Classroom and Lab Computing

Windows XP Lab Guide

When you log in to a Windows computer in an ITS Student Lab with you access name, you are logging on an Microsoft Windows XP operating system with your own profile and with your own file space on a  server to store your documents.  Your User Profile contains your customized desktop settings, Start Menu additions and program options.  Your User Space contains your "My Documents" folder - the default location most applications save file.  This tutorial provide you with the information you need to work on these computers.

• Logon and Logoff Procedure
  • Getting Started
  • Logging On
  • User Setup Program -- configure you LABS logon options
  • Logging Off
  • Automatic Logoff
• Customize your settings
  • ClearType  -- technology to improve screen readilibity
  • Desktop Shortcuts -- adding shortcuts to your desktop
  • Quick Launch Toolbar -- provides single click launching of programs
  • Set Screen Resolution -- set your default screen resolution permanently
  • Start Menu Order -- set in alphabetical order
  • Default Web Browser and Email Client -- choose your favorite client
  • Microsoft Customize your Computer -- web page from Microsoft
• Roaming Profiles
  • Roaming Profiles in XP  -- description of roaming profiles in our labs
  • Profile Storage Space  -- how can you tell how much profile space you have left?
  • Clear User Application Data -- program to clean up files and registry keys in your profile
  • Removing Application Data Files  -- clean up files in your profile
  • Clearing Your Profile  -- clear your profile as a last resort
  • Your Desktop  --  location to keep shortcuts, not documents
• Applications Tips
  • Your Personal Software -- installing personal software for your use
  • Application Notes  -- information on using software in the labs
  • Backing Up Your Documents -- information to backup your files to CD, DVD, or personal Drive
  • CD and DVD Support -- how to use and write CDs and DVDs in the lab
  • Firewire Cameras -- how to hookup your firewire device for use in the labs
  • Scanner Support -- information on scanning documents and pictures
  • Zipped Files -- creating and extracting zipped files in the LABS