How to Hook a Monitor to a Gateway Laptop

Standard video port for a VGA cable.

Gateway's laptop computers are equipped with a video port known as VGA (video graphics array), which contains 15 holes arranged in three rows. These holes match the 15 pins in a VGA plug for transmitting video signals to a computer monitor for viewing on the larger screen. The connection takes only a few minutes. Use the Gateway keyboard hotkeys to switch from the laptop screen to the external monitor.

Things You'll Need

• VGA cable

Instructions

1. Turn the plug on the cable with the widest of the four sides facing up and push the plug straight onto the VGA port on the rear edge of the Gateway. Tighten the plug thumbscrews to complete the connection.

2. Attach the plug on the other end to the port on the back of the monitor, then plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.

3. Turn on the Gateway and the monitor.

4. Press and hold the Gateway "Fn" key, then press the "F3" or "F8" key, depending on the laptop model. This key sequence changes the video output from the Gateway screen to the external monitor. Press the "F3" or "F8" key again to return to the laptop LCD.

Tips & Warnings

• The numbered function key on the Gateway for changing video output may also be labeled "LCD/CRT," depending on the model.

References

• AI Tech: Laptop CRT-mode hotkeys