Parents Handout
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY BASICS
 | Keyboard and mouse - your computer comes with a PS2 style keyboard and mouse. The sockets look the same, but are most likely different colors (although the colors may not match what is on your keyboard or mouse). They should be labeled (with words or pictures) as to which socket is for which device. They can only plug in if they are correctly aligned. Do not force them; look at the plug, and the socket, and carefully plug each one in. |
 | Monitor - your computer comes with a CRT monitor. The plug will only fit into the socket one way. There are small screws to either side of the plug; after it is fitted into the socket snugly, tighten up these two screws. |
 | Network Interface Card - your computer comes with a NIC. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, you can use an ethernet cable, plugged into the NIC port, to get online. |
 | Power - your computer will not run without electricity. The power cord can only plug in one way. The socket looks like this. Your monitor also has a power cord. It plugs in exactly the same way. |
 | Speakers - if your computer does not come with built-in speakers, you will need to plug in external speakers. We have tried to indicate with an arrow which port to plug the speaker jack into, but it is possible we may have missed labeling your computer. There are three ports on your sound card; one for microphone, one for sound in, and one for sound out. Plug the speaker jack into the sound out port. If your speakers come with an AC power adapter, that will have to be plugged in as well for the speakers to work. If you are not getting any sound, check which port your speaker jack is plugged into, and change if necessary. |
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
- Your computer is an electronic device. Make sure that all power cords are completely plugged in (not loose or wobbly). Consider getting a surge protector, to protect your computer and monitor.
- Never unplug your computer while it is running; shut it down properly first.
- Never use your computer during a thunderstorm; power it down, and unplug it.
- Never eat or drink around your computer.
UBUNTU 8.04
What is Linux? What is Ubuntu?
Updates
Adding/Removing Software
GNOME DESKTOP BASICS
Gnome panels. Icons (Firefox, Scratch, Help).
Applications (Firefox, Scratch, general MultiMedia).
Log In, Log Out, Shut Down, Reboot.
Adjust Date, Time, Volume.
Multiple Desktops.
HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS
To send and receive email or to browse the Internet, you first need to be online. High-speed Internet access (DSL, cable, satellite) can be wireless, or wired, using an Ethernet cable and a Network Interface card, or NIC.The computers earned through ByteWorks EAC program are already configured for high-speed Internet access using a wired (ethernet) connection. Plug them in, and they should “just work”. Note that an ethernet cable is not included with the standard peripherals included in the EAC program.
Wireless Internet access is a bit more complicated.
WEB-BASED EMAIL (GMAIL) BASICS
To access your email account, you first need to be online. See “Dial-Up Networking Basics” for instructions on accessing the Internet. Once you are connected, open your web browser (IceWeasel).
This is the URL of Google's gmail home page:
If your web browser is not at that page, then enter the URL into the address window of the web browser and press “Enter” or click the “Search” button. The first time you access your gmail account, you will have to enter your email user name and password.
If you click on the checkbox that says “Remember me on this computer” before clicking on the “Sign In” button, the application will “remember” your user name and password. In the future, when you log on, it will take you straight to your inbox. On occasion, you will again be asked for your email user name and password; this is for security purposes. Simply enter the information, and continue using email.
If you are having problems, or don't know how to do something in gmail, click on the “Help” hyperlink. The Gmail help center covers many topics – Getting Started, Common Mail Tasks and Features, Gmail Essentials, Troubleshooting General Issues, and Account Information.
If you need to ask a BWorks volunteer a question, send an email to:
help@bworks.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for BWORKS
Q: What is an operating system?
A: An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. Linux is an operating system; so is Microsoft Windows XP; so is Mac OS X.
Q: What is Linux?
A: Linux is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive Unix systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system. Linux's kernel (the central part of the operating system) was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland. To complete the operating system, Torvalds and other team members made use of system components developed by members of the Free Software Foundation for the GNU Project.
Q: What is Debian?
A: Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer. Debian uses the Linux kernel (the core of an operating system), but most of the basic OS tools come from the GNU project; hence the name GNU/Linux. Debian GNU/Linux provides more than a pure OS: it comes with over 15,490 packages, precompiled software bundled up in a nice format for easy installation on your machine.
Q: How much does it cost, and where can I get it?
A: Debian can be downloaded for free, or you can purchase a pre-compiled set of CDs. http://www.debian.org/distrib/ explains your options, for downloading or for purchasing CD sets. Many books on Linux come with a CD. Check your local library if they have CDs of Debian.
Q: Does it work the same way as Windows?
A: Well, it works in a similar way to Windows. Both use a graphical user interface (or GUI), and both look, act, and feel in a similar way. You will click on an icon in the same place (lower leftmost position on the taskbar) to bring up a menu to choose from, whether running Windows (Winn95 to XP), Macintosh, or Linux. All allow user input from keyboard or mouse. Where you will notice a big difference is in performance. Linux does a much better job with older hardware. It is faster, more secure, and more reliable.
Q: Can I play music CDs in my computer's CD player?
A: Absolutely! The basic Debian install provides seven media players to choose from.
Q: Can I go online and surf the Internet?
A: Yes. Installed web browsers include Konquerer, Mozilla, and Firefox. With any of those, you can go online and surf the Internet.
Q: Can I send and receive email?
A: Yes. We create a gmail account for each student. Using that account and Google Mail, students can send/receive email from any computer.
Q: Can I use my Microsoft Windows games on it?
A: Maybe. If a game is specific to an operating system, then it is not designed to work with other operating systems. You can't run a game designed for Windows XP on a Windows 98 machine, for example, nor run a Windows game on a Macintosh. However, there are tools that allow some games designed on one operating system to run on another. Wine and WineX are examples of such tools that allow some Windows games to run under Linux. Your best bet is to see if a Linux version of the game exists and get that.
Q: Why Linux instead of Microsoft Windows?
A: There are many reasons why Linux is a better solution than Windows. To list a few: cost, stability, performance. Cost: A license to use Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition costs at a minimum $149. A license to use Microsoft Office for educational use costs at a minimum $99. Running Open Office on Debian costs $0. Stability: Linux is a more stable operating system than Windows, especially as compared to Windows 98, which is what most donated machines are running, which means that's all we have available. Performance: Linux will get better performance from the old hardware we have donated to us than Windows can.
Q: What about computer viruses?
A: According to Dr. Nic Peeling and Dr Julian Satchell's Analysis of the Impact of Open Source Software: “There are about 60,000 viruses known for Windows, 40 or so for the Macintosh, about 5 for commercial Unix versions, and perhaps 40 for Linux. Most of the Windows viruses are not important, but many hundreds have caused widespread damage. Two or three of the Macintosh viruses were widespread enough to be of importance. None of the Unix or Linux viruses became widespread - most were confined to the laboratory.”
Q: What about spyware?
A: According to John Leydon from The Register: “Spyware, those annoying programs that snoop on a user's actions, remain a Windows-only phenomenon. Prominent anti-spyware developer Webroot says it has yet to detect a single Apple or Linux spyware app. In comparison, Webroot's Spy Sweeper software protects against 15,000 Windows threats. Although Apple and Linux server worms (such as Lion) have been detected, their population is dwarfed by the proliferation of Windows-specific worms, viruses and Trojans.”
Q: What if I want to hook up a printer to it?
A: Linux computers can support printers, scanners, digital cameras, all sorts of peripheral devices. Please contact one of the BWorks staff to discuss peripheral configuration and support.
Q: What if I want to replace the CD with a CD burner, or a DVD?
A: If you modify the hardware given to you by BWorks, the machine is no longer considered supported. You will be charged for any work or maintenance done because of the changes in hardware or software.
