Windows XP Labs Tips and Tricks

[Nov 23, 2009 14:09] Web access to Microsoft Live@edu accounts now works.

Use the hints below to help you use machines and applications, and save and print documents, in our Windows XP-based computing labs.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
  2. Application Hints
  3. Saving Your Document
  4. Printing to Public Laser Printers

  1. Getting Started

    Never press the "reset" button on these machines unless the computer completely freezes.

    1. Logging on to your computer

      To enhance the security of the U.Va. network, authenticated login is now required in order to use computers in the University Library and the ITC labs and classrooms. To log in, enter your U.Va. computing ID (e.g., mst3k) and the password you use for your Eservices account. If you are a guest patron of the library who is not affiliated with the University, you may obtain a temporary username and password from the library service desk.

      More information about authenticated logon.

    2. Problems with your machine

      If your computer does not boot up or gives you a series of error messages upon bootup attempt cycling the power of the machine. If it still does not work, please inform the lab consultant immediately. If no lab consultant is available, you can call the ITC Help Desk at 4-3731 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) or email repair@virginia.edu. Please identify which machine is not working by its tag name and the specific problems that you encountered.

  2. Application Hints

    This section provides a quick reference for using some of the applications on an XP lab machine. If you need more assistance in using your application, please ask the lab consultant or call the ITC Help Desk at 4-3731 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    1. Version Compatibility
      Some versions of ITC's software may be later or earlier than a version installed on your own computer. If you make changes while using a newer version of software, the older software may not be able to read the file anymore. (For instance, Office 2000 files are incompatible with versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint older than Office 97). Most software packages, however, are "backward compatible," meaning that a newer version of the software can read an older version's format. You should make all the changes on the machine on which you created the file to prevent compatibility problems and then save the file in a format that the programs in the lab can read.
    2. Application Virtualization
      This section provides a quick explanation of virtualized applications found on the ITC supported Lab and Classroom computers.
      1. Local applications vs. Virtual Applications.
        Applications can be installed locally or be virtualized. Virtual applications are stored on a server and cached on the local machine the first time they are run. When you launch a virtual application it loads in a separate environment from other applications. You can tell if an application is virtualized if you see a progress bar in the lower part of the Windows desktop when the program is started.

      2. Benefits of Virtual Applications.
        • Virtualized applications can be updated at anytime, not just three times a year.
        • Less space is required on the local computers.
        • Applications can be updated globally which provides faster updates.
        • Because virtualized applications run in their own environment, conflicts between programs are eliminated.
        • If necessary, multiple versions of an application can be installed without conflict.
      3. Some drawbacks of Virtual Applications.
        • Larger applications can take a few minutes to be cached the first time they are run.
        • There might be a slight hesitation before some applications start.
        • A few applications cannot be virtualized.
      4. If you experience any problems with an ITC supported computer, please ask the lab consultant or call the ITC Help Desk at 4-3731 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  3. Saving your document

    1. File names
      You should save your document with your UVa Computing ID as part of the file name so that you or ITC can identify your document when you print it. For more information about printing in the labs, see the Printing and Copying Services web site.
    2. Saving to the hard drive
      All the hard drives of the lab XP machines contain a directory called LOCALDATA. This directory is the only directory in which you may place your files. It is there for temporary storage of files only. The directory's contents are not secure, meaning that anyone else who sits at that station after you has access to read, change, or delete files you put there. Moreover, lab computers purge LOCALDATA daily, deleting all its contents. ITC recommends that you do not save your work to the computer's hard drive if you will need it later.
    3. Saving to your Home Directory
      All the applications in the XP labs default to saving their files into the LOCALDATA directory. To save to your Home Directory instead:
      1. Click the directory name field beside the phrase Save in: and then click mst3k on 'Home1' (J:) (where 'mst3k' is your computing ID) or in the File name field add "J:\" before the file's name. You may alternatively save your files to a USB key drive.
      2. Change the name of your file, if desired, in the File name field.
      3. Click Save to save your file.

        Windows Save As Dialog Box Picture

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