Part I 45 min Setting Up your Computer and Keeping it Clean

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1 Part I 45 min Setting Up your Computer and Keeping it Clean Identify the different pieces of your computer See handouts from Apple emac Manual Turn it on boot up process Giving Your Computer a Long Life Cleaning your computer and doing preventive maintenance, such as organizing files, deleting old ones, installing updates and being aware of potential threats helps keep it running smoothly. Avoiding problems saves you money in the long run - cutting down on the amount of money you spend for new components or repairs. Preventative maintenance saves you time since it saves you the hassle of dealing with systems failures and data loss. Keep it Cool and Neat Don't restrict the airflow around your computer. Since it generates a lot of heat, an internal fan cools your computer. Dust and dirt can cause the fan to fail. So, avoid putting your computer in an area with a lot of dust and don't stack papers, books or other items on or around your computer. Don't eat or drink while working at your computer. Liquid spilled on your computer or monitor can harm the components. Cleaning the Keyboard, Mouse and More If your keyboard keys get dirty, you can clean them with rubbing alcohol. Pour the alcohol onto a paper towel or anti-static wipe - not directly on the surface you want to clean. Make sure to turn off your PC and unplug it before doing this or any of the cleaning described in this lesson.

2 Cleaning Computer Surfaces Remember, dust is your computer's enemy. Use an anti-static wipe to lightly dust your monitor and surfaces. Don't use furniture cleaners or strong solvents. Use a can of compressed air with a narrow nozzle to blow out debris from between the keyboard keys and the air intake slots. A safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces (not computer screens is ammonia diluted with water or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water. (Check the label). Remember, the milder the solution, the better. Cleaning the Monitor While Windex is suitable for the glass on standard CRTs, never spray it directly on the screen--the liquid could seep under the edges of the monitor bezel and damage the circuitry within. Instead, lightly squirt some Windex on a folded piece of soft cloth or a paper towel, and then use that to wipe the glass. IMPORTANT: To clean the monitor screen, use a paper towel or soft, lint-free cloth moistened with glass cleaner or diluted alcohol solution. Part II 45 min Connecting and Staying Safe on the Internet 1. When connecting your Mac to a wireless network, one of the first things you ll want to do is make sure that the AirPort icon is enabled in your Menu bar. If it s already there, please skip down to Step Select the Apple Button (very upper left corner of your screen) and choose System Preferences from the drop-down list. From there, select Network.

3 3. Select you AirPort entry, and click the Configure button.

4 4. Make sure the Airport tab is selected from the top menu, and then place a check in the box labeled Show AirPort status in menu bar 1. Click the AirPort icon in your menu bar, and you should be presented with a list of visible wireless networks. Select Cambridge Public Internet from the list.

5 2. When you re connected, the AirPort icon will change from a light grey color to a solid black. Cleaning Cache and Internet files Empty Safari's Cache (Macintosh OS X) 1. Launch the Safari browser. 2. Open the Safari menu. 3. Choose Empty Cache. 4. Click the Empty button. The following steps are optional. Some people like cookies. 5. Open the Safari menu. 6. Choose Preferences. 7. Choose the Security icon at the top. 8. Click the Show Cookies button. 9. Click the Remove All button. 10. When asked to confirm, click the next Remove All button. 11. Click the Done button. 12. Close the Security dialog box. Firefox 2.0 for Windows and Macintosh OS X 1. Run Firefox. 2. Open the Tools menu. 3. Choose Clear Private Data 4. Check boxes for items to be cleared and uncheck boxes for items to be retained. 5. Click the Clear Private Data Now button and the window closes on its own.

6 Part III - 30 min Backing up, Troubleshooting and diagnostics What is a Backup? Backup is the process of copying files so they will be saved in the case of computer failure or other problem. The retrieval of files that have been backed up is called restoring. Many computers come with basic backup software, but you can also buy backup software if needed. Some backup tools are more reliable and easier to use than others. Do some research and find out what best meets your needs. When and What to Backup Backup important files that change daily. Since some files are more important than others, choose a backup schedule that works best for you. For example, weekly backup may be adequate for the latest family newsletter, but you may want to run a daily backup for that 10-page paper due next week. Backup Methods How you backup your files and how you store that backup is important. There are two basic backup methods: Local backup is good practice, especially for people who use their computers to keep track of personal financial information. If your computer crashes, having backup files allows you to reconstruct your records. Depending on your hardware and the size of your files, use floppy disks, zip disks, or CD-Rs to perform a local backup Make sure you store disks in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe box. Your storage area should offer protection from such hazards as temperature, moisture, dirt, and magnetic fields. For example, a plastic box kept on a sunny windowsill is a bad idea. Finally, consider off-site storage. This allows for safeguarding against total disaster (for example, tornado or hurricane). Internet backup allows you to upload your files to another site for safekeeping. If your computer crashes, you'll be able to download them from this site. Internet backup services allow you to save by folder or file type for a monthly fee. If you're interested in this option, do some Internet research to find storage sites.

7 Part IV 30 min - Support Accessing support for the pilot We have set up a webpage with information for participants at the following address: Technical assistance will be available for all participants in this program. The following is a list of call center support options: Option #1: Beginning on March 4, call center support will be available every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:30-4:30PM. If you call during these hours someone will be there to take your call. Option #2: At any time you call ext. 140 and leave a message with your technical support question. Someone should be available to return your call within 24 hours. Internet Problems? If you are having problems connecting to the City s wireless Internet network, please call Colin ext Any last questions?