Computer Practices
1. SAVE OFTEN!!! The power goes out unexpectedly.
2. SAVE MULTIPLE COPIES – Documents and files get corrupted. Make sure you keep multiple copies of each file/document. I recommend a naming convention like MyPaper_1-1-07, MyPaper_1-1-07a, MyPaper_1-3-07, MyPaper_1-3-07a, MyPaper_010307, etc.
3. PUT YOUR NAME ON IT!!
4. NEVER TRUST A FLOPPY DISK – ALWAYS have a copy on the Drive F: ‘THAWSPACE’, another floppy, or a USB MEMORY STICK. Many times a semester we have the sad task of telling a student that their paper, which they had on a single floppy, is GONE FOREVER because the floppy disk died. Floppy disks should be kept in a protective case to prevent damage. The most recent was 5 minutes ago.
5. NEVER LEAVE STUFF ON THE LRC OR LAB COMPUTERS – and expect it to be there when you return.
6. DON’T FORGET YOUR FLOPPY OR USB THUMB DRIVES IN A PC - and expect it to be there, with your files still on it, when you return. If you do lose one of these items please check the last place you remember having it. Report lost and found items via Lost-N-Found website on mnet.tamug.edu and report it via email to helpdesk@tamug.edu with the details, we will contact you if we find it. It will make it easier to return if it has your name on it.
7. PRACTICE SAFE COMPUTING –
a. Have an anti-virus program on your computer
b. Keep up with Operating System Updates!
c. Don’t open email or attachments that look suspicious
d. Your machine in the dorms or private housing becomes infected; it will be disabled until the machine is cleaned. To clean the machine, you need to call the Helpdesk (x4480) or pick up a “Student Support CD” in either, A-Dorm Lobby, the LRC, or CLB 115.
8. SAVING IN ‘MS WORKS’ – when saving in MS Works, go to ‘File’ then ‘Save As,’ NOT ‘Save.’ Change the ‘File Type’ to
‘.doc’, ‘.ppt’, ‘.rtf’, or ‘.xls’. DO NOT save it as a ‘.wps’ type file. We won’t be able to retrieve it.
ANY FILE THAT CAN GET LOST, WILL GET LOST……..
Especially if it’s the only copy of a term paper.