Taking Care of the ThinkPad and Data
Submitted by idolp on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 12:08
How to Take Care of the ThinkPad
- Carry the ThinkPad in a padded case.
- Treat the screen with care.
- Do not drop the ThinkPad.
- Clean the screen with a soft, damp (water only) cloth.
- Do not bend or twist the display or force it to lay flat.
- Do not place any objects on the ThinkPad.
- Keep the ThinkPad in a cool, dry place. Only expose to temperatures between 40°F to 85°F.
- Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures will damage the ThinkPad.
- Keep liquids away from the ThinkPad. DO NOT turn on a wet ThinkPad. If the ThinkPad is on when the spill occurs, turn it off. Take it immediately to the Service Desk for assistance.
- Leave the machine intact. Do not try to service the ThinkPad or take it apart. Do not mark the ThinkPad in any permanent way.
- When shutting down, setting to standby, sleeping or hibernating a ThinkPad wait until the process is completed as indicated by the illuminated half moon icon before moving the ThinkPad.
- Shut down the ThinkPad every night.
- Always store your data/files in the c:\users\username\documents (Vista) or c:\Userdata folder (Windows XP). This is the folder the Service Desk will try to recover if you encounter problems with the ThinkPad.
- Turn off the ThinkPad before moving it. Moving the ThinkPad while it is on can damage the hard drive and may result in loss of data/files.
- Do not load any additional software. If any problem software is installed, the Service Desk will reload the ThinkPad with the initial standard software, erasing all other data/files and programs. It is your responsibility to have a backup of data/files.
- Back up your data/files on a regular basis.
- Do not loan the ThinkPad. Insurance covers the ThinkPad only when it is in your possession.
- Shut down the ThinkPad daily.
- Never leave the ThinkPad unattended. Computers are frequently stolen in airports, train stations and coffee shops.
- DO NOT check the ThinkPad as luggage; always carry it on the airplane with you.
- DO NOT put the ThinkPad in the overhead compartment. Store the ThinkPad under the seat when not in use.
- DO NOT leave the ThinkPad in the seat of your vehicle. Store it for brief periods of time in the trunk.
- DO label the ThinkPad with a non-permanent label.
- DO make a backup prior to travel. Transport the backup separate from the ThinkPad. Keep another backup at your home or office.
- Most thefts occur when property is unattended and unsecured.
- Secure the ThinkPad with a lock down kit (available at most computer supply stores and the College Bookstore) at all times.
- Attach the cable to an object that would be difficult to remove.
- If the ThinkPad is stolen from a campus location, report it to University Police (758-5911) immediately. If it is stolen from an off-campus location, contact local law enforcement.
- You must provide a copy of the police report to the Service Desk walk-in area.
- Neither Wake Forest University nor Information Systems assumes responsibility for negligence resulting in theft, loss, or damage to the ThinkPad.
- ThinkPad thefts are not uncommon. Protect your data/files by securing the computer and having a backup of your data files.
Wake Forest University provides insurance for all university owned ThinkPads. There is a deductible for each incident of damage and theft. This deductible is the responsibility of the student, and is subject to change.
Wake Forest also offers students the opportunity to purchase optional insurance for the ThinkPad to cover accidental spills, drops or other damage. The ThinkPad Insurance costs $80. Without the ThinkPad Insurance, students will pay up to a $500 deductible per incident for damages to their computer. After 11:59 p.m. on the day the student receives the ThinkPad, the Wake Forest ThinkPad Insurance is not available.