Using the ThinkPad
Submitted by idolp on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 11:05
Using the ThinkPad for the First Time
Setting Your Administrative Password
Upon receipt of the ThinkPad, inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If any damage (including cracks or scratches) is evident, or if parts are missing, immediately call the Service Desk at 758-HELP. Do not use the machine if it is damaged.
Turn On the ThinkPad for the first time
- Once the power supply and Ethernet cable have been plugged into the ThinkPad, turn it on.
- The power button is located at the top of the keyboard. To turn on the ThinkPad, push the button and release.
- The ThinkPad MUST be connected to the wired network with the Eterhnet cable when turned on for the first time.
Log on to the ThinkPad
Vista and Windows XP requires you to log on to use the ThinkPad. The login screen cannot be bypassed. Log in using your network login and password EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT ON CAMPUS. Windows XP will require you to log into the DEACNET domain. If you try to log on to anything other than DEACNET, you may experience problems, including the inability to log on at all, or the inability to get to some resources.
Vista
Upon starting the ThinkPad, the following fields are required to log in:
- User name: Type your user name (e.g., smitab9) in the space provided if it is not already entered.
- Password: Use the password provided to you by Information Systems.
As added security, your password will appear on the screen as asterisks (******).
Windows XP
Upon starting the ThinkPad, the following fields are required to log in:
- User name: Type your user name (e.g., smitab9) in the space provided if it is not already entered.
- Password: Use the password provided to you by Information Systems.
As added security, your password will appear on the screen as asterisks (******). - Domain: This field should always read DEACNET. Do not modify this text. When all three fields are filled in, click the OK button.
The ThinkPad can take up to three minutes to complete the start process. Software applications will not be available until the start process is complete.
It is important for ThinkPad users to reboot and log on weekly to the wired network in order to receive critical computing updates.
Setting Your Administrative Password
As soon as your desktop appears, you will be prompted to change your administrator password for the ThinkPad. This is NOT your Wake Forest user name and password that you use for personal computing. Be sure to remember this password.
Connect to the Wired Campus Network—LAN
• Attach the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet jack on the left side of the ThinkPad.
• Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into an active data jack in the wall. Check to see that the link lights are blinking on the ThinkPad Ethernet jack. If you have an active connection you should see one solid and one blinking light.
• Turn on the ThinkPad and log in.
Connect to the Wireless Campus Network—WLAN (Wi-Fi)
• Turn on the ThinkPad and log in.
• Click the Windows Wireless Network Connection icon (Vista) or the Access Connections (Windows XP) icon in the System tray on the bottom right side of the screen.
• Click the wireless network you want to join (Student for all students). You will be prompted for your user name and password.
WFU Network Speeds
• The wireless campus network offers connection speeds up to 54 Mbps.
• Residence hall rooms also offer access to the wired/LAN campus network which runs at 100 Mbps.
Use the Software on the ThinkPad
• Applications can be accessed through the folders in the Start menu.
• Loading non-standard software applications can potentially cause problems and result in lost data.
• For security, the ThinkPad includes firewall protection. Do not install personal firewall software. Installing additional firewall software can prevent access to necessary campus resources such as the Wake Forest Information Network (WIN).
Vista
Go to the Start menu. Select the arrow button and choose Shut Down. If prompted, allow Windows Updates to install. Be sure to wait for the ThinkPad to completely power down before closing the display or transporting the ThinkPad. If the ThinkPad does not power off, press and hold the power button.
Windows XP
Go to the Start menu. Select Shut Down and click OK in the box that appears. If prompted, allow Windows Updates to install. Be sure to wait for the ThinkPad to completely power down before closing the display or transporting the ThinkPad. If the ThinkPad does not power off, press and hold the power button.