Using the COWs (Computers on Wheels) in Your Classroom
The Following is an example – instructions will alter slightly when the new laptop images are installed in 2008.
Setting up the Wireless Lab in Your Room:
1. Move the cart to your room…remember that both carts use the Wireless Access Point attached to cart #1 so both carts must be together for all 30 laptops to use the internet, print or save files.
2. Plug the Network Cable into the jack on the wall
a. The network cable is the one that looks like a large phone wire
b. Plug it into the jack that is labeled with a red “W”
3. Plug the Power Cord into a power outlet, make sure the switch on the back of the cart is in the “on” position – the line or one is on, the zero is off.
4. Distribute Laptops
a. Teacher should pass out laptops to insure that the power cables are not damaged
Logging On to the COW Laptop:
1. Turn the laptop on using the power button
2. The “Authentication Information” box will appear
a. Enter Username and password information
b. Username and password is brlab5(number of laptop)
For example: laptop 1
Username = brlab501
Password = brlab501
c. If the box disappears (times out), it will pop back up every 30 seconds
*NOTE * Eventually each student will use individual Username and password
3. Log into Novell
a. Enter Username and password information
b. Username and password is wmlab3(number of laptop)
For example: laptop 1
Username = brlab501
Password = brlab501
c. Context should read:
i. If using brlabxx log in
Context should be Birches.elementary.central
ii. If using staff log in
Context should be Staff.central
iii. If using Student log in
Context should be Student.central
*NOTE * Eventually each student will use individual Username and password
Saving Your Work:
All Work must be saved to the Student Drive. If you save on the desktop, it will be lost when you restart the laptop.
Troubleshooting:
Problem: Laptop Not Powering up
1. Check to see that the laptop is fully charged
a. Plug into outlet and check to see if it can be turned on.
Problem: Access Point Not Powering up
1. Is cart plugged into an electrical outlet?
2. Is the power switch on of the cart on?
a. the line or one is on, the zero is off
Problem: Can not Connect to the Network
1. Is the wireless access point on? Are the lights blinking?
2. Check Strength meter on task bar (lower right of task bar) If low, very low or no signal try moving to another part of the room
excellent. / good. / low / very low / no signal / radio disabled3. Check Wireless computer icon on task bar (lower right of task bar)
Connected / Connecting / Not connected / WarningIf “Connected” icon – computer is connected and working
If “Connecting” icon – computer is still trying to connect please wait
If “Not connected” icon – wait for “Authentication Information” box
If “Warning” icon – Reset Wireless card by:
a. Hit FN (Function) + F2 – this disables the wireless card
b. Hit FN (Function) +F2 again – this re-enables the wireless card
c. Put in User Name in and password. If the computer on the task bar blinks blue, you have a successful connection.
Problem: Error message while trying to log in to Novell
1. Make sure Username and Password were typed correctly
2. Check to make sure Context is correct
4. On the Novell Log in box click “Advanced” button
5. Tree should read WTPS
6. Context should read:
a. If using brlabxx log in
Context should be Birches.elementary.central
b. If using staff log in
Context should be Staff.central
7. If context is not correct click on button labeled context then highlight correct context and press OK