Save Your Work Often: As you work, save often. Even though our hardware is new, problems arise that might cause you to lose your work if you haven’t saved it.

Backup Your Work: Make sure that your work is stored in more than one place. You might consider investing in a portable drive that plugs into the USB port (a Jump drive, for instance).  You can carry your files home that way as well.

File Management is Critical: Actually, what is critical is following instructions about file management. When we begin a lesson or new project, I will give you specific instructions about where to save your work. In addition, I’ll tell you exactly what to name your files and folders. That way I can find your work if I need to help you or grade it by myself.

What are Your Initials? When I give you instructions about naming your folders and files, I might say, “Name your presentation Introyi.ppt.” The yi means your initials. You shouldn’t really name your file Introyi.ppt. Put your own initials instead of yi. So what are your initials? They may not be what you think. There are always duplicates, so I’ll tell you if you need to add a third letter to be unique.

You are not alone: Please be aware that the folks in charge of technology use in the district can see what you’re doing on your computer at all times and can track where you’ve been. Your history is recorded by your login, so don’t share your password with anyone and log off when you’re done. You need to use your computer appropriately, and you don’t want to be blamed when someone else doesn’t.

About visiting my room . . . You are welcome to come to my room and work any time during the day as long as there is a vacant computer and you don’t interact with my other students.

Downloading Files: NEVER, NEVER DOWNLOAD A PROGRAM TO YOUR COMPUTER OR THE SERVER without permission. The new computers have come with a locking program, so if changes are made to the hard drive, they will be gone when the machine is rebooted. Sound & Image Files: Limit the number of unused sound and image files you have on the server to 15 each at any time. Space is limited Store the excess on a zip disk or thumb drive.