CAITs' Corner
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CAITs' Corner
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Using Your New Laptops
With the proliferation of new portable labs in the GECDSB, it becomes necessary for some of us to take a look at how these computers are different from the desktop units we have all become familiar with. Although the operating systems are very similar, whether Mac Manager or School Connect, how we handle the actual computer is not.
Step 1 Moving the Machines First, make sure that you plug in both the ethernet cable and power cord when you move the cart into your room. A two-handed method is strongly recommended. Slide the laptop ⁄partially out of the storage bay. Carefully disconnect the power supply. Have the students place one hand on top of the laptop and one hand below before fully removing the laptop.
Step 2 Use
Be careful to demonstrate sliding the latches and opening the unit. Pressing the power button will cause the laptop to chime. This indicates that the machine is starting, and helps confirm that the battery is charged. Encourage patience in allowing the computer to fully boot up, as they should be starting from a full shutdown. The screens are most easily viewed when tilted slightly past 90 degrees. Adjust using the plastic, never touch the screen. When logging in, it is a good time to explain to students, that certain keys are dependent on others to activate. Keys like the shift key do nothing until another key is activated. On Windows 2000 machines, this is important for the CTRL-ALT- DELETE option to get to the login screen. Those schools using Windows 2000 machines need to stress that the password is case sensitive, so they must use a capital letter on the first letter of their first name, as well as their second.
Step 3 Returning the Machines Make sure that the computers are shut down, not simply closed. When they are asleep, they still use a small amount of power, and that can delay battery charge times, particularly in heavy use periods. Carry the laptop back the same way it was taken. When plugging in the laptop, make sure the plug is pushed all the way in so that a good connection is ensured. Plug in the cart when it is returned to its storage area, so that the next user is certain to have fully charged units. There is nothing more frustrating when using a laptop than a dead battery.
General Care Do not touch the display Keep the units away from magnets, cell phones and large speakers Clean the case with a soft cloth, with a non-alkaline detergent. Never spray directly on the keyboard or screen. The screen itself may be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. If this is doesn't remove the dirt, a slightly damp cloth may be used, but it must be dried immediately.
Batteries The Think Pad batteries have a maximum charge of 2.9 hours. Running an application locally will use less power than surfing the internet and printing. For a full charge when shut down, it will take 3 hours, 3 and a half if asleep or in use.
Digital Projector These laptops can be hooked up to the school's digital
projector, either in networked style, or as a stand alone. When connecting
your laptop to a data projector, press the Function (Fn) and F7 keys
simultaneously to display. Pressing Fn F7 a second time allows you to
see the display through both the data projector and on the laptop.
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