- What is the big deal with these laptops?
- Who can check out a laptop?
- What do I need to check out a laptop?
- What do I get when I check out a laptop?
- Where can I check out a laptop?
- For how long can I have the laptop?
- When can I check out a laptop?
- Can I renew?
- Where can I use laptops?
- How many laptops are available for check out?
- Can I bring my laptop with me and have access to the Internet?
- What is the hardware configuration of the laptops?
- What software is available on the laptops?
- Where is the mouse?
- Can I install any software on the laptops?
- How do I check on the battery?
- What is Hibernation mode?
- What is Standby mode?
- My screen goes black, how do I know if the laptop is in Standby mode?
- Can I save my data on my USB Flash drive?
- Can I use the laptops to access the Internet?
- I cannot connect to the Internet, What is the problem?
- How do I print?
- How do I save my work?
- What if I need help?
- What if the laptop is damaged or stolen while it is checked out on me?
- When a laptop has returned, what check-in procedure do you have in place?
- Caring for laptops.
- Are there health risks associated with the wireless laptops and network?
What is the big deal with these laptops?
These laptops are wireless - which means that they connect to the network without any cords or cables.
Who can check out a laptop?
AUC Undergraduates, Graduates, and Faculty.
What do I need to check out a laptop?
You will need a valid AUC ID and another photo ID. The AUC ID will be kept until you return the laptop
What do I get when I check out a laptop?
A wireless laptop and an AC adapter.
The first time you check out a laptop you will receive a copy of the Laptop Computer Use Policy, and you have to sign the Laptop Computer Loan Agreement.
Where can I check out a laptop?
At the Multimedia Laptop Lab, on the first floor of the Main Library.
For how long can I have the laptop?
Up to two hours depending on when you check it out. There will be a 50LE late fine per hour or portion of an hour if the laptop has not returned on time.
When can I check out a laptop?
The Lab working hours will be displayed on the entrance of the lab.
Can I renew?
Yes, only for one time, if there is no one waiting for a laptop.
Where can I use laptops?
Only in the Main Library Building, you can sit
anywhere in the library and you will be connected. Taking the laptop outside
the building is not allowed.
How many laptops are available for check out?
We currently have thirty Laptops.
Can I bring my laptop with me and have access to the Internet?
Yes, AUC Faculty, Staff, Enrolled Students and Alumni can use their personal laptops to connect to the internet in the Library:
- Wireless connection: You need to register first at UNS(University Network Services) Hill House 5th floor before trying to connect in the Library.
- Ethernet connection: You need to register first at the Multimedia Laptop lab, Main Library first floor.
- Visitors can use their personal laptops to connect to the Internet in the Library ONLY if they have an Ethernet card. You need to register first at the Multimedia Laptop lab, Main Library first floor.
What is the hardware configuration of the laptops?
20 laptops are IBM ThinkPad
R30 with PIII 1GHz Processor; 256MB of Ram, 30 GB HDD, and CD-RW drives.
10 laptops are IBM ThinkPad
T43 with P4 1.86GHz Processor; 512MB of Ram, 60GB HDD, and CD-RW-DVD
What software is available on the laptops?
The laptops have MS Windows 2000 Pro, Internet Explorer 6.0, Office 2000 suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc), Adobe Software (Acrobat Reader 5.0, PhotoShop 7.0, Premiere 6.0, PageMaker 7.0, Illustrator 10, After Effects 5.5, Image Ready 7.0), Macromedia Software (Dreamweaver 8.0, Fireworks MX, Director 8.5, Home Site 5).
Where is the mouse?
The pointing device in the ThinkPad is the Track Point. You can perform all mouse operations using the Track Point. The left and right click buttons function like mouse buttons. To move the cursor, use the red-topped stick at the center of the keyboard. Press gently with your index finger in the direction you want to move the cursor. To select and drag an object, press and hold one of the buttons with either thumb, as required by your software.
Can I install any software on the laptops?
No.
How do I check on the battery?
You can check the battery Power Meter by moving the cursor over the battery icon in the task bar (bottom right of your screen). The battery Power Meter shows you:
· The current battery power source (batteries).
· The estimated amount of battery power time remaining.
The laptop will notify you via a pop-up dialog box ("You should change your battery or switch to outlet power immediately to keep from losing your work") when the battery begins to run low. At that point, you should save any work to drive E: and plug in the AC adapter. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PLUG IN A LAPTOP WITH YOUR OWN POWER ADAPTER, AS THIS WILL DAMAGE THE BATTERY AND THE LAPTOP. When the battery is fully charged you should unplug the AC Adapter and run on the battery.
What is Hibernation mode?
Using Hibernation (Save to Disk) you can turn off your computer completely without exiting applications or saving files. When you enter hibernation, all open applications, folders, and files are saved to the hard disk, and then the computer turns off.
To enter hibernation, press Fn+F12.
To resume your session, press the power button for no more than 4 seconds.
What is Standby mode?
Standby (Suspend) mode turns off both the computer display and the hard disk drive.
To put your computer into standby mode, press Fn+F4.
To return from Standby mode, press the Fn key.
My screen goes black, how do I know if the laptop is in Standby mode?
By checking the Status indicators on the bottom of the LCD. If the Standby half-moon indicator (First one from the right) is green then the laptop is in Standby mode, you need to press the Fn key to return from Standby. If it is not and the Power on indicator (Third one from the right) is green, then the laptop is powered on and you can press any key or press the Track Point pointer.
Can I save my data on my USB Flash drive?
Yes, you can save on your flash drive. When you want to unplug it, you have to left click ONCE only on the "Unplug or Eject Hardware" icon in the system tray, then left click the message that pops up.
Can I use the laptops to access the internet?
Yes.
I can not connect to the internet, What is the problem?
You have to check the status of your
wireless connection, you can do this by clicking the High Rate Wireless
LAN icon. This icon is in the system tray, at the bottom right corner
of your screen. Make sure that the Wireless Radio is ON. If it is not,
Click Turn Wireless Radio On. If it is ON and you still cannot connect
to the Internet or the connection is too slow, then click Turn Wireless
Radio Off, wait for 10 seconds and then click Turn Wireless Radio On.
How do I print?
You can print to the network printer as any other patron useable computer in the library with the same fees. When you click on the print icon from any application, a dialog box will appear telling you to enter a user name for this print job, type your name. Then you can pick your print order from the print station on the Library’s first floor, by telling the staff the number written on the back of the laptop.
How do I save my work?
Always save your work on drive
E, and delete everything when you return the laptop. Do Not
Log Off , Restart, or Shut Down the Laptop, OR any saved files on the
desktop, or on My Documents WILL BE LOST.
The Laptops does not have a Floppy disk drive, it has a CD-RW drive. So that you can copy your work on your recordable CD.
1- Go to : Start Menu – Programs – ThinkPad – IBM RecordNow.
2- Click RecordNow!.
3- Click Data Disc from the Main Menu.
4- Insert a blank or appendable disc into the CD-RW drive.
5- Select the files you wish to copy to your disc either by :
- Click Add Files or Folders, highlight the files you want to copy and then click the Add button. OR
- Drag and drop files or folders directly from Windows Explorer to the RecordNow screen.
6- Once you have selected the files to record, click Burn on the bottom right corner of the screen. Record Now begins recording data to your disc.
7- Click Done when you are finished recording. Remove the disc from your drive and store it in a safe place.
What if I need help?
You will receive a brief training on using the Laptop the first time you check one out. Whenever you have a question about your computer, simply press the ThinkPad button to open Access ThinkPad, your on-board help system. It is assumed that you will be familiar with the Windows platform and with the software installed.
What if the laptop is damaged or stolen while I have it checked out?
While the laptop is checked out to you, it is your responsibility, you will be charged for any repair or replacement costs up to and including the full replacement cost of the laptop.
When a laptop is returned, what check-in procedure do you have in place?
Laptops are checked in via the same procedure as it was checked out. Through this process, the staff handling the laptop checks to be sure all the removable parts are in place and that the screen is not damaged. He/She power it on to check that it is working properly.
Caring for laptops:
Although the laptop is designed to function reliably in normal work environments, you need to use common sense in handling it. By following these important tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of the laptop.
- Be careful about where and how you work
· Avoid leaving the base of the laptop in contact with your lap for an extended period when the laptop is turned on. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or even a skin burn.
· Place liquids away from the laptop to avoid spills, and keep The laptop away from water (to avoid the danger of electrical shock).
- Be gentle with the laptop
· Avoid placing any objects (including paper) between the display and the keyboard.
· Do not drop, bump, scratch, twist, hit, vibrate, push or place heavy objects on the laptop, display, or external devices.
· The laptop display is designed to be opened and used at an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees. Do not open the display beyond 135 degrees, as this might damage the computer hinge.
- Carry the laptop properly
· Before moving the laptop, be sure to remove any media, turn off attached devices, and disconnect cords and cables.
· Be sure the laptop is in standby or hibernation mode, or turned off, before moving it. This will help prevent damage to the hard disk drive and data loss.
· When picking up your open laptop, hold it by the bottom. Do not pick up or hold the laptop by the display.
Are there any health risks associated with the wireless laptops and network?
White Paper on Spread
Spectrum Radios and RF Safety says: "Concerns about health effects
of cellular phones and wireless LAN radio systems are continuously increasing.
Although radio frequency (RF) energy is a form of radiation, the public
holds a misconception between the safe and potentially damaging forms.
This misconception often raises concerns about possible problems caused
by RF devices. Modern homes and offices are filled with RF producing devices—from
computers and fax machines, to cordless phones, pagers, microwave ovens
and wireless LAN (WLAN) devices. The level of RF produced by these devices
is extremely low. Today's devices however, operate at higher frequency
levels than earlier devices. The higher frequencies produce shorter wavelengths
and shorter wavelengths have the potential for greater interaction with
the human body tissue. With the increase in frequencies, the potential
for interference with medical life support devices also increases. In
the first case, most forms of radio energy pass through the human body
without any harmful or residual effects. This is because most energy that
is absorbed is extremely low, and has no effect on the human body. The
second is now being addressed by makers of medical devices working with
the manufacturers of RF devices”.