Student Notebook Computer Guide
Protecting Your Notebook Computer
It is important to protect of your university-provided notebook computer from damage and theft. Here are some guidelines:
- Carry your notebook computer in a backpack/tote that is made for a notebook computer. A purse or regular backpack does not have adequate padding and the notebook computer can be damaged if dropped.
- Keep sticky or runny foods away from your notebook computer. Such foods may permanently damage your notebook computer keyboard or other delicate components and most warranties do not cover such damage.
- Keep open drink containers away from your notebook computer. Soda and other beverages can cause keyboard keys to stick or become inoperable. Other damage to delicate components may also result from such spillage and most warranties do not cover such damage.
- Use a surge protector if you are going to keep your notebook computer hooked up to an electrical outlet, particularly if your computer is turned on. An electrical surge may not hurt it one time, but continued surges could potentially damage it and lose all of your critical data.
- If at all possible do not leave your notebook computer in a cold environment. Condensation, when you return it to a warm environment, could cause the circuitry to short out. If it has been exposed to a cold environment, always let it warm up before turning it on.
- Do not leave your notebook computer unattended in a classroom or other area.
- Do not leave it in your car where it is visible.
- Do not check it as baggage when flying, but take it on as a carry-on.
- Do not try to repair your notebook computer or open it up to see inside or add components. You may inadvertently cause more damage by your lack of knowledge.
- Do not have your notebook repaired other than at the Electronic Campus Support Center (ECSC). All repairs to Northwest provided notebook computers must be done at the ECSC.
Cleaning Your Notebook Computer
To clean the LCD screen, use LCD screen solution, eyeglass cleaning solution, or 1 part isopropyl alcohol and 1 part water (50/50 solution). Do not apply solution directly to screen, but pour onto a soft clean, white cloth and then apply to your LCD Screen.
To clean the keyboard, use a soft, clean, white cloth, cotton swabs and a can of compressed air. Do not spray cleaning solutions onto keyboard. A 1 part isopropyl alcohol and 1 part water (50/50) solution is all that is needed. Do not spray or pour the solution directly onto keyboard. Pour a small amount on a cloth, squeeze out excess, and gently apply the cloth to the keyboard. Use cotton swabs and compressed air to clean between the keys. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake to dislodge any particles stuck between keys.