Technology Training For Swansea Teachers » Care and Maintenance

Organize Your Desktop

schrobak — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:35:46 +0000

Just like a file cabinet, the papers on your computer could be kept in a folder so they can be found quickly and easily. Click on “File” at the top of your screen. Go down and click “new folder”. A new folder will appear on your desktop and you can write anything you want underneath it to name the folder. For example, put all your homework assignments in one folder and all your documents about field trips in another folder.

To keep the folders organized on the desktop click on “view” at the top of the page, go down to “view options” and click the box that says “keep arranged by_________” You can decide how to keep it arranged. Alphabetically is the easiest.

Many people have multiple copies of the same item on their desktop. This happens when we download files from the internet as we work on our computers. Most of these show up on our desktop as PDF files. If you found it on the internet you will find it again. You don’t really have to save these documents. These PDF files can be put in the trash. If you have some you want to save, put them in a folder.

Keeping Your Keyboard and Screen Clean

schrobak — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:53:24 +0000

The keyboard and the screen can get very dirty very quickly. Keeping these parts of your computer clean will save time and money on repairs. Sometimes, a key will get stuck on the keyboard and it’s usually because there’s some kind of sticky food under it. Naturally, eating and drinking around computers is frowned upon. Be sure hands are clean before using a computer.

On a weekly basis, unplug the keyboard and wipe it with a damp sponge. (be sure all water is squeezed out!!!) You may also use a can of “air” for occasional dusting. When your keyboard gets extremely filthy you may take it home and run it through your dishwasher. It will need to dry for 3-5 days but it comes out like a brand new keyboard.

To clean the computer screen, spray a small amount of window cleaner on a paper towel and wipe clean. Never spray directly on the screen.

Keeping these parts of your computer clean shows respect for other’s property. There are lots of germs on a keyboard that spread from user to user. Also, keep in mind that you are not the only one who uses your computer.

Too Many Open Programs

schrobak — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:33:45 +0000

Whenever you are finished using a program you should quit the program rather than just close the window. Computers tend to freeze more often when too many programs are left open. In addition to this, when the Internet or your email program is left running, your computer is using unnecessary bandwidth. This will cause all the computers in Denver Public Schools to run slower.

When you click on the little red button in the top right corner of the page you are closing the window, you are not quitting the program.

There are two ways that I know of to quit a program. One is to use your mouse to click on the name of the open program at the top, left of the page. Then, scroll down to the word “quit”. Another way is to use the shortcut. On the keyboard, first press the apple key (next to the space bar) and then press the “Q” key.

You can see if there are programs left open in the dock at the bottom of your screen. If there is a tiny black triangle under the icon in the dock then the program is still open.