Care of Your Netbook or Laptop

Labeling

1. Attach something unique to the carrying case (to prevent another student from taking the netbook/laptop by mistake, since the cases look the same).

2. Label all parts of the netbook/laptop with your name and put a sticky address label in the following places:

   • Bottom of computer

   • Both parts of the power cord

   • If you have a USB flash drive

Safety/Care

1. Be cautious about leaving the netbook/laptop unattended anywhere that there is a chance it could easily be knocked onto the floor, sat on, or stepped on.

2. Know that dropping, jostling, or bumping will cause damage to the hard drive. Students should treat the netbook/laptop with care!

3. Do not place drinks next to the computer. One accidental spill onto the keyboard will damage it, probably beyond repair.

4. Always hold the netbook/laptop by the bottom (keyboard half), never the screen. Use two hands.

5. Do not store the netbook/laptop where it is very cold or warm.

6. Do not place the netbook/laptop close to any electrical appliance, because it generates a magnetic field.

Screen/Body of Netbook/Laptop

1. Do not scratch or push on the screen.

2. Never close the lid on a pencil or pen left on the keyboard (could crack the screen).

3. Don't slam the lid down (might damage screen or hinges).

4. Always transport the netbook/laptop in a padded carry case.

5. Stickers leave a residue that can cause permanent damage.

6. Clean the screen with a lint-free cloth; you can use window cleaner on the cloth.

Electrical Cord

Be careful when removing the power cord. Yanking it out of netbook/laptop from afar will cause damage.

Do not wrap the cord tightly around itself. Instead, loosely wrap it in a figure eight pattern.

Never turn the netbook/laptop over when it is plugged in. This could break the adapter plug at the back of the machine.

Important!

1. Downloaded software and screensavers often cause conflicts and use valuable memory. Remember that the netbook/laptop is a tool for learning and keeping it free of extras will keep it working quicker with less freezing.

2. Always back up all files in at least two places.

3. Virus protection is very important. See the information posted on the Virus Protection page.

4. Beware of Spyware. It is the latest computer security problem. Spyware is software designed to collect computer users' personal data without their knowledge. Spyware is secretly installed with many downloaded Internet software programs, and transmits information about computer usage and generates pop-up advertisements. Microsoft estimates that spyware is responsible for half of all PC crashes.

Routine Netbook/Laptop Maintenance

1. Run Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter at least monthly.
2. Check for disk errors at least monthly.  Open "My Computer." Right click on drive C, then select Properties. Click on the Tools tab. Where you see Error Checking, click on "Check now." Select "automatically fix file system errors," and then Start. You may be prompted to restart the machine.
3. Set virus protection software to download and install updates automatically. 
4. Set virus protection software to enable virus realtime protection.
5. Perform weekly virus scans.
6. Set your computer to automatically download any newly released Windows updates. To do this:
   1. Open the Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel)
   2. Double-click “System.”
   3. Click on the Automatic Updates tab and make your selections. Most people prefer the option “Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them.”

Performing these actions on a regular basis will help keep the computer working properly with less freezing, and will help protect your investment. .