating 34
Web browser 20, 21 editing track information 35
Web page 21 playing 30
Web site 21 Wordpad 15
connecting to 21 workgroup
downloading files 22 naming 49
eMachines 2 World Wide Web (WWW) 21
wide area network (WAN) 44 downloading files 22
window 8
changing colors 67
close button 9
closing 9, 17
maximize button 9
menu bar 9
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