Essential Technology Skills For Educators

with Self-Assessment

A skills self-assessment and quick reference

for teachers and administrators

Education has always included technology to assist teachers and students in the learning process. Books, pencils, pens, duplicating machines, film projectors, television and all the other devices we can remember from earlier days in the classroom were state of the art technology at one time. We used them to teach the basics, cover the subject matter, and reinforce the knowledge that was the objective of the educational process.

Times change and we now realize that there are many more competencies and skills that apply to future career fields and real-world practice. The electronic technology of today has evolved to the point that it is the tool of choice to enable teachers to prepare their classes to meet the demands of the present and future workplace. Our students need to process information, explore outside resources, solve problems, evaluate their own progress and work in cooperative teams.

Computer hardware, software and peripherals empower students to develop these skills through original writings, desktop publications, multimedia presentations and electronic portfolios of their own products. On-line services and Internet access establish communication links so that students can share ideas and information around the world. The classroom as we have known it is changing. The transformation will result in active learning centers in which students interact with manipulatives, probe ware and experimental tools that are not just part of science or math class, but a truly multidisciplinary educational environment.

This book is written to provide basic skills necessary for all educators who recognize the educational potential of instructional technology. It gives essential information to assist you with the operation of hardware and software. Once the “survival skills” are acquired, you will be better prepared to use manuals, tutorials and advanced documentation. Intermediate and advanced skills in this text are designed to provide information required by persons charged with the role of Tech Specialist.

Hardware Skills: Level One

CPU/Computer Systems

1. Prepare System for Operation, Plug in, Turn on

The computer system consists of several separate components connected together to form the operational unit. Some systems may be completely self-contained with monitor and CPU in one case, or the CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse and Speakers may be separate. The primary consideration is that all components must be connected properly and plugged into a suitable AC outlet or power supply designed for the computer.

The power switches are located in a number of possible places depending on the type of computer.

Typically, an MS-DOS or Windows system will have a power switch on the front, side or rear of the CPU and a separate switch on the monitor. The monitor switch can be on the front, side, or rear, depending on the brand.

Macintosh computers may have the power switch at the rear of the CPU and Monitor, on the front of the CPU, and are powered on by a switch on the keyboard marked with a triangle. This may be at the top of the keyboard on older systems, or at the top right of the keyboard on newer systems.

Refer to the manual if you are unable to locate the switches. Note that it is sometimes recommended that you turn on the monitor and other peripherals before turning on the CPU to minimize power fluctuation to the processor.

Successful power-on results in a visual and / or auditory cue such as power lamp and tone. The machine will automatically boot if it has been configured properly.

If the system does not respond, follow the sequence below:

1. Check to be sure that there is power to the outlets. There may be a switch or breaker as part of a surge protection system. If there is no indication that power is available to any of the components, check the circuit with a lamp or other electrical device. Check breakers if there is no power to the outlet.

2. If there is power to the outlet, but the system fails to respond, check the individual power cords to each component. Check the back of the CPU for a power supply switch designed to convert the machine from 110 to 220 volt operation. This should be in the 110-volt setting. Push the cord securely into the outlet and onto the back of the system.

3. Try a different power cord in case there is a faulty plug or stressed cable.

If you have tried these options and still have no power in the system, it is possible that a power supply has failed or an internal protection system has been activated. If separate components all fail to operate, check the items above a second time. It is unlikely that two or more power systems would fail at one time unless there had been a power surge or lightning strike.

2. Attach Peripherals, Printer, Modem

Attaching peripherals such as the printer and modem is usually simple. On the Macintosh, the devices are connected using similar cables, but there is an icon on the CPU that matches the device you are connecting. The keyboard and mouse have an icon that matches the one on the cable. Most mouse connections are on the keyboard itself. The modem connects to the telephone handset icon, the printer to the printer icon, microphone to microphone, speaker to speaker and so on. A SCSI connector (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced “skuzzy”) has a diamond with a horizontal line to the right. Newer Macs may have a network transceiver port with arrows pointing to the outside edges of the case or an RJ45 network connector resembling a large telephone jack. The SCSI port is used for external hard drives, scanners, and other high-speed connections. If the computer is connected to the network but uses a local (attached) printer with a standard printer cable, use the modem port.

IBM and compatible systems may or may not use icons, but they use different types of cables for each connection. The printer connects to a large flat connector. The cable has pins that slide into the connector on the back of the CPU. The modem can be internal or external. The internal modem does not require any connection but a phone line. The external modem requires the use of one of the CPU's serial ports which can have a small nine pin (db9) connector that slides over the pins of the serial port or a larger 25 pin (db25) connector. You can purchase an adapter if you need to change either port to the 25 or 9-pin type. It also requires an external power connection. The mouse is usually connected to the port labeled COM 1. Most mice come with the 9-pin adapter mentioned above or a PS/2 connector. The monitor port is similar in size to the db9 but has more small pins in several rows. When you are connecting speakers to a sound card, it may be necessary to check the manual for the correct port since there is usually a microphone input and line output port. A SCSI port is not standard on most IBM and compatibles. It is typically found on a card in one of the expansion slots if present. It has a very large connector that will match an external CD-ROM drive, scanner, tape backup system, etc. Some CPU's have a small, round connector for mouse and / or keyboard called a PS/2 port. This usually has an icon like the Macintosh or a word description on the case.

In the event that a device does not work, you should always reattach the cables and check for bent or damaged pins, etc. Be sure to check any manuals if the device will not function. In some peripherals, a simple connection is not all that is required. You may need special software or system settings such as drivers, etc.

3. Format or Initialize Floppy Diskettes (System Disk)

In order to use floppy disks, it is necessary to prepare them to receive data. This is done by formatting or initializing the disk.

When the disk is inserted into the drive on the Macintosh, the computer will automatically check it for current format. A PC disk will usually be detected and labeled PC on the diskette icon. A blank disk will automatically cause the machine to ask if you would like to initialize the disk. You may select the type of format from the pull-down menu.

In earlier systems for the Macintosh, a bootable system disk could be created for the specific model or the Disk Tools floppy could be used. Advanced systems such as 7.x and above may be booted from the CD-ROM System Disk.

The IBM or compatible diskette can be formatted from the command line or File Manager in Windows 3.x. The syntax is Format a: for a high-density diskette in a 1.44 MB drive A. This diskette will have an HD on the front right and HD will be listed on the shutter.

If the disk is labeled double density, it requires the following DOS command:

Format a: /n:9 /t:80. This formats the diskette for 720 k. (If you tried to format a double density diskette using just the format command, it will give you an Invalid Media or Track 0 Bad - Disk Unusable error.)

To format a disk from Windows 3.x, go to the Main window icon, File Manager. Under Disk, use the Format pull-down menu to set up the choices for the proper size diskette and drive letter.

A System disk can be used to boot the machine for special purposes such as logging on to a network. The system can be transferred from DOS by typing sys a: or adding /s to the format command. In Windows 3.x, under the Format options is a box that can be checked to make a system disk. In Windows 95, use a right mouse click on the floppy drive icon in the Windows Explorer or Highlight the drive in My Computer and select Format under File.

Most diskettes sold today are preformatted. Select the operating system that you use. In a mixed platform environment, purchase PC formatted diskettes since they can be used on both Macs and PCs. In addition, you can transfer files from a Mac to a PC on these diskettes if the files were created in a compatible program such as Microsoft Office. If your system still uses 5 ¼” diskettes, consult the manual for format information.

4. Use Mouse to Launch Program

The mouse has made the personal computer much easier to use. It is usually associated with some type of graphical user interface. The mouse, trackball, or other pointing device has an electronic sensor in combination with a roller. An arrow appears on the computer screen and this can be pointed at any object on the screen. A button or buttons on the mouse is used to "click" on the object to activate it, pull down menus, etc. Usually, the mouse button is clicked twice to activate the icon. The sensitivity of the mouse can be adjusted in the control panels and tested to optimize the feel for the user. If you want to "Launch" a program, double click on the icon associated with it and it will run. When Icons appear as three dimensional buttons, a single mouse click will activate them.

IBM and compatibles may have two or three mouse buttons. The left button usually corresponds to the single button on the Macintosh mouse. The right and center buttons may be programmed for specific functions in selected software. Windows 95 uses the right button for a variety of file and formatting options.

The mouse may pick up dust as it is moved across the surface of the worktable. A mouse pad is helpful in maintaining traction and keeping the mouse clean.

5. Select and Configure Printer Driver or Chooser on Macintosh

Every printer has certain control information that is necessary for printing. This information is associated with the printer driver and settings. The driver is selected in the Chooser on the Macintosh and in the Control Panel in Windows. In DOS it is usually associated with the setup of each software package.

To change Mac printer selections, go to the Chooser and click on the desired printer driver from the list of printers in the upper left-hand corner. Follow the instructions to make it the active printer by designating the port that it is connected to, such as modem, printer or a network printer selection. Be sure to check the AppleTalk Zone.

In Windows, go to the Control Panel and click on Printers. Select the appropriate printer and make it the active printer. It may be necessary to Connect to the printer if it is on a network or serial port. The default setting is the connection to LPT1, which is the parallel printer port. You can usually check the settings in the application by choosing Printer setup or Print settings, etc.

When you purchase a new printer it will require a new driver. A diskette usually comes with the printer. Go to the Control Panel and select Printers. Choose ADD and follow the instructions or use the Windows Installation diskettes to add regular drivers that may not have been added during setup. Some printer manufacturers provide a setup diskette that is run from the Program Manager. Follow the instructions that came with the diskette. You may use a basic printer driver. Check the manual under “Emulation” to determine generic drivers that are compatible.

Remember that some printers provide more capabilities while others provide fewer features. The old daisy wheel printers looked just like typewriter output, but there was only one font and size unless you bought and installed new wheels. Some printers are "color ready" but require a ribbon or cartridge to actually produce color output, plus they must have color-capable software. True color printers must be set up in the color mode to actually print in color. See the documentation.

6. Create / Use Folders or Directories to Organize Data (Files)

In the computer, data or files should be organized into directories or folders. You could compare this to your office file cabinet. The hard drive or diskette is the cabinet containing folders and documents. A disk is easier to use than an actual file cabinet because files can be found using search programs, etc. and they can be alphabetized or set up the way that you like them.

In DOS, a new directory can be made by typing MD [Make Directory] (Any name you would like) and pressing Enter. This creates the new directory. That directory can be selected by typing CD [Change Directory] (The name chosen) and Enter. This is an empty directory at this point waiting for any programs, documents, or any other files.

Macintosh and Windows shows the folders as a graphic that looks just like the file folders in your file cabinet. You can make the new folder on the Macintosh by going to File and selecting New Folder. Give this folder a name in the highlighted area under it and or Return.

In Windows you can make the new folder in File Manager. Unlike a real-world file cabinet, we can make folders within folders and so on. These folders within folders are actually subdirectories. The whole storage system is organized like a tree extending from the "root" directory through all the "branches" that extend out from it. This convention is most evident in DOS and Windows. One of the great things about computer filing systems is that the operating system keeps track of the location of the information on the disk and provides the tools to help find that information.

In Macintosh and Windows we can "drag" files or documents to our folders and "drop" them in to organize them. We can drag folders or icons to other disks or drives to copy the contents for backups or to share information. Windows 95 lets us make new folders in the Save As process or in My Computer when a drive is opened. A right mouse click also provides New and Folder as an option.

Since there can be folders within folders, you may not see a particular folder. In the real-world environment, a file may be lost inadvertently or intentionally hidden. It is also possible for a file or folder to be renamed, moved to a new location, or even to a different hard drive. Always keep backup copies of important files, etc. on floppy diskettes and use a security package to protect files and software.

7. Differentiate Among Applications, Documents, and Folders

Documents are the same as the files discussed in the previous section. In a graphical environment, they appear as a sheet of paper with the corner folded down. These may be help files, word processing documents, spreadsheets, pictures, etc. These are all filed in the folder or directory that you selected when the file was created and then saved. These files may be opened by clicking on the document name or selecting File, then Open in the application. The computer keeps track of the application that created the document that created the file so that it opens the proper application when the file is selected. It uses an extension to track the program. If the operating system is unable to recognize the file it will ask you to associate the file with a particular application or suggest the application to open it. Applications are the actual programs used to produce one’s own creations (Word, Claris Works, Gradespeed, etc.). Applications may appear as an icon that names the program you wish to run or as a window. In DOS and Windows they usually have the .exe extension. In any event, applications can be launched or run to start the program.

Some complex programs may have several executable programs associated with them. These may be launched with a .bat file or menu type program. Refer to the documentation that came with the software if there is a problem starting the program.

8. Find File or Program Using Search Program

A file can be found in Windows 3.x by going to the File Manager and running the Search command under File. Start from the root directory to search all folders.

In Windows 95, Find is located on the Start Menu. Type the name of the file or folder desired and click on Find. A list of files containing the key word or portion of the word will be listed.

On the Macintosh, make the Finder active and select Find. Type the name of the file or folder desired and click on Find. To continue the search, use Find Again and specify file size, date, etc. Use the Get Info command to find out about a selected item.

You can search for files in DOS using the DOSSHELL. Select File, then Search and name the file desired. It will highlight the path back to that file. Also, disk management software for any operating system can be purchased. See the manual for specific details.

If you can't locate a file, first check to be sure that you are searching all folders or directories. Second, make sure you have typed the correct name of the file. If you can't find the file at this point, check the files by date and see if there is a duplicate or a backup. It is always safe to backup important files on floppy disks.

9. Save File

When making new files of your own, you should save them to the hard drive and / or floppy. Under the File menu are Save and Save As. Save is used to save the file under its current name. Applications start a document by calling it "Word1" or some other hypothetical name. If you select Save, the document is saved to the selected drive by that same name. The next document you start will be "Word2," etc. This would make it very difficult for you to find certain files or use the commands as discussed in the previous section.

The Save As command lets you name the document and also select the destination and sometimes even its file type. This is a very important command for saving documents that are to be used on another platform (type of computer) or as a different file format for use in a different type of application (from Works or WordPerfect to Word).

The Macintosh and Windows 95 allow you to save a file to the desktop. This can be useful when manipulating several files or when quick access is desired.

If you save a document as the generic "Word1," you can always open this document and then Save As a name easily remembered or at least associated with the document that is being worked on. In Mac and Windows 95, a single click on the name bar will allow you to type in a new name.

DOS and Windows 3.x limit file names to eight characters. Certain characters are also taboo. Using regular letters is the safest way to name files.

The Macintosh and Windows 95 allow the use of longer file names.

It is helpful to note the filename of any document at the bottom of the page and change it to a very small font and size. The printed copy can then serve as a reminder of the name and location of the file.

10. Delete File

The Macintosh Trash Can icon is one of the first things that students learn to use. A file can be dragged to the can. You can then use the Special menu to empty the trash, which deletes the file. This permanently removes the file from the disk.

The Windows 95 Recycling Bin performs the same function. Open the bin and delete the files using the command in the File menu.

In DOS, the command DEL and the file name will eliminate a file. It is also possible to use the DOS "Wild Cards" *.* to eliminate all files in a directory. The * may be used together as shown or *.com to erase all of the files with the com extension and so on. It is also possible to erase entire directories and their files and subdirectories. The command DELTREE (Delete Tree) and the name of the directory can remove the whole directory tree. Use caution with this command or the Delete command in Windows File Manager in which the folder is selected and you choose Delete. DOS and Windows have a utility called UNDELETE which can be used to save some deleted files and directories if run before new files are saved to that disk location. It is necessary to know the first letter of each file that was deleted. You can also run a utility called DELETE SENTRY to track deleted files and to protect your hard drive from accidental loss of files.

DELETE, the DELTREE, and the Trash Can / Recycling Bin are all ways to eliminate files from disks. In a school environment, it may be necessary to use a lock out program or disable the DELETE and DELTREE commands. This will require a little more effort on the part of the lone tech specialist, but will protect from extreme problems like the entire hard drive being dragged into the trashcan. Some utilities can be used even more effectively to recover files when they are deleted or even when there is damage to a disk.

11. Copy File

Files can be copied in File Manager of Windows 3.x.

Macintosh and Windows 95 can copy files by dragging and dropping the icon onto the destination folder or disk. Save As can be used to make a copy in a new location or with a different name.

In DOS, the command COPY plus the filename and destination is used to place a copy in a different location. Copy test.fil a: would copy the file “test.fil” to the first floppy drive. DOS also uses DISKCOPY to make a backup of a diskette to another identical disk. (i.e. 3.5" to 3.5" diskette.) If the disks are not identical, it is necessary to use the XCOPY command. XCOPY C: A: /s /e /v would copy the files in the selected directory on drive C to drive A and all subdirectories and verify that they were copied correctly. (Or use the *.* between the C: and A:, the copy command COPY *.* A: will copy all files to the destination diskette in drive A. Note: this will not copy any subdirectories or empty directories. XCOPY is used when all files and subdirectories are to be copied from the hard drive to floppy or from 5 1/4" to 3.5" floppy.)

The most common mistake when copying files in DOS is the use of COPY when DISKCOPY or XCOPY is necessary. When making backups of commercial software, the use of the COPY command may miss required files and subdirectories so that the disks are unsuitable for backups. You can purchase utility programs that make it easier to select several files at once and make quality copies. Be sure to follow the appropriate copyright guidelines listed with the software license.

12. Set Time and Date

In Windows, use the Main window and select Control Panel. Double click on Time and Date, select the numbers to change and adjust the time and date arrows.

In DOS, type time and then enter the correct time in the same format that the incorrect time is listed. Type date and adjust date in the same way. Some machines can be corrected by going to the Setup Program when the machine is booted or from a setup program usually found in the DOS directory.

On the Mac, go to the Apple menu and open the Date and Time control panel. Select the numbers to change and use the up or down arrows to change.

Settings can be selected from the Start Button in Win95 and then Control Panel, Date / Time. Adjust the date and time.

If the computer’s date changes frequently, this usually indicates that the battery for the CMOS or PRAM is getting weak. Check the manual for the machine to see if the battery can be changed or if it is soldered to the system board. Change the battery or take the machine to the dealer for service. If the new battery does not fix the problem, there may be a problem with the Clock circuitry. This should be checked by a computer specialist.

13. Adjust Sound Output Level

On the Macintosh, select the Apple menu and open the Sound control panel. Click on the slider bars to increase or decrease the volume.

Windows requires a sound card to actually enable sounds. The sound card comes with software that allows you to adjust the sound the same way you would a stereo system. Look for a Mixer icon and you will find the other adjustments. It is also possible to change the settings in the initialization programs that are set during installation. See the manual for more information.

In Windows 95 in the Control Panel, there is a Multimedia Icon in which the volume can be adjusted. Master Out is an option that can be used to adjust the settings for audio from the Task Bar. A right mouse click on the small speaker at the right of the task bar will open the slider. In the listing of programs, select Accessories and check for multimedia settings including Volume Control.

14. Change Video Settings, Select Number of Colors and Resolution

On the Macintosh, go to the Apple menu and open the Monitors control panel. You can adjust the number of colors or shades of gray.

A video driver controls the video settings on the DOS and Windows computer. This is determined by the video memory and settings during the installation of the video card. It can be adjusted in Windows 3.x by changing the video setup in Windows Setup. It is necessary to have the drivers disk that are supplied by the manufacturer of your video card. Most applications will function in 640x480 256-color mode if there is at least 512k of video memory in the computer.

Windows 95 monitor settings are in Display, then Control Panel. Go to the Settings tab and select color and resolution.

In Windows 3.x it is possible to lose the video completely. If there is no longer a picture on the monitor after changing video settings, close out of Windows or reboot the computer. From DOS, go to the Windows directory and run Setup. The default VGA setting of Windows works with most video cards in the 16-color mode. Select this option and Save and Restart Windows. If the video is okay, you need to be sure to install the proper driver before selecting it for use. If you lose video in Windows 95, restart the computer in Safe Mode and change the video settings back to the original or VGA.

15. Properly Shut Down Computer Workstation

The Macintosh is shut down by closing all active programs and selecting Shut Down from the Special menu. Most Macs will also power-down in this process. Check the monitor and CPU for lights and manually turn off if necessary. You can force an application to quit by pressing Option Apple and Escape. This will sometimes free up the machine so that you can continue working.

In Windows 3.x, close all active programs and choose Exit Windows from the File menu. Click on Okay or press Enter to leave the program. When the DOS prompt appears, power down the system and monitor.

Exit DOS programs and power down from the prompt the same way.

Shut Down is found on the Start Menu in Windows 95.

The machine will not shut down properly if applications are active. Be sure to close all applications. In Windows 3.x it may help to minimize the Program Manager and look for icons that indicate that some programs are still active. Click on the icon and close. A machine that is turned off before proper shut down will usually repair any changes to files that were saved prior to shut down, but open files will be lost. It is important to go through the proper shut-down sequence under normal conditions.

A system lock up is the only real reason for powering down the system directly because the machine will not respond to the keyboard.

Windows 95 allows you to restart in normal or safe mode if a system is turned off prior to the shut down sequence. The Mac will give a warning that the machine was not shut down properly and provide instructions for proper shut down.

16. Clean Mouse Ball and Rollers

The bottom of the mouse has a small retaining ring that can be turned to enable the removal of the ball. The ball can be cleaned gently with a soft dry cloth. The rollers inside may accumulate dust. Dust can be carefully removed with a wooden or plastic probe. Some technicians use the tip of a screwdriver, but be sure to disconnect the mouse from the system first. In a school environment, it may be necessary to glue the retaining ring in place. This will prevent loss of the ball, however, it makes cleaning more difficult since the mouse must then be disassembled and reassembled. Opening the mouse case does allow a more thorough cleaning. Most mice have screws that can be removed. Check under labels or skids if necessary. Be careful not to disconnect any wiring. It is also possible to secure the ring with clear nail polish. This can be opened if enough pressure is applied.

If the mouse does not track properly, you may have to attempt to adjust the rollers and contacts. On the PC, check the Mouse directory and look for a test program, which will enable you to check tracking and click sensitivity.

You can also change these settings within Windows in the Control Panel, Mouse.

The Macintosh settings are under the Apple menu, Control Panels, Mouse.

17. Differentiate between RAM and Hard Disk Storage

Random Access Memory or RAM is the memory used to run programs and actively store information during the session. Most Windows and Macintosh computers have at least eight megabytes of RAM. Older DOS computers may have 640K of memory or even less, and older Macs may have only one or two megabytes.

Hard Disk Storage Capacity is also measured in megabytes, which causes some confusion. Hard Disk Storage is a measure of space available to keep program information and saved data for long-term storage. The hard disk records the data and programs on the surface of the drive. The data will stay recorded on the drive even when the system’s power is turned off. Hard Drives vary in size from as low as 20 megabytes (not very useful in today's computing environment) to several gigabytes. Most personal computers have between 100 megabytes and two gigabytes of hard disk space.

All new software packages note the amount of RAM recommended to run the program and the amount of disk space that the software will require on the hard drive.

Computer Monitors

18. Connect to CPU, Check Port Connections, AC Line Cord

The monitor is connected to the video output of the CPU.

The Macintosh has a standard video connector, and some have an AudioVision connector for high-density monitors. Carefully check the shape of the connector and the port to align the connection and prevent the bending of the pins in the cable.

The IBM or compatible has a small trapezoidal connector for the video card. Most computer systems have a VGA connector with three rows of holes. The monitor has a connector with fine wire pins that are inserted into the connector. All of the pins may not be present in the connector. Use the screws to secure it. Plug the AC cord into the outlet or back of the CPU.

Carefully straighten bent pins with needle nose pliers or return to the dealer for service. These pins are very fragile, so extreme care is required when the connections are made. If the connector is too large or too small, check to be sure it is the correct monitor and cable for the machine.

19. Adjust Brightness, Contrast, etc.

Brightness and Contrast are adjusted by small knobs or controls at the front, side or rear of the monitor. If the screen is dark, check each knob. Some have a center position that you can feel as you turn it. Most monitors allow adjustment of horizontal size, vertical size, center and sharpness. Use the appropriate controls and return to the original position if the appearance is not improve.

Check the power switch on the outlet, if plugged into a power strip, and on the monitor and the brightness and contrast before calling for service. These controls are sometimes changed during shipment and appear as a black screen. Hold the back of your hand in front of the monitor. The hair on the back of your hand will respond to the presence of high voltage. Turn the monitor off and look for a response. Disconnect the monitor from the CPU and determine if the monitor is working or if the fault is in the computer itself. Do not attempt to open the monitor case and work inside. This is a job for professional service personnel.

Printers

20. Attach Cables, Power Cord

Macintosh printers are connected to a serial port or print to a network printer system. On the individual machine, the cable attaches from the port with the printer icon on the CPU and to the cable port on the printer. The connectors at each end of the cable are the same. It is also possible to connect the cable to the modem port and change the system settings. On networked systems, connect the printer cable to the modem port.

For an AppleTalk printer that uses AppleTalk or Phone net connectors, you must use the printer port. However, it requires the use of Laserbridge software to enable the printer to communicate with the CPU and still connect to an Ethernet network. AppleTalk printers are required for this type of connection (standard serial printers must have a regular printer cable). When you run Laserbridge, the printer becomes available to the network but the workstation must be on for anyone to use the printer.

IBM and compatible computers have parallel and serial ports, which may be used for printers. Most use the parallel port, which is a wide flat port. A standard parallel printer cable has a Centronics connector to attach to the printer and a DB25 connector to connect to the CPU. If you have a serial printer it attaches to one of the COM ports. It is best to use COM 2 or 4 to avoid a conflict with the mouse, which is usually installed on COM 1.

A printer setup will be required to tell the computer the model of printer and the port you are using. This sets up the proper print driver for the system.

The power cord is either permanently attached to the printer or has a standard connector. Make sure to check the outlet and orient the connector properly. Push it in completely.

Most problems are associated with using the wrong printer setup rather than a hardware problem. If the printer works but does not print properly, it is most likely the setup (Driver).

If nothing happens when you attempt to print, check connections, power, port selection, ribbon or other ink source, paper, etc.

21. Add Paper

Some printers are able to use both tractor feed and plain paper. The tractor feed paper is designed to be advanced by a number of pins on the feeder system. The paper must be straight and the system clear of paper fragments, which may interfere with the movement of the mechanism. There is a slide lever that must be set to disengage the roller, which is used in the plain paper mode. Plain paper is inserted in the same way, as it would be in a typewriter or from a special tray or magazine. Tractor feed is easiest to use in fast dot matrix and some ink jet printers, while the plain paper is best in ink jet and laser printers.

Most paper problems are related to obstructions in the paper path. It is important to check the paper for physical damage to the tractor holes or bent corners, etc. In the tractor feed setting, check the upper roller guide to be sure that they do not turn as the paper advances. Students may inadvertently bend the guides so that it does not turn smoothly. You can straighten the mounts with needle nose pliers to restore proper movement. Plain paper may be jammed in the mechanism. Contact the tech specialist for assistance.

Turning a printer upside down may clear paper fragments and dust from the mechanism if it seems to be binding.

22. Change Ribbon, Toner, Ink Cartridge

The ribbon is easily replaced. Before removing the old ribbon, carefully note the position of the old ribbon and release the retaining mechanism. Place the new ribbon in the same position and close the mechanism. Older daisy wheel printers can also have new wheels installed at this