eMachines eMachine 3 User Manual

Gateway desktop pc user guide

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Page 1 Desktop PC User Guide...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Chapter 1: Getting Help ......... . 1 Thank you for purchasing our computer! .
Page 4 Playing audio and video files ........30 Playing optical discs .
Page 5 www.emachines.com Setting up multiple monitors ........71 Changing system sounds .
Page 6 Contents...
Page 7: Chapter 1: Getting Help
• Using the eMachines Web site • Using Help and Support • Using online help Chapter 1 Getting Help...
Page 8: Thank You For Purchasing Our Computer
Thank you for purchasing our computer! You have made an excellent decision choosing eMachines. We are sure that you will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer. Each and every eMachines computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.
Page 9: Contacting Emachines
Type a word or phrase in the Search Help box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then press E For each search, you receive a list of suggested topics. To find the answer, click the result that most closely matches your question.
Page 10 Chapter 1: Getting Help...
Page 11: Chapter 2: Using Windows
• Using the Windows desktop • Working with files and folders • Searching for files • Working with documents • Shortcuts Chapter 2 Using Windows...
Page 12: Using The Windows Desktop
Using the Windows desktop After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks. Help For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Page 13: Using The Start Menu
Using the Start menu Help For more information about the Windows Start menu, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type Windows Start menu in the Search Help box, then press E You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders, and more using the Start menu.
Page 14: Adding Icons To The Desktop
Adding icons to the desktop Help For more information about the desktop icons, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type desktop icons in the Search Help box, then press E 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)
Page 15 www.emachines.com Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls. Most windows include these items: Window item 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.
Page 16: Working With Files And Folders
Working with files and folders You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like you would store information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders and copy, move, and delete the information just as you would reorganize and throw away information in a file cabinet. Viewing drives Help For more information about files and folders, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Page 17: Copying And Moving Files And Folders
To create a folder: Shortcut Click File New Folder type name Click Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. Typically, Local Disk (C:) is your hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) is your diskette drive (if installed). If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click the existing folder.
Page 18: Deleting Files And Folders
With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click. Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and is removed from its old location. Deleting files and folders When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file cabinet and put them in a trash can.
Page 19: Searching For Files
To empty the Recycle Bin: Caution Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens. Click Empty the Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty the bin.
Page 20: Browsing For Files And Folders
Using advanced search options Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your search by selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the: • Name or part of a name • Creation date •...
Page 21: Working With Documents
Working with documents Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a document apply to most of these types of files. The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document using Microsoft WordPad.
Page 22: Opening A Document
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: Start the program. Click File, then click Open. Click Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder you want to open.
Page 23: Shortcuts
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 E The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and almost all programs that run in Windows.
Page 24 Chapter 2: Using Windows...
Page 25: Chapter 3: Using The Internet And Faxing
Using the Internet and Faxing • Learning about the Internet • Setting up an Internet account • Using the World Wide Web • Using e-mail • Using Windows Fax and Scan • Sending a fax • Receiving and viewing a fax Chapter 3...
Page 26: Learning About The Internet
Learning about the Internet The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).
Page 27: Accessing Your Internet Account
Accessing your Internet account Help For general information about using Internet accounts, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type ISP in the Search Help box, then press E The method you use to access your Internet account varies from ISP to ISP. Contact your ISP for the correct procedure.
Page 28: Downloading Files
Downloading files Caution To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you download. For more information, see 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: Connect to your Internet account.
Page 29: Checking Your E-Mail
Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box. Type the e-mail message. Most e-mail programs let you attach files, such as photographs, to your e-mail. For more information, see the help for your e-mail program. When finished, click Send. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to the e-mail address you specified.
Page 30 If you have never sent a fax on this computer before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The Fax Setup window opens. Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a modem name screen opens. Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next.
Page 31 www.emachines.com 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. Type your information in the spaces provided, then click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens. To enter optional dialing rule information, click Dialing Rule and select a rule from the menu.
Page 32: Setting Up Your Cover Page Template
Highlight your location, then click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box opens. Complete the location information, then click OK. You are returned to the Dialing Rules dialog box. Click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens. Enter, scan, or attach the fax information you want to send, then click Send. Setting up your cover page template You can create your own cover page template that you can use in place of the cover page templates that Windows Fax and Scan provides for you.
Page 33: Faxing A Scanned Document Or From Programs
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.
Page 34: Receiving And Viewing A Fax
Click Delete to cancel the fax. Click Yes. Receiving and viewing a fax To receive and view a fax: Click opens. If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window. To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view.
Page 35: Chapter 4: Playing And Creating Media Files
Playing and Creating • Playing music and movies • Creating audio files and music libraries • Creating music CDs and video DVDs • Creating and copying data discs • Using Windows Media Center Chapter 4 Media Files...
Page 36: Playing Music And Movies
Playing music and movies Playing audio and video files Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files, including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, and MPEG formats. For more information about using Windows Media Player, click Help. To play a file using Windows Media Player: Shortcut Start Computer find the file double-click the file...
Page 37: Playing Optical Discs
Click one of the following to control playback: • Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist. • Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end. • Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning. •...
Page 38 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 click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens. If the disc is not already playing, click (Start), All Programs, then Playback controls...
Page 39: Creating Audio Files And Music Libraries
Click one of the following to control playback: • Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files on the disc. • Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end. • Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning. •...
Page 40 When you finish recording, click 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. Creating WMA and MP3 music files Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You cannot copy tracks from copy-protected CDs.
Page 41: Building A Music Library
Building a music library Use Windows Media Player to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks (individual MP3 or WMA audio files) by categories, find a track quickly by sorting, and add information to a music file. You can add music tracks to your music library by: •...
Page 42: Creating Music Cds And Video Dvds
Creating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a music CD Important We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating CDs or DVDs. If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright owner.
Page 43: Creating A Video Dvd
Creating a video DVD Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can create video DVDs using Windows DVD Maker. To create a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker: Important We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating CDs or DVDs.
Page 44 Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens. 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.
Page 45: Creating And Copying Data Discs
Click any of the following options to customize your video disc: • Preview shows how your DVD’s opening menu will look using the current settings. • Menu text changes the disc title, font, and button names. • Customize menu changes the menu fonts, background and foreground videos, audio track, and button styles.
Page 46: Using Windows Media Center
Using Windows Media Center If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can use Windows Media Center to watch TV, videos, and movies, listen to music, and view photos. Media Center is a simplified, streamlined interface that is ideally suited for playing and managing media files.
Page 47 www.emachines.com 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). •...
Page 48: Using The Media Center Remote Control
Using the Media Center remote control With Media Center mode active, you can use the optional remote control to play all of your media files from across the room. (The remote control, if included with your computer, may look different from that shown below.) Audio/Video (A/V) control buttons Numeric keypad/data entry buttons...
Page 49: Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer
Networking Your Computer • Introduction to Networking • Ethernet networking • Bluetooth networking Chapter 5...
Page 50: Introduction To Networking
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.
Page 51 www.emachines.com 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 Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network Important For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000).
Page 52 Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection works Important If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the installation the line will be activated. Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP.
Page 53: Wireless Ethernet Networking
In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect to the network. To set up a network using a router: Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet.
Page 54: Wireless Ethernet Standards
• Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your network. • Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP encryption. For a wireless Ethernet network you need: • Your Gateway computer with wireless networking installed • A broadband Internet connection (optional) •...
Page 55: Establishing Your Ethernet Network Connection
Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer: Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. Click System and Maintenance, then click System. Click Device Manager from the task list on the left.
Page 56 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.
Page 57 www.emachines.com To connect to your wireless Ethernet network: Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens. Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window opens. Click Connect to a network on the left of the window. The Connect to a network dialog box opens.
Page 58: Testing Your Network
Click a network, then click Connect. If you can see the network name, but you cannot connect to it, your network is using security. Right-click on the network, then click Properties. Modify the security settings to match the settings you set on your access point. Wireless security For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access point.
Page 59 www.emachines.com 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 •...
Page 60: Using The Network
Sharing printers To share printers: Click Under Hardware and Sound, click Printer The Printers window opens. Right-click the name and icon of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing on the menu. On the Sharing tab, click Share this printer, then click OK. Using the network After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can: •...
Page 61: Bluetooth Networking
Copying files across the network To copy files across the network: Click 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. Printing files across the network Important Before you can print a file across the network, you must install the driver for the printer on the computer you are...
Page 62 Under Personal Area Network, click Bluetooth Network Connection. On the toolbar, click View Bluetooth network devices. The Bluetooth Personal Area Network Devices dialog box opens. 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.
Page 63: Chapter 6: Protecting Your Computer
Protecting your computer • Hardware security • Data security • Security updates Chapter 6...
Page 64: Hardware Security
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. Kensington lock slot The first step in computer security is preventing your computer from being stolen. Attach a cable lock to the Kensington lock slot on your computer, then wrap the lock’s cable around the leg of a desk or table.
Page 65: Protecting Your Computer From Viruses
Protecting your computer from viruses A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because they are activated on a certain date. Protect your computer from a virus by: •...
Page 66 Removing viruses and spyware To scan for and remove viruses and spyware: Click Security. Norton Internet Security opens. 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.
Page 67: Using Windows Security Center
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. Using Windows Security Center Windows Security Center helps protect your computer through: •...
Page 68: Security Updates
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.
Page 69: Bigfix
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 click Help and Support. Type Windows update in the Search box, then press NTER Scheduling automatic updates Use the Windows Security Center to schedule automatic updates.
Page 70 Chapter 6: Protecting your computer...
Page 71: Chapter 7: Customizing Windows
Customizing Windows • Changing screen settings • Changing system sounds • Changing mouse settings • Adding and modifying user accounts • Changing power-saving settings • Changing accessibility settings • Setting up parental controls Chapter 7...
Page 72: Changing Screen Settings
Changing screen settings Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display settings you may need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen background and screen saver. Changing color depth and screen resolution Color depth and screen resolution are two of the most basic monitor settings you may need to change to suit your needs.
Page 73: Changing The Appearance Of Windows And Backgrounds
Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds You can change the appearance of Windows desktop items, such as the colors of windows and dialog boxes and the color and design of the desktop background. To change window colors and effects: Click Customize colors.
Page 74: Selecting A Screen Saver
Selecting a screen saver Caution If you are using a monitor (not a flat-panel display), an image may get burned in on your monitor screen if you leave your computer on for long periods of time without using it. You should use a screen saver which constantly changes its image to avoid this damage. Flat panel displays cannot be damaged with image burn-in.
Page 75: Changing Gadgets
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.
Page 76 Using a gadget’s control panel Some gadgets have built-in control panels that you can use to control their behavior. To use a gadget’s control panel: In the Sidebar, hold the mouse pointer over the gadget. The gadget’s built-in control panel appears on the gadget.
Page 77: Setting Up Multiple Monitors
Setting up multiple monitors Important The dialog boxes shown in this section are for demonstrative purposes only and may not represent the screens on your computer. 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.
Page 78: Changing System Sounds
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.
Page 79: Changing Mouse Settings
Changing mouse settings Help For more information about mouse settings, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type mouse settings in the Search Help box, then press E You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and other mouse settings.
Page 80 To add, delete, or modify user accounts: Click or remove user accounts. • 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. •...
Page 81: Changing Power-Saving Settings
Changing power-saving settings Changing the power plan Power plans (groups of power settings) let you change power saving options such as when the monitor or hard drive is automatically turned off. You can select one of the defined power plans or create a custom power plan.
Page 82 To change advanced power settings, click Change plan settings, Change advanced power settings. Change the settings you want, then click OK. You can change: • Power-down times for your hard drive, wireless network adapter, USB devices, and processor • Power management settings for your display, processor, and expansion cards •...
Page 83: Changing Accessibility Settings
Changing accessibility settings Your computer can be a powerful tool, but it may be less useful to you if items on the screen are difficult to see, or if the mouse is difficult to control. Windows has several tools that help you use it more easily.
Page 84: Using Voice Recognition
Using voice recognition You can attach a microphone to your computer and configure Windows to create typed text from your voice. To set up voice recognition: Click The Speech Recognition Options window opens. Click one of the following settings to start setting up speech recognition: •...
Page 85: Filtering Internet Access
Filtering Internet access You can specify the type of Internet content that can be accessed by a user. To set up Internet filtering: Click up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. Click the user account to set up restrictions for. The User Controls dialog box opens. Click On, enforce current settings, then click Windows Vista Web Filter.
Page 86: Scheduling Computer And Internet Use
Scheduling computer and Internet use To schedule the times a user can access the Internet: Click up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. Click the user account to schedule for, then click Time limits. The Time Restrictions dialog box opens.
Page 87 www.emachines.com Click Set game ratings. The Game Restrictions dialog box opens. Click the level of games you want allowed, then click OK. The settings are saved. To restrict specific games: Click (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Set up parental controls for any user.
Page 88: Restricting Specific Programs
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 To restrict specific programs: Click up parental controls for any user. The Parental Controls dialog box opens. Click the user account to set up restrictions for, then click Allow and block specific programs.
Page 89: Notices
Gateway is not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com. In no event will Gateway be liable for direct, indirect, special, exemplary, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Page 90 Chapter 7:...
Page 91 Index access point setting up using accessibility high contrast color scheme Magnifier Narrator on-screen keyboard settings accessing shared drives shared files shared folders accounts Internet user Windows user adding user accounts address e-mail AU file playing audio playing recording file audio CD adding tracks to library editing track information...
Page 92 Sidebar using control panel game access restricting Gateway model number serial number Gigabit Ethernet HD-DVD playing help Media Center online using Help and Support starting hyperlinks Internet...
Page 93 starting updating online help opening documents files files across network folders programs optical disc creating data playing Outlook Outlook Express parental controls activity reports blocking specific games game ratings Internet filtering restricting game access restricting programs scheduling computer use scheduling Internet access setting up time limits,setting password...
Page 94 sending fax sending fax from program sending scanned image fax setting up fax cover page template testing network text to speech title bar transferring files from Internet un-sharing drives folders updating device drivers Norton Internet Security Windows user accounts adding in Windows deleting switching in Windows VGA port...
Page 96 MAN ECOOPER USR GDE R2 10/07...

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eMachines eMachine 3 User Manual

Chapter 1: Getting Help

Chapter 2: Using Windows

Chapter 3: Using the Internet and Faxing

Chapter 4: Playing and Creating Media Files

Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer

Chapter 6: Protecting Your Computer

Chapter 7: Customizing Windows