Teacher Laptop Replacement
Prepared by Mike Glennon and Modified by Jennifer Wong
Overview
*Image Credit: Apple.com
Computer Specifications
- 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor
- 4 GB RAM (This impacts how fast the computer can work)
- 128 GB Solid State Hard Drive (Solid state drives are much faster than traditional drives)
- Mac OS X 10.11.3: El Capitan (Installed version of the Mac OS operating system)
Teachers will also receive a laptop bag and a new power adapter.
Microsoft Office 2016 will be installed on the new computers.
*Learn more about Microsoft Office 2016 HERE
*Learn more about Mac OS El Capitan HERE
**Please note that all features noted on the above pages above may not be available for your use, depending on the configuration of your new laptop.
Pre-Loaded Software
Your laptop will come pre-loaded with plenty of software, such as:
- Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- iMovie
- Photos (This replaces iPhoto)
- iTunes
- iWork Office Suite (Apple's office suite)
- Pages (iWork equivalent of Word)
- Numbers (iWork equivalent of Excel)
- Keynote (iWork equivalent of PowerPoint)
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Photo Booth
- ...and more!
Additional Software
The technology office has installed an application on all new MacBook Airs called Self Service. As the name implies, this provides a way for you to download and install approved software, fix those pesky question marks in your dock and more!
The best part: the application downloads and installs itself. Set it and forget it!
Click the link below for a quick overview of Self Service
Self Service
Applications already on Self-Service Include:
- Kidspiration
- Inspiration
- Dropbox
- Fitbit Connect
- Evernote
- Gradekeeper
- Jing (Screen capture software)
- Pixie 4 (license needed)
- AirServer (Dsiplay your iPad screen on your Macbook / License needed)
- Reflector (License needed)
- Virgin Pulse GoZone
- Virgin Pulse Max
- VLC (Video player)
- ...and more!
What if I Want to Install Software that isn't in Self-Service?
Staff with new MacBook Air laptops can no longer install software.
Any software that you would like installed must be submitted for approval via the software approval process. This process is initiated by submitting a ticket to the help desk.
If there is work-related software you would like to request approval for, please email Jen & and Laura. We will then submit the software for approval.
What Should I do to Prepare?
To make this transition as seamless as possible, there are a few things you MUST do in advance.
Choose at least ONE way to back up:
- Backup UP TO 5 Gigs on your school network folder (See Task 2 below for detailed instructions)
- Backup up most files in your HCPSS GAfE drive in the Cloud Click here for information (You have unlimited space here, but should still back up movies, iphoto, and itunes libraries, and any bookmarks, or stickies you use on an external drive or in Time Machine)
- Backup manually (each folder separately) with an External Hard Drive purchased by you for your own peace of mine. (Thumb Drives are ok, but can fail) You would need to purchase a drive large enough to hold your entire hard drive of old machine.)**see Back up to School Network link below. This is done the same way as Backing up to your school network folder, except you will open the external drive instead of the network folder.
- Back up with Time Machine (an application on many of the computers already) You would need to purchase a drive large enough to hold your entire hard drive of old machine. Click Here for a video on how to back up with Time Machine.
About your Network Folder
When you log in on your HCPSS laptop, you should be automatically connected to your network folder. This means that if you place files in this folder on one HCPSS computer and log in with another HCPSS computer, those files will be accessible on the second computer.
Your network folder should appear on the right side of your dock, near the trash can and Hand-In/Hand-Out folders.
**Unfortunately, each person can only store up to 5 Gigabytes of data on this drive.
***Detailed instructions found below (Task2).
Handy Hint!
If you don't see your network folder in the dock, try logging out and logging back in to your computer while at school.
Getting Started
*As a general rule, it's always good to back up your files. Feel free to back up your files multiple times. You can never back up too much!
How do I know how big a drive to purchase if I want to back up that way?
- Check this link to find out how much hard drive space you currently use on your macbook. How much hard drive space does my mac use
- Make sure the hard drive you bought is formatted for Macs (Mac OS Extended Journaled)--you can reformat ANY drive using the disk utility application. Find out how here.
Task 1: Export Your Web Bookmarks
Click the link below for brief instructions on exporting your bookmarks.
*You can also use this link to aid you in importing your bookmarks to your new laptop.
Importing and Exporting Your Web Bookmarks
*Directions provided for Firefox, Chrome and Safari web browsers.
Task 2: Copy Your Files To Your Network Folder (*or an external hard drive!)
Click here for brief instructions on transferring your files from your old laptop to your network folder (or modify them slightly to back up to your external hard drive or flash drive.)
*You can also use this link to aid you in importing your files onto your new laptop.
Copying Files to Your Network Folder (*modify these directions slightly to back up to any external hard drive)
Task 3: Back Up Gradebook Files (If Applicable)
If you use special grading software that is installed on your computer (GradeKeeper or something similar):
You should export your grades as PDF or XLSX files
Gradekeeper will be available to install on March 21st. However, if you use an older version, it may or may not use different file types than the current version and, while remote, it is possible the files may not work with your new laptop. Exporting in a universal format like PDF ensures that you can at least have a backup of your grades.
If you use Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word:
You should export your grades as XLS or XLSX files and back up with the rest of your files
*You will not have administrative rights for your new laptops. This means you will not have the ability to install any software. Any software that you would like installed must go through the software approval process.
Task 4: ITunes-Back it up and DeAuthorize it
- iTunes link to help you back up properly
- Did you know you should DeAuthorize your old machine if you use itunes on it, since apple only allows you to authorize 5 computers to play your music on? Here is a link to how to DeAuthorize iTunes.
Task 5: Remove Decals and Cases
Task 3: Remove Decals and Cases
Remove any decals from your laptop prior to returning it.
Also, any cases or sleeves on your laptop should not be returned.
*If you choose to use a case for your new laptop, in most cases, you will have to purchase a new one. The dimensions of the MacBook Air are significantly different from your current laptop. If you use a sleeve or pouch, you be able to continue using it.
What If I Need Help?
Think Ahead
MacBook Air laptops do not come equipped with an optical (CD/DVD) drive. This means that, out of the box, you CAN NOT play or write files to CDs or DVDs.
Not to worry! External optical drives that can be connected with a USB cable and used as if they were built in are available and cheap!
If you would like to buy one, the model below is pretty solid and is only $25 on Amazon.
Here’s the link:
Thanks and Happy Computing!