Teacher Workstation Evergreening 2013

Sturgeon School Division

  1. Laptop Specifications
  2. Windows 7
  3. Microsoft Office 2013
  4. Additional Software
  5. Accessibility Features
  6. To DO and NOT-to-DO
  1. Laptop Specifications

For those of you that want the details…

HP P6570b CTO Laptop C4P27UP#ABA

PROCESSOR CPU I Core i5-3210M Dual Core

CAMERA WEBCAM Integrated 720p HD

PANELS LCD 15.6 LED HD SVA AG f/CAM

MEMORY RAM 4GB 1600 DDR3 1DM

HARD DRIVES HDD 320GB 7200RPM

KEYBOARDS KBD TP US

BATTERIES BATT 6C 55 WHr

FINGERPRINT MISC No FPR

OPTICAL ODD DVDSM Upgrade Bay Tray

MODEM MDC v.92

WLAN I 6205 802.11abgn 2x2 WW

  1. Windows 7

Windows 7 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers. Previous versions of Windows include Windows Vista, Windows XP.

Enhanced features of Windows 7

  • Windows Search
  • Performance Enhancements
  • Taskbar
  • Hover, Move, Pin
  • Jump Lists
  • Relocate
  • Desktop
  • Shake, Snap, Peek
  • Themes
  • Gadgets
  • Calculator

Refer to Getting Around the Desktop for further information.

  1. Microsoft Office 2013

Programs available in Microsoft’s Office 2013 Suite:

Access 2013 – Database management system that combines relational database engine with software-development tools.

Excel 2013 – Spreadsheet application that features calculation, graphing tools, pivot tables, and programming language.

Top new features:

  • Get started quickly
  • Instant data analysis
  • Flash fill
  • Chart recommendations
  • New chart features
  • New calculation functions

InfoPath Designer2013InfoPath Filler 2013 – Software application for designing, distributing, filling and submitting electronic forms containing structured data.

*Lync 2013 – Instant messaging client used for instant messaging, voice over, and video conferencing.

OneNote 2013 – Program for free-form information gathering (notes, drawing, screen clippings, audio commentaries) and multi-user collaboration.

Outlook 2013 – Personal information manager used for managing email, calendars, tasks, contacts, notes, and journals.

Top new features:

  • Message list
  • Inline replies
  • Quick action commands
  • Sneak a peek
  • Customization
  • Weather

PowerPoint 2013–Presentation software application for combining text, graphics, and media for on screen presentations.

Top new features:

  • More choices for getting started
  • Presenter view
  • Better design tools

Publisher 2013 – Entry-level desktop publishing application that focuses on page layout and design.

Top new features:

  • Working with pictures (adding, swapping, effects, backgrounds)
  • Text effects

SkyDrive Pro 2013 – File hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to a cloud storage for access on any devices with a web browser.

Word 2013 – Word processing software application for creating simple and complex documents.

Top new features:

  • Read mode
  • Online video
  • Markup
  • Templates
  • Open & edit PDFs

Bold denotes applications most-likely used on a regular basis. (*) denotes possible use in the future.

  1. Additional Software

Internet Explorer –Microsoft web browser for accessing the Internet.

Google Chrome –Google web browser for accessing the Internet.

Google Drive – File storage and synchronization service provided by Google which enables cloud storage, file sharing and collaborative editing.

Audacity – Easy-to-use multilingual audio recorder and editor.

Snipping Tool – Captures a screen shot of anything on your desktop to annotate, save or email.

Google Earth – Virtual globe, map and geographical information program.

InfraRecorder – CD/DVD burning software application.

Picasa – Easy-to-use software to view, edit, and organize photos on your computer.

Google Sketchup – 3D modeling program designed for a broad range of applications such as architectural, civil, mechanical, film, and video game design.

ActivInspire – Promethean’s classroom software for easy, interactive lesson planning and delivery on interactive whiteboards.

VLC Player – Highly portable media player and streaming media server.

Calculator – Perform simple calculations (+, -, *, /) and advanced operations like programming, scientific and statistical functions.

  1. Accessibility Features

Ease of Access Center (Windows 7)

The Ease of Access Center provides a convenient, centralized place to locate accessibility settings and programs to make your computer easier to use. The Ease of Access Center can be found in the Control Panel by selecting Windows logo key+U and also when logging into Windows.

The Ease of Access Center includes:

  • Quick access to common tools. Start Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, Narrator, and High Contrast quickly.
  • Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use. An optional questionnaire provides a personalized list of recommended settings based on your answers to a series of questions about your eyesight, dexterity, hearing, and more. A custom list of recommended settings is provided so you can choose which options you want to try.
  • Explore all settings by category. Instead of looking for accessibility settings in various places, settings are organized so you can explore how to:
  • Use the computer without a display
  • Make the computer easier to see
  • Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard
  • Make the mouse easier to use
  • Make the keyboard easier to use
  • Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
  • Make it easier to focus on tasks

Speak Text-to-Speech (Microsoft 2013)

Text-to-speech (TTS) is the ability of your computer to play back written text as spoken words. Depending upon your configuration and installed TTS engines, you can hear most text that appears on your screen in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

  • Enable text-to-speech
  • Add Speak to the Quick Access Toolbar
  • Convert text to speech

Refer to Accessibility in Windows for further information.

  1. To DO and NOT-to-DO

What sorts of things do I have permission to do with my Sturgeon laptop?

You have the freedom and responsibility to personalize this device as much as you need for your role in Sturgeon School Division. The Mobile Computer Use Guidelines for Employees document outlines actions that are appropriate. However, some specific guidelines are listed below:

  • The computer will notify you when Windows or program updates are required. Please take the time to install them.
  • As operating systems become more reliable, it is not uncommon to see computers that have not been restarted for weeks at a time. Please restart your computer periodically so that it can apply any policy or window changes that may have taken place.
  • Be sure that your data is backed up on a regular basis.
  • Legally free and open source software can be installed on district owned devices.

What sorts of things do I NOT have permission to do with my Sturgeon laptop?

Keep in mind that the device is property of Sturgeon School Division. The Mobile Computer Use Guidelines for Employees document outlines actions that are not permissible. However, some specific guidelines are listed below:

  • Sturgeon laptops already have Trend Antivirus installed. Please do not install another antivirus product as it may conflict with Trend.
  • Only legally licensed or open source software should be installed on district-owned devices. Please do not install peer to peer sharing software like uTorrent, Bear Share, Micro Torrent etc.

If you are ever unsure, consult with your school administrator or the IT Department.