January 2, 2002

New Years Resolutions for Healthy Computing

By Teresa Lightle- Computer Training Coordinator

File servers are the most reliable and safest place to save important files. The file server is backed up nightly using tape drives. These tapes are stored in a secured area off site in case of a catastrophe. Thefts and hard drive crashes do happen, in spite of our best efforts to avoid such occurrences at BCOE. If something happened to your computer i.e.: fire, flood, burglary, the files that were stored on the server could be restored in a short period of time. Most locations have access to a server. Check with your onsite IT professional for the name and location of your server.

Microsoft Office has gone to great lengths to make the Office Assistant more user friendly. While I realize not all questions can be answered by a dancing paperclip, many can. Application questions such as "How do I get the table and borders toolbar to show?" can be answered by using the Office Assistant. 

I have heard from users that the Office Assistant does not answer the questions we need. The only thing we are asking is that you try it first. The more you use it the easier it becomes. Many times the barrier between getting the correct answer or not seems to reside in the vocabulary. Using key words such as "Toolbars" versus the "Picture Thingies" at the top of the screen can make a big difference. 

We have also had a few users asking for their copy of the "Manuals" for applications. The license that we use to purchase application software is a large group license. We pay a much lower rate per license in lieu of receiving some of the "fluff". We do not receive a manual for each computer we license. We do not receive a CD for each license. A copy of the software manual is available by going to Help in the menu bar of any  application and choosing Help. Choose the Contents Option. The manual is listed in chapter order. 

When learning a new computer program, a better option for users may be to purchase an after market reference manual. These type of books can be purchased at any book store. They tend to be easier to read and use for first time users than the product manuals.

There are several basic rules for sending e-mail. For many of you this will be a review for others it may be new news. 

1.  Your Butte County Office of Education e-mail account is for work related e-mail. If you have a need for personal e-mail, you can get one through many free online services or check with your Internet Service Provider. These e-mail accounts should be checked on your own time.

2.  Do not use the Global Address List for personal or political reasons. The Global Address List should be used on a very limited bases, when the need to notify all users about a professional need or service.

3.  Don't use all CAPITAL LETTERS when sending e-mail it is considered shouting.

4.  Use blind courtesy copy "BCC" when sending e-mail to a large group of users. This will keep your e-mail address private with in the network.

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For Questions or Comments about this newsletter please contact: tlightle@bcoe.org

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