Solo9550.book Page 89 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Setting up an Internet account Setting up an Internet account Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set up an Internet account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have chosen America Online as an ISP, follow these instructions to set up and connect to your account. To establish a different ISP service, or to transfer an existing account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.
Solo9550.book Page 90 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 6: Using the Internet Accessing your Internet account HelpSpot For more information on accessing your Internet account, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To connect to your America Online Internet account: 1 Double-click the America Online Included icon. The Connect dialog box opens. 2 Complete the member name and password information, then click Connect. The computer dials the Internet account telephone number.
Solo9550.book Page 91 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using the World Wide Web Using the World Wide Web The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions of information sources. Information on the Web comes to you on Web pages, which are electronic documents that you view using a Web page display program called a browser. You can use any of the commercially available Web browsers, like Microsoft Internet Explorer, which comes installed on your new computer.
Solo9550.book Page 92 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 6: Using the Internet Connecting to a Web site After you set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as America Online, you can access the many information sources on the World Wide Web. HelpSpot For more information on connecting to a Web site, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To connect to a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account.
Solo9550.book Page 93 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using the World Wide Web Downloading files Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your computer. 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 219. HelpSpot For more information on downloading files, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Solo9550.book Page 94 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 6: Using the Internet 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.
Solo9550.book Page 95 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using e-mail Checking your e-mail HelpSpot For more information on checking your e-mail, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To check your e-mail using America Online: 1 2 Connect to your America Online account. Click Read. For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages, see the online help in your e-mail program. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 96 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 6: Using the Internet 96 www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 97 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using Multimedia 7 This chapter provides information on using the multimedia capabilities of your notebook. Read this chapter to learn how to: ■ Use the diskette drive ■ Use the CD/DVD drive ■ Play CDs and DVDs ■ Use Audio DJ (Solo 9550 only) ■ Record and play audio files ■ Use Windows Media Player ■ Use MusicMatch ■ View the display on a television ■ Capture video using the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 98 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Using drives This section explains how to use the diskette, CD, and DVD drives. Using diskettes The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer. Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields. Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.
Solo9550.book Page 99 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using drives Using the CD/DVD drive You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features, such as making recordings, listening to audio CDs, and watching DVD movies. CD/DVD tray Activity light Eject button Manual eject hole To insert a CD/DVD: 1 Press the eject button on the CD/DVD drive, then pull the disc tray completely open.
Solo9550.book Page 100 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550 You can play CDs on your Solo 9550 without turning on the notebook. You control Audio DJ by using the buttons on the front of the notebook. Power indicator Power slider Volume Back Play/ Pause Next Stop Component Power indicator Description Indicates the current Audio DJ status: ■ ■ ■ LED green - Audio DJ is turned on and playing. LED amber - Audio DJ is turned on and play is stopped.
Solo9550.book Page 101 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550 Component Description Next Skip ahead one song. Volume Press the left button to increase the volume and the right button to decrease the volume. To play a CD using Audio DJ: 1 2 3 Slide the power slider to the right. Complete the steps in “Using the CD/DVD drive” on page 99. Press the play button. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 102 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Adjusting the volume You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume of specific sound devices in your computer. HelpSpot For more information on adjusting volume, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To adjust overall volume level: ■ Click the speaker icon on the taskbar, then drag the slider to change the volume or click to select the Mute check box.
Solo9550.book Page 103 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Adjusting the volume To adjust specific volume levels: 1 Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control dialog box opens. If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the Volume Control dialog box, select Options, then Properties. Select the audio device you want to adjust, then click OK. 2 Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust, then close the window.
Solo9550.book Page 104 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Listening to CDs in Windows Me The Windows Media Player turns your computer into a multimedia center. Use the player to listen to Internet radio stations, play and copy your CDs, look for Internet movies, and create lists of all media on your computer. For more information about the using the Windows Media Player, select Help. To listen to a CD in the Windows Media Player: ■ Insert a CD into the CD/DVD drive.
Solo9550.book Page 105 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Listening to CDs in Windows 98 Listening to CDs in Windows 98 Use the CD/DVD drive and the Windows CD Player to play an audio CD. To play a CD: ■ Insert a CD into the CD/DVD drive. The CD Player opens and the CD plays. If the CD Player does not open automatically when you insert the CD, open it from the Start menu by clicking Start, then selecting Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then CD Player. When the CD Player opens, click (play).
Solo9550.book Page 106 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Recording and playing audio Use the instructions below to make an audio recording by speaking into the microphone. HelpSpot For more information on recording and playing audio, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To make an audio recording: 1 Plug a microphone into the external Microphone jack. - OR Use the built-in microphone.
Solo9550.book Page 107 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Recording and playing audio To play an audio recording in Sound Recorder: 1 2 3 4 Open the Sound Recorder. Select File, then Open. The Open dialog box opens. Select the file you want to play, then click Open. Play the file by clicking (stop). (play), then stop playing the file by clicking www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 108 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Playing audio and video files with Windows Media Player The 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 the Windows Media Player, select Help. To play a file using the Windows Media Player: 1 Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player opens.
Solo9550.book Page 109 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Playing a DVD Playing a DVD A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. If your computer has a DVD drive, you can play DVDs with the DVD Player program. See the DVD help for more information about using the DVD player.
Solo9550.book Page 110 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Using MusicMatch Using the MusicMatch™ program, you can: ■ Play music CDs ■ Create MP3 music files from your music CDs ■ Use your music files to build a music library ■ Enter music track information ■ Listen to Internet Radio HelpSpot For more information on using MusicMatch, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. Playing CDs You can use the MusicMatch program to play music CDs.
Solo9550.book Page 111 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using MusicMatch Creating music files Using MusicMatch, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computer’s hard drive as MP3 files. Here are some terms that you need to know before you get started: ■ Bit rate is the number of bits required to store one second of music. CD quality is 128 kilobits per second. A high bit rate gives you better sound quality but the file size is also larger.
Solo9550.book Page 112 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Editing track information After you add a CD track as an MP3 file to your music library, you can edit the track’s information. To edit track information: 112 1 2 In MusicMatch, click Music Library. The Music Library window opens. 3 4 Enter information such as track title, lead artist, album, and genre. In the Music Library window, right-click the file, then select Edit Track Tag. The Edit Track Tag dialog box opens.
Solo9550.book Page 113 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using MusicMatch Building a music library Use MusicMatch to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks by categories, find a track quickly by using the sort features, and add information to a music file. You can add music tracks to your music library by: ■ Creating MP3 files – When you create MP3 files from the tracks on your music CD, MusicMatch automatically adds these files to your music library.
Solo9550.book Page 114 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Changing the music library display settings To change the music library display settings: 114 1 2 In MusicMatch, select Options, then Settings. The Settings window opens. 3 Select the categories that you want to display in the columns, then click OK. Click the Music Library tab. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 115 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Using MusicMatch Listening to Internet radio Use the Radio feature in MusicMatch to listen to Internet Radio stations. To listen to an Internet radio station: 1 Connect to the Internet, then in MusicMatch, click Radio Stations. The Radio window opens. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 116 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia 2 To select one of the MusicMatch Internet radio stations, select one of the Popular Stations. You can also choose another Internet radio station by clicking Broadcast Radio. A window opens that lists radio stations by music format, city, or country. 3 Select a radio station, then click Play. MusicMatch connects to the station.
Solo9550.book Page 117 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Viewing the display on a television Viewing the display on a television The TV out (NTSC/PAL Composite Video) jack on your notebook, port replicator, or docking station lets you view your notebook display on a television screen using a standard RCA video cable. The S-Video out jack on your port replicator or docking station lets you view your notebook display on a television screen using a standard S-Video cable.
Solo9550.book Page 118 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia 118 5 Click the Settings tab. 6 Reset your display screen area setting to 640 × 480 with large text fonts for best viewing. For more information on customizing screen settings, see “Adjusting the screen and desktop settings” on page 152. 7 Click the Advanced button. The ATI Mobility M4 Properties dialog box opens. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 119 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Viewing the display on a television 8 Click the Displays tab. Click here 9 10 Click the tab in the upper left corner of the TV option. TV is now selected as your primary display. Click OK. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 120 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 7: Using Multimedia Capturing video MGI VideoWave IV is a video capture program that lets you capture and edit full-motion video, single images, and audio through the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port. If your notebook has the IEEE 1394 port installed, MGI VideoWave IV has already been installed on your system.
Solo9550.book Page 121 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Sending and Receiving Faxes 8 PhoneTools lets you send and receive faxes using the modem. After you have created a document using a spreadsheet, word processor, or graphics program, you can send it as a fax. You can also receive faxes on your notebook. This chapter shows you how to: ■ Set up a fax cover page ■ Create and send a new fax ■ Fax a document you created in another program ■ Receive, view, and print a fax www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 122 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 8: Sending and Receiving Faxes Setting up your cover page Before you send your first fax, you need to set up your user information. Your fax cover sheets and fax headers will contain this information, which is required by law. HelpSpot For more information on setting up a fax cover page, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Solo9550.book Page 123 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Setting up your cover page 4 Click the Fax tab, then enter your name and fax number in the Fax identifier text box. This identifier information is required by law. You can enter up to 20 characters in the text box. We suggest using eight characters for your identifier name, followed by 12 characters for your telephone number. Important 5 6 Some fax machines cannot use special characters such as hyphens.
Solo9550.book Page 124 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 8: Sending and Receiving Faxes 7 If you do not want the PhoneTools logo on your cover page, click the picture then click the clear button. - OR If you want to replace the PhoneTools logo with one of your own, click the import button then select a picture for the logo. The picture must be saved in a supported format (.BMP, .DGR, .GIF, .JPG, .PCX, .T31, or .TIF) and be small enough to fit in the logo box. 8 124 Click OK. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 125 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Sending a fax Sending a fax HelpSpot For more information on sending a fax, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To send a fax: 1 If PhoneTools is not open, click Start, then select Programs, PhoneTools, then PhoneTools. 2 Click Send Fax. The Send Fax Wizard opens. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 126 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 8: Sending and Receiving Faxes 126 3 Enter the recipient’s name, company (if applicable), and fax number, then click Next. 4 5 Type the message text in the Message Text area. Select a cover page template from the Template list, then click Next. If you typed a message in the Message Text area, you must select a cover page. 6 If you want to attach a file, make sure the file is not open, then click (browse), select the file, then click Open.
Solo9550.book Page 127 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Faxing from programs Faxing from programs HelpSpot For more information on sending a fax directly from a program, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To fax a document directly from most programs: 1 In the program with the document open, select File, then select Print. The Print dialog box opens. 2 Select the printer CAPTURE FAX BVRP, then click OK. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
Solo9550.book Page 128 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 8: Sending and Receiving Faxes Receiving and viewing a fax HelpSpot For more information on receiving a fax, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop. To receive and view a fax: 1 If PhoneTools is not open, click Start, then select Programs, PhoneTools, then PhoneTools. When PhoneTools is open, it detects incoming faxes and stores them in the In Box.
Solo9550.book Page 129 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Managing Power 9 While your notebook is running on battery power, you should manage power consumption to get the most use out of the battery. This chapter shows you how to: ■ Check and recharge the battery ■ Change batteries ■ Extend the life of the battery by conserving battery power and using alternate power sources ■ Change power-saving settings www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 130 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 9: Managing Power Monitoring the battery charge Closely monitor the battery charge. When the battery charge gets low, change the battery or connect to AC power immediately to prevent losing any unsaved work. Monitor the battery charge by: ■ Positioning the cursor over the power cord icon or battery icon in the taskbar. A battery status window opens. Move the cursor away from the icon to close the window.
Solo9550.book Page 131 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Recharging the battery Recharging the battery Both the main and the optional secondary batteries recharge while they are installed and your notebook is connected to AC power. While the batteries are recharging, the battery indicator appears orange. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 132 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 9: Managing Power Changing the main battery Your notebook must be turned off while changing the main battery. Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the Gateway Li-Ion battery designed for your specific model. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mishandled.
Solo9550.book Page 133 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Changing the main battery 5 Lift the battery out of the bay. 6 Place a recharged battery into the bay and press down until it snaps into place. 7 Open the notebook and press the power button. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 134 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 9: Managing Power Installing a second battery Your notebook has a modular bay that accepts a second battery. When a second battery is installed, the system uses power from the second battery when the main battery’s charge is exhausted. Both batteries recharge when the notebook is connected to AC power. Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the Gateway Li-Ion battery designed for your specific model.
Solo9550.book Page 135 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Installing a second battery 4 Slide the bay module latch and pull the bay module straight out. 5 Firmly push the second battery straight into the bay until the latch clicks into place. 6 Open your notebook and press the power button. www.gateway.
Solo9550.book Page 136 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 9: Managing Power Extending battery life Conserving battery power While using the battery to power your notebook, conserve power by: ■ Dimming the display as low as is comfortable. ■ Removing PC Cards when you do not need them. Many PC Cards use a small amount of power while inserted, even if they are not being used. ■ Modifying the Power Management settings for maximum power savings.
Solo9550.book Page 137 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Extending battery life Changing power modes You can use the following power modes to lengthen the life of your notebook’s battery: ■ Standby - while your notebook is on standby, it switches to a low power state where devices, such as the LCD screen and drives, turn off. ■ Hibernate - (also called save to disk) writes all current memory (RAM) information to the hard drive, then turns your notebook completely off.
Solo9550.book Page 138 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM Chapter 9: Managing Power Changing automatic power settings in Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows 2000 You can change the function of the power button, Standby key, and power-saving timers by changing power settings on your notebook. You can customize power settings from the Windows Control Panel by selecting power schemes, setting power alarms, adjusting advanced power settings, and turning on Hibernate mode.
