Computer Set-up Specifications
Introduction
This specification is not a pre-requisite for joining SeniorNet Eastern Bays. However, you must understand that Microsoft computers can be set up in many different ways. If your computer settings do not comply with this specification, it is likely that you will have trouble understanding some of your tuition at SeniorNet Eastern Bays. We recommend that you ask your computer supplier to put in these settings or we can recommend a technician to do this job for you.
Recommendations
If you are buying a new computer, we recommend that it should have a minimum of 2GB RAM, and the operating system should be Windows Vista Home Premium not Vista Home Basic or Vista Business.
Bear in mind that Microsoft is releasing their next operating system at the end of this year. You may wish to wait for “Windows 7”.
- You must have a Broadband connection which controls the security of your computer in a completely stress free manner.
Your tutor will not be responsible for teaching you the pitfalls of a dial-up connection in today's risky internet conditions.
- You must have an Anti-Virus program installed and it should be set to automatic updating of data files.
This anti-virus program can be AVG Free or McAfee for Xtra customers (or an anti-virus program that another ISP provides free).
If you have a new computer with a trial antivirus program running, consider changing it to AVG Free in this set up.
A computer running Windows Vista does not need a stand-alone Firewall for your purposes; therefore it is not necessary to have a comprehensive security suite like Norton.
- Windows Updates must be set to Automatic Updating.
- Internet Explorer Version 8 must be installed.
- www.google.co.nz must be set as the home page.
- www.sneb.org.nz to have a short cut icon on the desktop.
- Your computer’s ISP web-page to have a link on the links bar in Internet Explorer.
- All trial programs (including Microsoft Office2007 and its Activation Assistant) should be uninstalled.
Word2007 will not be taught to beginners at SNEB. If, at a later date, you want Office2007, you can purchase the CD Rom of the educational version from SeniorNet NZ. It is cheaper and can legally be put on 3 computers.
- Either Microsoft Office 2003 OR OpenOffice.org must be installed. In OpenOffice programs the following settings made:-
- Only OpenOffice.org Writer shortcut on the desktop
- OpenOffice.org Writer - Save options to be set to MS Word 97/2003/XP
- OpenOffice.org Calc - Save options to be set to MS Excel 97/2003/XP
- OpenOffice.org Impress - Save options to be set to MS PowerPoint 97/2003/XP
- Folder location for graphics to be changed to Username\Pictures on Vista computers or My documents\My Pictures on WinXP computers
- Abobe Reader Version 9.0 must be installed.
- Windows Mail must be set as the default email client.
- You should be using your "yourisp@isp.co.nz" email address with Outlook Express in WindowsXP or Windows Mail in Vista.
(If you have already learnt email in the library, you may prefer to continue using webmail, ie you@yourwebmail.com ).
- In Outlook Express and/or Windows Mail:-
- <View><Layout> uncheck “Preview Pane”.
- <Tools><Options><Send> uncheck “Send messages immediately”.
- <Tools><Options><Spelling> check “Always check spelling before sending”.
- In Windows Explorer:-
<Tools><Folder Options><General><Use Windows Classic folders>.
<Tools><Folder Options><View> uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types”.
- Programs loaded at start-up that are not strictly necessary for this person, should be removed, especially in computers with less than 2GB of RAM (there is no need for updaters and suchlike to be running all the time for these people)..
- All unused desktop shortcuts should be removed to avoid misunderstandings and confusion for this person..
- The Quick Launch should contain Internet Explorer, Windows Mail, Show Desktop.
- Screen resolution should be set so that the screen can be easily read by you, the main user of this computer..
- Laptop Touch Pads to be customised for this person’s touch.
