Laptops - 'Refresh' Dells

SAHS has a number of laptops that are available for permanent staff use. The normal expectation is that when assigned, this will be the primary computer for that staff member. Special exceptions will be made by the principal.

The following is information on how the computers are configured:

• The Dells are 'bound' to the SAHS network. This means that anyone can log onto the computer with their normal ASD id (lastname_firstname for staff; lastname.firstname for students) This can only be done when the computer is inside the district firewall, meaning within a school. I would not normally use this ID. I recommend doing everything with your local ID and connect to the server when needed as discussed below.

• The computer will be configured with a 'local' id for the staff member when it is assigned. The id will be the last name of the staff member. You will be forced to change the password given to you when you first log on. Remember: if the computer has problems, we will most likely reimage the computer or replace it. In either case EVERYTHING saved on the local account will disappear.

• All laptops have wireless capability. You probably will need to configure wireless: click on the 'increasing blocks bar graph' icon in the lower right. Click on sowireless and click next. Enter the password. You may configure it as you wish outside of the school. SAHS has good wireless connectivity throughout most of the school, most of the time, but no guarantees are made. All can also connect through an ethernet cable (which is more 'robust' - faster and more reliable). We have many ports available in the school, although not all are 'hot'. If you have a favorite, we can make sure that it is hot. We have lots of extra cables.

• More on Local IDs: I would work all of the time with my local ID so that I never needed to be connected to the district servers. I would then connect through to my Documents and Desktop folders saved on the server to access files that are put there. See instructions. I would put a fair amount of effort into understanding where my files are saved and what would happen if something went wrong. I would back up my files quite carefully.

• Outlook - you will need to configure Outlook to work with your local account. These instructions are old - they are approximately correct, but not exact. I will update them as I help people with this.

• The computer will be configured with a connection to the 'standard neighborhood printer'. You will probably have to change your default printer (from the Start menu, select Printers and Faxes. Right click on the printer of choice and Select as Default.) If you need to have another printer added, check with your tech person.

• VPN - connecting to school folders and applications from home. The Cisco client is installed on the image.

• I would practice with the 'joy-stick' and upper set of buttons. I think that you will find them convenient and reliable.

• There may be a folder called latitude e 6400 downloads on your desktop. That was a mistake. It does not harm, but you may delete it if you wish.

• These are nice computers. Please take care of them and consider their security (you have a signed agreement on file with IT). They come with two power cords (presumably one for school, one for home). Cable locks will be provided on request. We do not have bags for them.

More instructions will be posted as I receive questions and think of issues.

Back up one level