Workstation Setup
This documentation instructs a Systems liaison on how to setup a computer workstation for service in the Digital Library Center.
There are good reasons why each step is included here, and in its particular order. I should probably write them down, but for now I'll just say that not following this list will set you up for a nasty ambush further down that long, lonesome liaison road.
Backup the User's Files
If the old workstation had a designated user, have them save all their personal files to their network folder. Their Microsoft Outlook archives will be PST files, and their personal address book will be a PAB file.
Shut that workstation down and move its components aside.
New Workstation
- Systems will have printed out a label for the computer and the monitor. Check that all the numbers match, then apply them to the top of the respective devices, toward the front.
- Gather up all documentation and disks which came in the box, place them all into a manilla folder, label it with the WSID, and store it on the computer documentation shelf. You will probably never need to look at them, but we need to return them when it's time for the workstation to leave the department.
- Plug the computer, monitor and peripherals into their power strip, but leave them all off. This will make sure they are properly grounded.
- Plug the monitor and peripherals into the computer.
- Power up the monitor and peripherals, and then power up the computer.
Dell Setup Program
Dell may have installed its own setup routine that will run when you first the computer. Hopefully not. But if so, here are some tips.
File System Type
Sometimes they still ship computers formatted for the FAT32 file system. Before we do anything else, we must make sure that we are using NTFS.
- Right click My Computer, and select Manage | Disk Management.
- If File System shows NTFS for Volume C, then close the window. You are finished with this section.
- But if File System shows FAT32, then select Start | Programs | Dell Accessories | Convert C to NTFS.
- Restart.
- Conversion will begin automatically and will take a few minutes.
The next tasks must be performed as "Administrator", not as the liaison.
Connect to the Domain
Power Options
Assign Group Permissions
The next tasks must be performed as the liaison.
Virus Protection
Update the Operating System
Clock Synchronization
Passworded Screen Saver
See the DLC Screen Saver Secure section under DLC Applications.
Games
Virtual Memory Settings
Restore User Files
If there was a designated user, copy their folders and files back down to the local drive.
Programs to Install
Ask the local supervisor which would be appropriate. Some things to consider:
- What tasks will be carried out here?
- Will the user be a staff member or a student assistant?
- Do we own enough site licences for that program?
Defragment the Hard Drive(s)
At this point all installations are complete. This would be a great time to perform a disk cleanup and a disk defrag.
Hand-Off
The new workstation should now be perfectly serviceable. Turn it loose on its designated user or local supervisor.
Survey Out the Old Workstation
Now to get rid of the old workstation that is being replaced: we call it surveying out.
