Taking Care of the ThinkPad and Your Data
How to Take Care of Your 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 Help 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, or hibernating a ThinkPad wait until the process is completed before moving the ThinkPad.
- Shut down the ThinkPad every night.
Take Care of Your Data/Files
- Always store your data/files in the Userdata folder. This is the folder the Help 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 Help 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. Select Shut Down from the Start menu. Then select Shut Down and click OK.
Travel with the ThinkPad
- BE CAREFUL! Computers are frequently stolen in airports, train stations and coffee shops. Never leave the ThinkPad unattended.
- NEVER 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 use the ThinkPad in flight when traveling in a small airplane with lower cabin pressure.
- 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.
Secure the ThinkPad
- 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 Help 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.
Insurance
Students: 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.
Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff are responsible for the full replacement value of the ThinkPad and its parts in cases of theft, loss, negligence or damage. |