Windows XP  

To log into a Wittenberg computer system:

• To log on, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys and then press the DELETE key.
• In the Logon Information box, type in the User Name and Password that you were given. *Note-the user name is not case sensitive, while the password is. Be sure to check the Caps Lock key if the password isn't accepted.
• Click OK to log in.

When logging in for the first time:

• Type the old password in the space provided.
• Select a new password and type it into the first space for "New Password".
• Type the same (new) password into the second "New Password" box and click OK.

Rules for changing passwords:

• You cannot reuse the last five passwords used for Windows.
• You must use a numeric character within the first 8 characters of the password.
• The password must contain at least one capitalized alphabetic character and one lowercase alphabetic character within the first eight characters.
• The minimum length password is 6 characters. (Reminder: Windows and your E-mail/WebCT passwords are separate; changing one does NOT change the other.)

What if the system won't accept my password?

• The user name is not case sensitive, while the password is. Be sure to check the Caps Lock key if the password isn't accepted. Retype the password with Caps Lock off.
• If the message is "Access Denied", it means that the password was incorrectly entered three times in a row. You will be required to wait for three minutes before trying to log in again, even if you move to another computer.
• If the user name and password are still not accepted, you will need to reset it using one of the Registration and Password computers on campus or the WittLink Portal.
• If nothing seems to work to get your username and password going, you can always stop by the Solution Center during our walk in hours. Username and password problems require that you stop by rather than inquire by phone.

How often must I change my password?

• For security reasons, passwords must be changed every 90 days. You will see a warning message when logging in for the 14 days before the password will expire. Once the password has expired, you will need to reset it using one of the Registration and Password computers on campus or the WittLink Portal.

To manage files using Windows XP:

• The Windows XP file system is based on the principle of files, folders, and applications as icons that are real objects. These objects can be moved, deleted, renamed, and copied. (just like paper files)
• All the files on the system can be found through My Computer by double-clicking the hard drive icon. The hard drive folder opens to reveal all the files and folders located on it. Each folder can then be opened to reveal its contents. (Folders are the equivalent of a directory under older Windows or DOS systems.)
• Windows NT file management system allows flexibility in naming files. The only limitations are that it cannot be more than 255 characters in length (including spaces) and cannot contain characters such as slash, colon, quote, asterisk, and quotation marks.

To create folders:

• Folders are storage containers in Windows XP. A new folder can be created on the hard drive, the desktop or inside another folder. Having separate folders for different projects can make it much easier to find and manage the documents you create.

To rename folders:

• One method is to select the folder or file icon and then click on the name. An insertion point will appear and the name can be completely retyped or a single character changed. Another method is to use the right mouse button. This displays a shortcut menu that includes the Rename command.

To copy files:

• Copying files means that the file will be in two places; not that it will be moved from one location to another. Moving means that the file will no longer be in the original location. *Note* Moving or copying files between drives means that the file will take on the permissions/attributes of the new location. Users that had access before may not have access after a move or copy unless the permissions are changed. For information, please contact the Solution Center.

To create shortcuts:

• Right-click on the Windows background.
• Move the mouse over New in the menu.
• Left-click Shortcut.
• If you're not sure of the path to the program or file, click Browse.
• Use the Location drop-down menu at the top of the window to locate the folder where the file resides.
• If you're still not sure, check your H:\ drive or under C:\Program Files.

To print files:

• Printing can be accessed from Print Preview by using Print from the File menu or clicking the Print button on the toolbar of an application.

To close applications:

• Applications should be closed when not in use, since open applications use computer resources such as memory. Closing applications frees memory, which in turn speeds up the computer. The fastest way to close an application is by clicking on the Close (X) button found in the upper right corner of the window.

What is Windows XP Explorer?

• Windows XP Explorer displays files, folders and applications in tree (hierarchical) format. For some this is an easier way to understand the location of files on the system. (Similar to Windows File Manager, X-Tree, X-Tree Gold)

To change the Desktop settings (background, etc.):

• Right-click the desktop.
• Select Properties from the menu.
• On the Background tab, select the colors or styles desired.
• Under the Appearance tab, select the colors for windows, title bars, etc.

What are the network drives and why would I use them?

• H:\ drive (Your personal server space) The best reason is to back up your work. All network drives and e-mail servers are backed up regularly. In the event of a failure, those files can be restored. Information saved in this area is accessible from any networked Windows NT or Windows XP system on campus. You can also access those files via ResNet connection or through a Wittenberg dial-up connection (with some exceptions). Although floppies are a convenience, they are very delicate. One way to ensure the safety of your files and documents is to use your Home Directory. If you still wish to use a floppy to carry data between your personal computer and campus computers, simply save your document to your Home Directory, and then copy it your floppy when you have finished working on it. When you want to work on it again, copy it from your floppy disk to your Home directory and work on it from there.
• I:\ drive (Your department's server space; this does not appear for most students) Work-related information such as documents or pictures can be saved here. This space is available to everyone in the departmental group and can be a valuable time saver for individuals who collaborate on projects. It also provides space for work items so individuals can save the space in their H:\ drive for other purposes.
• J:\ drive Another way to reach the departmental area. Keep in mind that while you can see the list of departments, only those with authorization can actually see what appears inside the directories.
• P:\ drive (called Apps on Bengal1) This drive contains many shared files and directories for things like Microsoft and Corel templates along with some of the specialized software used by classes.
• Q:\ drive (called Class on Siberian11) Each academic discipline has its own area on this drive to use for classes. In most cases, the professor will setup a directory for students to use when saving large files or turning in finished products. It is much easier to keep track of files in a directory than individual floppies from each member of a class! The Computing Center also maintains a directory called Class Programs where you can find fixes for particular programs and shortcuts to start some of the specialized academic software.
• U:\ drive (called username on Userpages) This is the space provided for personal webpages. Naming a file "index.html" in this drive will ensure that your name and webpage will be added to the personal webpage list on Wittenberg's WWW site.
• V:\ drive (called Projects on Siberian1) Projects that require access from multiple departments can be stored on the V:\ drive. To have a folder created and the permissions set for access, please contact the Solution Center.

To log off the computer: Logging off the computer is important for security reasons. Anyone who uses the computer after you in a lab can use your personal account and information if you do not log off.

• To log off, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys then press the DELETE key.
• Click the Logoff button that appears.
• Click OK to end your Windows session.
OR
• Click the Start Button.
• Click Shut down.
• Click "Close all programs and log on as a different user".
• Click OK.


 
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