MLTI Laptop |
Week of May 3, 2010 |
May 26: If you'll be cleaning your laptop before turning it in, make sure you never spray any water, cleaner, or other liquid directly on your MacBook -- this can trigger the internal mechanism that indicates costly, non-warranty liquid spill damage! Instead, spray water or mild, ammonia-free cleaner on to a paper towel and then clean the surfaces of your laptop. Question? Visit the Computer Center!
May 25: Laptop collection takes place during Advisory next Wednesday, June 2nd for Seniors and Wednesday, June 9th for underclassmen. Unless your MacBook is required for finals, you must turn it in at that time. When you arrive at school on collection day, all documents, photos, music, and other data that you wish to keep MUST BE BACKED UP! There will not be time to back up during Advisory, so please make a plan for saving your data now -- either to a thumb drive, CD/DVD, external hard drive, Dropbox, Google Docs, etc. Visit the Computer Center if you have questions or need help backing up your files.
May 3: Need to shut down a bunch of applications fast? Press Command+Tab to bring up a list of all open programs. Keep holding Command, tab through the applications, and press Q to close each one. Questions? Visit the Computer Center!
Week of April 26, 2010
April 29: Don't forget to shut down your laptop at least once a week. Powering down allows your MacBook to operate at peak performance. Questions? Visit the Computer Center!April 26: Now that vacation's over, it's time for some spring cleaning. Before the end of the school year, please remove any stickers you've placed on your laptop (except for the one with your name on it). If you need help removing extra-sticky stickers, visit the Computer Center!
Week of April 5, 2010
April 9, 2010: Shut down or restart your computer at least once a week. If you haven't shut down because you've forgotten your password, visit the Computer Center and we can help.
April 8, 2010: Reminder: It's not safe to put your laptop case in your backpack. Squeezing it in with all your other books and belongings can compress the case and damage your screen.
April 7, 2010: Though we all want to look our best in the halls and classrooms of MTA, PhotoBooth is not a make-up mirror! Foundation, mascara, powder, and powdery make-up can both stain your case and get inside your laptop, hindering its performance.
April 5, 2010: Now that nice weather is here, we ask that you take special care of your laptop when you use it outside. Please don't set it on the wet ground, and replace it in its case when you're done with it.
Week of March 30, 2010
April 2, 2010: Need to take a screenshot? Press Command+Shift+3 to take a picture of your whole desktop. Press Command+Shift+4 and drag the crosshair to select a specific area to capture.
April 1, 2010: If you've "lost" a file on your MacBook, just click Command + Space to activate Spotlight. Then type in a keyword that relates to your missing file, and you'll see all the items containing that word that exist on your MacBook.
March 31, 2010: From the LTOTD vaults: When carrying your laptop around -- here in the building and elsewhere-- please be sure to zip it in your MLTI case. Never carry your laptop open and without its case. The Computer Center thanks you for your cooperation!
March 30, 2010 - Would you eat at a restaurant that didn't wash the silverware between customers? Of course not, but that's a lot like what you do when you use peer-to-peer services like Frostwire: You expose your laptop to all the bugs, malware, and other nasty parasites that can "share" your computer when you pirate media this way. And remember that you agreed to no illegal downloading in the paperwork you signed at the beginning of the year.
Week of March 22, 2010
March 26, 2010 - ALWAYS back up your work! It is never safe to only save your important projects and papers on your MacBook hard drive. You can save your work on the Campus server, download a free, Web-based program like Dropbox, or use a USB drive. If you have questions or need help with any of these, please visit the Computer Center!
March 23, 2010 - Did you know that fluid damage is the costliest laptop repair there is? Please keep liquids away from your MacBook! If you're thirsty when using your laptop, only drink out of a container with a top that closes, such as a travel mug or bottle with a screw-on cap.
March 22, 2010 - Just a reminder that you may not use your laptop on the bus. While riding the school bus, you should keep your MacBook zipped in its case.
Week of March 15, 2010
March 18, 2010 -To prevent cracks on the edges of your laptop -- and to avoid making existing cracks worse -- hold your MacBook in the middle of its lid when closing it.
March 17, 2010 -With spring on its way early this year, please make sure you are very careful with your laptop if you take it outside. As always, carry it zipped in its case. And don't expose it to damp or set it on the ground.
March 16, 2010 - If you have been requested to turn in your spare laptop because yours is back from repair, please don't wait. We have a waiting list for spares, so it's important that you return yours as soon as possible.
March 15, 2010 - If you’ll be away from your MacBook for just a short time, put it to sleep -- when it's in sleep, you can quickly wake it and bypass the startup process. To put your MacBook to sleep, close the display, go the Apple menu, and select sleep. Or, press the power button and click sleep. And don't forget to wait a few seconds until the light on the front starts pulsing before moving your laptop.
Week of March 8, 2010
March 11, 2010 - Did you know that "forward delete" isn't just for PCs? Forward deleting "erases" characters to the right of the insertion point, and to do this on your MacBook, hold down the Function (fn) key while you press the Delete key.
March 10, 2010 - By popular demand, the Computer Center has extended Sticker Amnesty Day for one more day! If your laptop, case, or charger is missing a label, come in today, and we'll replace it for free! The regular charge is $1 per label - so hurry in to the Computer Center TODAY!
March 9, 2010 - It's Sticker Amnesty Day in the Computer Center! If your laptop, case, or charger is missing a label, come in today, and we'll replace if for free! The regular charge is $1 per label - so hurry in to the Computer Center TODAY!
March 8, 2010 - Another reminder: everyone is required to carry his or her laptop in its MLTI-issued case. This is not an option, and goes a long way in reducing costly repairs due to impact damage. Thanks for your cooperation.
Week of March 1, 2010
March 5, 2010 - If your laptop's low on power, you can come to the Computer Center and swap your battery for one that's charged. But, as always, don't forget to charge your laptop at home every night. Questions? Come see us in Room 108!
March 4, 2010 - Is your laptop talking to you, and you'd rather it didn't? Go to System Preferences, click on the Universal Access icon, and turn "Voice Over" off.
March 3, 2010 - You should always keep liquids away from your laptop. But if disaster strikes and something spills on your MacBook, quickly -- but carefully -- turn it over and place it almost wide open, upside down on a stable surface to drain out the liquid. Then, bring your laptop to the Computer Center as soon as possible.
March 2, 2010 - Did you know there's a right way to disconnect your magnetic adapter? The right way is to hold the connector and tilt it up or down, or to the right or left. Don't disconnect by pulling on the cable.
March 1 , 2010 - Did you know there's a right way to disconnect your magnetic adapter? The right way is to hold the connector and tilt it up or down, or to the right or left. Don't disconnect by pulling on the cable
Week of February 22, 2010
February 25, 2010: Now that the advisory laptop check-in is complete, you may be called to the Computer Center to have your MacBook repaired. Generally, repairs take only a week, and you'll have a spare to use in the meantime.
February 24, 2010: When playing a CD or DVD, allow the disc to fully eject before removing or reinserting it. If you can’t eject it, quit any applications that might be using the disc and try again. If that doesn’t work, restart the computer while holding down the trackpad.
February 22, 2010: We've seen several damaged adapter cords, so just another reminder: Take care to avoid excessive bends in your laptop cord. The most likely points for excessive bending are at the ends, so keep some slack at these particular points. Aim for gentle curves instead of angles when using your laptop or winding your cord and storing your adapter.
Week of February 8, 2010
February 12, 2010: While you're enjoying February break, be sure to take good care of your laptop! Don't leave it open on your bed; keep your pets, younger siblings, and liquids away; and make sure it's stored with the lid closed on a solid, stable surface at night.
February 11, 2010: Place your laptop in its case with the CD/DVD drive facing down. This avoids compressing the drive, so discs are less likely to get stuck.
February 10, 2010 - Did you recently get a new iPod or iPhone and want to download the newest version of iTunes? Visit the Computer Center for the admin password so you can sync your device and add to your iTunes library.
February 9, 2010 - Don't overfill the pocket of your laptop case -- too many papers and books can compress your MacBook lid. And to help protect your screen, put your laptop in the case with Apple facing away from the pocket.
Week of February 1, 2010
February 4, 2010: Teachers will be checking laptops during advisory over the next two weeks. They will need to see your laptop, case, charger, and power adapter, so be sure to bring them all to school with you every day.
February 3, 2010: If your keyboard doesn’t seem to be working correctly, check the Num Lock key. When the numeric keypad is active, other keys and keyboard equivalents for menu commands (such as Command+Q to quit) are deactivated.
February 2, 2010: Check your power cord. If it's frayed or damaged, unplug it from your MacBook and bring it to the Computer Center as soon as possible.
February 1, 2010: With all the ice and snow underfoot , it's more important than ever to keep your laptop zipped in its case when traveling to and from school. The inside surface of the case is slippery, so it's easy for your MacBook to slip out if it isn't zipped.
Week of January 25, 2010
January 29, 2010: Pay special attention when using your MacBook on your bed. Leaving it on a soft surface can block the fans, causing overheating. And be sure to put it safely on a firm, stable surface when you’re done, because we’ve seen many laptops damaged by falling off beds!
January 28, 2010: Check the corners and edges of your laptop case around the keyboard and screen. If you see cracks, chips, or splintering, please bring your laptop to the Computer Center. This damage requires a quick repair, and you'll have a spare MacBook to use while yours gets fixed.
January 27, 2019: PLEASE pay attention to what and where you print! Hundreds of sheets of paper are being wasted every day, so be sure to know where you're printing, to only print what you need, and then to pick up your work. If you need help installing printers, visit the Computer Center!
January 26, 2010: If you normally can print successfully at school, but suddenly experience trouble, check to make sure you're connected to the network. If you're connected, the wireless icon in the upper right screen will be black; if the icon is grey, you need to reconnect.
January 25, 2010: If your battery is completely drained, your laptop won’t start up without the power adapter. Plug in the adapter to let the battery recharge, or replace the drained battery with a fully charged battery. Need a charged battery? Visit the Computer Center!
Week of January 18, 2010
January 21, 2010: It's best to avoid exposing your MacBook to prolonged cold, but if you forget and leave it in your car overnight, bring it in and let it warm up to room temperature before opening and using it.
Week of January 11, 2010
January 15, 2010: If you spend a lot of time working on your MacBook, good posture is important. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and your upper arm and forearm at slightly greater than a right angle. Your wrist and hand should be roughly in a straight line – avoid resting your wrists on the edge of the keyboard.
January 14, 2010: Have you shut your computer down recently? It's a good idea to shut down or restart your computer at least once a week. If you haven't shut down because you've forgotten your password, visit the Computer Center and we'll help you out!
January 13, 2010: Take care to avoid excessive bends in your laptop cord. The most likely points for excessive bending are at the ends, so keep some slack at these particular points. Aim for gentle curves instead of angles when using your laptop or winding your cord and storing your adapter.
January 12, 2010: Don't forget to back up your work! No one wants to lose a college essay or important assignment to a bad hard drive, so protect your files by saving to the server, a flash drive, or another computer.
January 11, 2010: Never put anything on top of your laptop keyboard. Closing the lid on a book, binder, or other item placed over the keys can damage the LCD screen, which is a costly repair.
Week of January 4, 2010
January 8, 2010: Do you know the right way to disconnect your magnetic adapter from your laptop? Hold the connector and tilt it up or down, or to the right or left. Do not disconnect by pulling on the cable.
January 7, 2010: Take a look at your laptop: Are there any cracks or chips in the corners or the case? If so, please bring your MacBook to the Computer Center, as it needs to be repaired. The turnaround time is fast, and you'll have a spare to use in the meantime.
January 6, 2010: Put a sheet of Bounce inside your laptop case to help reduce static electricity in the cold, dry winter months (and to keep your MacBook smelling fresher!).
January 4, 2010: Is there a CD or DVD stuck in your MacBook’s optical drive? If you can’t eject a disc, quit any applications that might be using it and try again. If that doesn’t work, restart your laptop while holding down the trackpad button. Questions? Visit the Computer Center? Questions? Visit the Computer Center.
Week of December 18, 2009
December 18, 2009: Be sure to take good care of your laptop over vacation! Don't fall asleep with it on your bed! Don't let it overheat by putting it on a pillow or soft surface. Don't let your dog or cat jump up on it! Don't use it outside in a snowstorm! Lock the door and keep it out of sight if you leave it in your car. Don't keep it in the cold for long periods of time. And have a happy, healthy holiday from your friends in the Computer Center!
December 17, 2009: It's sad, but true, so we are repeating this tip: Your laptop can fail. If your MacBook should happen to have a bad hard drive or other damage, everything you saved on it could be lost for good. Always back up your important documents to the campus server, a USB drive, or Internet site such as Google Docs. Questions? Visit the Computer Center!
December 16, 2009: Using Frostwire (and similar peer-to-peer applications) at school is not allowed; and downloading songs, movies, and other media that’s protected by copyright is illegal. School laptops are randomly monitored by the technology department during the day. If you are found using Frostwire, the program will be automatically removed from your MacBook.
December 15, 2009: Looking for a file or program, and can’t remember where it is? Click Command + Space to activate Spotlight, type in a keyword, and you’ll see all the items containing that word that exist on your MacBook.
December 14, 2009: If you have misplaced your computer, charger, or case, first go to SAO to see if it has been turned in. If it's not there, your next stop is the Computer Center to fill out a Lost Laptop Form.
Week of December 7, 2009
December 11, 2009: To make your battery last longer, eject CDs and DVDs you're no longer using. Every so often, the optical drive spins up to read CDs or DVDs, and that consumes power, reducing the length of your battery’s charge.
December 10, 2009: Now that winter weather is here, it’s more important than ever to CARRY YOUR LAPTOP IN YOUR CASE WITH THE CLOSURE ZIPPED! It’s easy for your laptop to slip out of an unzipped case, and falling onto an icy or snowy surface can cause serious – and expensive – damage. And make sure you never leave your laptop in your car or other cold environment for any length of time during the winter.
December 8, 2009: When your power adapter is connected, your battery recharges whether the laptop is on, off, or in sleep. Your battery recharges more quickly, however, when your MacBook is off or in sleep.
December 7, 2009: When personalizing your laptop, only use removable stickers. Bumper stickers and other "sticky" stickers can damage the case, and there could be a charge for this repair. And never use markers, paints, or pens to decorate your MacBook.
Week of November 30,, 2009
December 4, 2009: Oh, no! Your laptop is frozen and the pointer doesn’t move! You might need to “force” the program you’re using to close. To do this, press Command+Option+Escape. When the Force Quit Applications box appears with the program you’re using highlighted, click Force Quit. Then, save your work in any other open programs and restart your computer.
December 3, 2009: Please don't cover up or remove the name tag from your laptop or case. These help identify your laptop if it gets misplaced or needs to be sent out for repair. If you need a new sticker, visit the Computer Center
December 2, 2009: Don't carry small, loose items -- like paper clips, staples, or coins -- in your laptop case. These can accidentally get inside your computer through an opening, such as the optical drive slot, or get stuck inside a port.
December 1, 2009: Always keep your laptop away from sources of liquids, such as drinks, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on. And be sure to protect your computer from dampness and wet weather, such as rain, snow, and fog
November 30, 2009:: When putting your laptop to sleep, wait a few seconds until the sleep indicator light (on the right front corner) starts pulsing before moving it. Moving your MacBook while the hard disk is spinning can damage it, causing loss of data or preventing your laptop from starting up. Week of November 23, 2009 November 24, 2009: One more time: if you are working on an important document, such as a college essay, class paper, or critical assignment, BACK IT UP! For instance, in addition to storing that 20-page paper that's due tomorrow on your hard drive, also save a copy on a USB drive or the Campus server, or create and save your document in Google Docs. November 23, 2009: It's important to keep your laptop clean, but here are a few things NOT to do: Don't use cleaner with ammonia, alcohol, or abrasives; don't use rough towels or cloths to dry the plastic; and don't spray cleaner directly onto your MacBook, because the liquid could drip inside and cause an electrical shock or malfunction. Week of November 16, 2009 Week of November 9, 2009
Week of November 2, 2009
Week of October 26, 2009 |
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Revised May 25, 2010 ->
