Computer Operating Hints  PC Protocol  Saving files on Floppy  
Computer Operating Hints
  • Avoid turning computers on and off - the constant warming-up from cold puts a strain on the components.
  • Use a password-protected Screensaver (Right Click on the desktop, select Properties - Screensaver) to stop unwanted fiddling whilst computer is on.
  • Always use the Start-Shutdown method to shut down your computer.
  • Remember it is the monitor which uses up 90+% of your power, even using a screensaver. Set suitable monitors to shutdown after, say, 15mins of non-use. The computer shouldn't be affected, but try turning off your monitor manually and on again, just to make sure.
  • Make sure your back and neck are straight, with your feet able to touch a surface. Keep your wrists higher than the tips of your fingers.
  • Periodically check the contrast of your monitor.
  • When things go wrong, don't ignore the obvious:
    • Are leads connected?
    • Have any changes been made recently to the system?
    • Is power on?
  • Often, a restart (CTRL+ALT+DEL) will clear the computer's system memory and allow work to continue.
  • Save your work regularly. Many programs can be set to 'AutoSave' in their 'Options'.
  • Mice and Keyboards are cheap, but can be cleaned.
  • Avoid cleaning a monitor whilst it is, or has recently been on.

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PC Protocol
    Follow this advice to avoid trouble:

  • Always Shutdown your box properly (Start-shutdown or use the Alt&F4 combination).
  • On a reboot, your system memory is cleared and can sometimes free locked-up memory.
  • Always save your documents regularly. Most wordprocessors and spreadsheets have the option to 'Autosave' (Look in 'Tool-Options') every few minutes.
  • Don't have too many programs open at the same time if your computer has less than 64MB RAM - you risk locking-up programs vying for system memory.
  • Always read the manual and readme files that ome wth new hardware and software. Anything installed on a computer may damage your existing setup if done wrongly.

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Saving files to Floppy
When you have a document open, you can click on 'File - Save As' and choose the equivalent of '3.5" Floppy (A:)' as a location. (Yes, you DO need a suitable disk in the drive!) Look carefully for small arrows next to the dialogue boxes that allow you to make different choices. Normally you can save on your hard dsk in 'My Documents', but navigate up one level to My Computer and you should see the Floppy Drive (A:) available.
When you have a document closed, but can see it's icon (denoting the program it opens with), you can right-click on it and select Send to - 3.5" Floppy.
You can also select a file or multiple files (Use Ctrl whilst you select individual files to highlight them), click on 'Copy' and then open up a window showing the Floppy's contents in My Computer - 3.5" Floppy (A:) by clicking on its icon and then pasting it where you want it.
You can create a folder in a window by right-clicking on the white background inside the window, not on an icon, and selecting 'New-Folder'. Name it, press Enter to confirm this. You can then open up this new folder and paste in whatever files you wish.

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