UNHCE Information Technology & Distance Education Blog: Equipment Archives

Dell has identified a potential issue associated with certain batteries sold with Dell Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation notebook computers. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies, Dell is voluntarily recalling certain Dell-branded batteries with cells manufactured by Sony and offering free replacements for these batteries. Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.

It is important that each Extension employee with a Dell laptop check to see if the battery is subject to the recall. This can be done by turning off the computer, removing the battery, writing down the Dell Part Piece ID number, and then entering that number on the Dell website. For detailed instructions, and to check the numbers, visit the Dell site setup for this recall at https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/. If you're battery is part of the recall, follow the instructions to obtain a replacement. (Due to the dispersed nature of our laptops, having the individual user handle this is the most efficient and timely way of handling the recall.)

If you have any questions, please call the Computer Support Line at 862-0351.

Switching the primary button used on your mouse is helpful when wanting to switch from right-handed to left-handed use of the mouse (or vice versa.)

It is a good idea to alter your routine if you use the computer for extended periods of time. Changing the primary mouse button is one way to do that.

To change the primary button on the mouse, click on:

* The Start Menu (Lower left-hand corner of your screen)

* Settings (Windows 98 only)

* Control Panel

* Select mouse
Note: Do NOT choose Accessibility options

* Select the Buttons tab in the dialog box

* To make the Right button the one used for primary functions (such as clicking & dragging), check the box which says, "Switch primary and secondary
buttons."

* Click on Ok to save the changes.
Note: This change will take effect immediately. You need to use the newly selected option to click on Ok.

To reverse the process, deselect the "Switch primary and secondary buttons" box.

Selecting a theme allows you to change the colors & design of boxes on your desktop as well as in some of your applications.

This can be used to enhance visibility, select colors you desire, ease eye fatigue, or jazz up your desktop.

To change the theme click on:

The Start Menu (Lower lefthand corner of your screen)

Settings (Windows 98 only)

Control Panel

Display

Appearance (Windows 98)
Theme (Windows XP)

Select the theme

Note - there's a preview window so you can see what the theme will look like.

Click on OK to save the setting

In a recent tip, we showed you how to split your Word document
window by selecting Window | Split from the menu bar or by
double-clicking on the rectangle above Word's vertical scrollbar.
An astute Word Tips subscriber, Wendy Geddes, pointed out that
there is a way to split the document window without leaving the
comfort of your keyboard! Here's the new method. Press
[Alt][Ctrl]S ([command][option]S in v. X) to create a movable
horizontal line. Use the up and down arrow keys to move the line,
and press [Enter] when you've got it in the right place (not
available in v. X). The screen splits, and you can continue
editing your document. To remove the split, press [Alt][Shift]C
([command][option]S in v. X). Thanks, Wendy!
Courtesy of: Element K tips

Instead of reaching for your mouse to click in your address bar
and type a new URL, press [Alt]D instead. This highlights the
current address in IE so that you can instantly type a new
address or paste a URL you've copied by pressing [Ctrl]V. In
addition, you can quickly move your cursor to different sections
of a URL by pressing [Ctrl][Left Arrow] to go back, or
[Ctrl][Right Arrow] to go forward.
Courtesy of: Element K tips

Loaner Mice

The design of a mouse can make a huge difference in your long-term comfort.

The ITDE Office has some mice available for UNHCE staff to borrow (one at a time) for a period of 2 weeks. This will give you the opportunity to see which mouse is most comfortable for you.

The mice currently available for loan are:

Evoluent Vertical Mouse
Available through Jaymil Ergonomic Solutions
* Neutral, handshake position for support
* Optical
* Five programmable buttons

Logitech Marble Mouse
* Optical
* Large track ball on top
* Stationary no problems with the cord tangling

Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer
* Tilt wheel
* Wireless & Optical
* Ergonomic design available in right-handed only
* Five programmable buttons

Logitech MediaPlay Cordless Mouse
* Wireless
* Titled wheel for scrolling
* Optical

For further information, contact Barbara Wright at the ITDE office.

Michael Toepfer is the ITDE point of contact for purchasing new computer equipment. He will assist county offices in obtaining quotes, but counties need to order the equipment themselves. UNH funded equipment is the one exception that allows Mike to place the order.

If you are interested in purchasing digital imaging equipment or an LCD projector, please contact Faye Cragin for recommendations and quotes.

Here's a sample of recent prices for our standard configurations (in general, the prices remain stable while the performance and capabilities of the equipment improve):

Desktop - $1100

Laptop - $1200 - $2500

LCD Projectors
PT-LB50NTU - (2000 lumens, VGA - 800 x 600) $949.00
PT-LB50U - (2000 lumens, VGA - 1028 x 764) $1299.00

(Last updated 6/23/06)

APC, a major manufacturer of UPS's (Uninterruptible Power Supply) has a trade in program for old UPS's. The savings on a new UPS can run up to 40% as well as save you the hassle of disposing of your old UPS. I recently priced a UPS at $109 at PCconnection. The price with a trade-in on the APC web site was $85. A savings of $24. You can check out the program at the following URL:

APC trade-in

Item: Panasonic PT-LB10SU LCD Projector
From: Gov Connection
(check with BSC for where you may order from if on campus)

Item #: 5112212
Cost: $1,633.90
Weight: 4.7lb

Designed for both top performance and easy mobility, the Panasonic PT-LB10SU LCD projector packs an array of powerful functions into a compact, lightweight body. It boasts an outstanding 2000 lumens of brightness, 400:1 contrast ratio, SVGA 800 x 600 (x 3) resolution, a 4:3 image aspect ratio and support for 16.7 million colors. The PT-LB10SU has scanning frequencies of 15-91kHz horizontal and 50-85Hz vertical.

Operation is quick and convenient. With Speed Start your image appears in approximately 5 seconds after you press the power button. And when the presentation is completed, Direct Power Off lets you disconnect the power cable and move the projector right away because the cooling fan keeps operating until the lamp is cooled. These features combine with others such as onetouch auto setup and automatic keystone correction.

The PT-LB10SU is also equipped with a host of antitheft features including a password system, control panel lock, text superimposing and Kensington lock support. Other conveniences include auto power off, card-type wireless remote control and RGB input indication. The PT-LB10SU is HDTV compatible, has a low 30db noise output and comes with a three-year warranty.

A few months ago we posted information about "USB Keydrives." These little devices seem to be getting more and more popular. Here's a link to additional information about these USB drives:

Langa Letter: What's Behind The USB Drive Revolution

USB keys or flash drives, as they are sometimes referred are a convenient new technology used in transporting and transferring files between computers. USB keys come in a variety of sizes and are small enough to carry on a key chain.

There are, however, a number of draw backs to using them. Windows XP will recognize them without installing software, but, as Windows 98 predates the widespread use of USB keys, they are not equipped to automatically accept this type of device. Software must be installed into machine using the Windows 98 system to enable the key to be used.

Also, although USB ports are pretty standard nowadays, not all computers have a USB port on the front so you may need to buy another cable in order to use the key.

The most important thing to be aware of is that if you lose the key, anyone can read the information on it. All they need to do is plug it in their computer! One way of addressing this concern is to purchase a USB key with password protection built in. This way, even if you lose your key, your data will be secured by the password. Password protection is not standard with all USB keys, so be sure to check if this is a feature you are interested in.

If you are thinking of buying a USB key and need some help on selecting the right size and capabilities feel free to contact the ITDE team.

In order to minimize potential problems with printers, the ITDE department recommends that individuals purchase Hewlett Packard (HP) printers for three reasons.

HP printers have consistently been rated the best in terms of printer quality, printer longevity and tech support. Secondly, the UNH Computer Store is an authorized HP maintenance facility and is equipped to diagnose and fix most printer problems. This greatly expedites the fixing and return of printers, with an average turnaround for printers of just a day or two, depending on the complexity of the problem. And finally, ITDE staff have a lot of experience with the software used to manage the printers, and can help you to troubleshoot both more effectively and efficiently.

There are two major areas that people have problems with printers; physical malfunctions and software or cable malfunctions. The most common problem we encounter is a software or cable issue, with the printer refusing to print. This could be a connection or networking problem, or a driver issue and is generally fairly easy for ITDE staff to fix. If you are experiencing difficulties of this type, please contact ITDE staff via the online request form or by calling the hotseat at 862-0351.

In the case of physical hardware malfunctions; rollers not moving paper or pieces of the equipment physically breaking off, for example, warranty parameters prohibit us from working on your machine. These types of issues are internal to the printer and unrelated to your computer or network. ITDE staff are not trained or authorized under your warranty to fix theses types of problems. To make arrangements to have a physical malfunction fixed, please contact the UNH Computer Store at:

UNH Computer Store
CIS Center - 54 College Rd.
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 862-1328
Fax: (603) 862-3567
Email: computer.store@unh.edu
http://www.utc.unh.edu/

The tech store charges $40 to diagnose a computer problem. This covers the diagnoses time and first half hour of any repairs needed. If it can be fixed relatively easily and requires no replacement parts, this may be the only cost involved. If parts are required and more than a half hour is needed, than the repair could cost $100 or more.

The most frequent question we get is "should we repair a printer or just but a new one?" This is difficult to answer. On one hand we all don't want to join the throwaway society, but on the other, it isn't wise to keep dumping money into a piece of equipment that may only cost a few dollars more to replace. There is no easy answer to that question. Each printer will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.

To reduce the instance of physical or connection problems, routine maintenance is a proactive approach to extending the life of your printer. Printers are like copiers and other equipment and do get dirty after extensive use. One thing that counties can do is have their printer cleaned at the tech center. If you have a large network printer that may cost $1,000 or $2,000 to replace, investing in $50 to $100 for maintenance really makes sense. Each location should take this into account and build it into their budget.