End of Year Computer Lab Procedures
Call the Help Desk if you need assistance-523-4357
All users should perform the general cleaning section. Computer lab instructors should perform all steps in both sections.
General Cleaning
Computer Lab Cleanup
1. Software clean up before summer.
2. How to physically clean your technological equipment.
3. How to store your technology for the summer.
1. Software clean up before summer.
- · Cleanup of Temp and Temporary Internet Folders
To cleanup your temp and temporary Internet folders follow these steps.
1. Click on “Start”
2. Click on “Programs”
3. Click on “Accessories”
4. Click on “System Tools”
5. Click on “Disk Cleanup”
6. Click on “OK”. It will then scan your computer, this may take a few minutes.
7. Now place a check mark in the box next to Recycle Bin, Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files and Temporary Files. Now click on “OK” to delete files and click "Yes" to confirm the deletion of these files.
- · Run Disk Defragmenter – The Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files on your computer’s hard disk to improve system performance. Complete the following steps to run disk defragmenter.
1. Click on “Start”
2. Click on “Programs”
3. Click on “Accessories”
4. Click on “System Tools”
5. Click on “Disk Defragmenter”
6. Click on “Defragment”
Note: Defragmenting the hard drive can take a long time. Be sure to do this at a time when you won’t need to use or shut down your computers.
2. How to clean your equipment.
- · Cleaning the CPU : The plastic case that houses the PC components can be cleaned with a lint free cloth that has been slightly dampened with water. For stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth. It is recommended that you never use a solvent cleaner on plastic.
- · Cleaning the mouse : To clean the mouse, you first have to remove the cover on the bottom of the mouse. You will also need to remove the ball from the mouse. To do this, turn the mouse over to its normal position and the ball should fall out. Once the bottom cover and the ball are removed you should be able to see three rollers located within the mouse. Use your finger and/or finger nail and move in a horizontal direction of the rollers. Usually there will be a small line of hair and or dirt in the middle of the roller, remove this dirt and or hair as much as possible. When you are done, place the ball back into the mouse and put the cover back on.
- · Cleaning the monitor : If you have a CRT (Large monitor that is not a flatscreen), the monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner. Be sure to remove power from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint free cloth so the fluid doesn't leak into the electrical components inside the monitor. Do not use a paper product to clean the glass. Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the monitor, and make sure no books or papers have been placed on the air vents. If you are using an LCD (flat) screen monitor, only use a cloth lightly moistened with water, comercial cleaning solutions can damage the plastic front of LCD screen. Otherwise it will be cleaned in the same fashion as the CRT monitors.
- · Cleaning the keyboard: A good way to clean your keyboards is to use compressed air. Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long nozzle. Simply aim the air between the keys and blow away all of the dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum cleaner can also be used, but make sure the keyboard doesn't have loose "pop off" keys that could possibly be sucked up by the vacuum. If your keyboards are still dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth.
- · Scanner cleaning: If you have a scanner in your lab, you can clean it by spraying a window cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe the glass until clean.
- · Cleaning the Smart Board: Remove excess dust with a damp cloth before using a cleaner. Only use dry-erase cleaner, such as EXPO Cleaner, if you have any residue still on your Smart Board.
- · Cleaning the projector: If possible, remove the filter located directly above the lens of the projector and clean the filter by using compressed air or washing with water. Do not place filter back in while wet.
- · Cleaning the document camera: The document camera can be cleaned with a lint free cloth that has been slightly dampened with water.
3. How to store your technology for the summer.
- · Computers and Monitors - Before the computers are taken out of the room, please take the following actions. Computers should have their cables labeled before they are disassembled. Please make any notations that you need in this regard. Please label the CPU case with masking tape or a post-it that is securely taped to the pc, include the name and room number of the teacher. Please use plastic bags to store the pc and monitor.
- · Projectors – If you can reach it, unplug the power cable, and wrap a plastic bag over the projector. If you cannot reach it please contact the custodial staff for assistance with this task.
- · Elmo/Document Cameras – Unplug the Elmo and wrap it in a plastic bag. It can be stored in a closet or some other safe location.
- · Smart Board - Care should be taken with labeling your cables. It is VERY important to make sure the USB to RJ45 dongle (if so equipped) is not plugged in to a network jack. It can destroy the dongle, and they are fairly expensive (approximately $70).
1. Deleting student created documents.
2. Cleaning out students from programs.
3. Preparing computers for storage.
1. Deleting student created documents.
Any student created documents should be deleted in preparation for the new school year. These are usually located in the “My Documents” folder located on the desktop. If you have questions, please contact the helpdesk and they can assist you with finding the location of the folder.
2. Cleaning out students from programs.
Depending on what software you have installed in your lab, there will be a need to remove students from programs such as Type to Learn, Kid Pix, Mavis Beacon, etc. Please refer to the manuals of these programs on how to delete out old student records.
3. Preparing computers for storage.
All computers should be cleaned using the general guidelines above. In addition all computers should be labeled so they are setup in the same sequence next year.
- 4. SRI/STAR Math
No changes to SRI/STAR Math are required. I.T. will roll your student information over for next year.