Gateway 4012gz Reference Guide

Page of 158
CHAPTER 7: Maintaining Your Notebook
76
Caring for your notebook
To extend the life of your notebook:
Be careful not to bump or drop your notebook, and do 
not put any objects on top of it. The case, although 
strong, is not made to support extra weight.
When transporting your notebook, we recommend that 
you put it in a carrying case.
Keep your notebook away from magnetic fields. 
Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives.
Never turn off your notebook when the drive indicator 
is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or 
corrupted.
Avoid subjecting your notebook to extreme temperature 
changes. The case (and LCD panel) can become brittle 
and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or 
warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either 
extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general 
rule, your notebook is safest at temperatures that are 
comfortable for you.
Keep all liquids away from your notebook. When spilled 
onto notebook components, almost any liquid can result 
in expensive repairs that are not covered under a 
standard warranty.
Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt 
can clog the internal mechanisms and can lead to 
permanent damage to the notebook.
Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are 
blocked, your notebook may overheat resulting in 
unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the 
notebook.
When storing your notebook for an extended period of 
time, unplug AC power and remove the battery after 
discharging them partway.
Cleaning your notebook
Keeping your notebook clean and the vents free from dust 
helps keep your notebook performing at its best. You may 
want to gather these items and put together a notebook 
cleaning kit:
A soft, lint-free cloth
An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like 
extension