Gateway Personal Computer Personal Computer User Manual


 
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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you can add storage
devices to you computer.
If your computer does not include a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can purchase an
external drive that plugs into a USB or IEEE 1394 port. You can free up hard drive space
by backing up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as
much as 700 MB of data. Single layer writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data.
Dual layer writable DVDs hold as much as 8500 MB of data. For more information about
using recordable drives, see “Creating CDs and DVDs” on page 45.
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup (TBU) drive.
TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store data. Tape drive
cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing hard drive
with a larger drive.
USB flash drive
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from data loss
during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running
temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work and shut down your
computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection from power surges.