Summertime and the computin's easy

Article Abstract:

Guidelines for optimizing summertime home computer use by students and younger children are presented. Parents are encouraged to regard the computer from a creative, rather than a strictly educational, perspective. Among the summertime activities that older students can use the computer for is publishing a neighborhood newsletter. Various computer workshops are also available through various community agencies. Parents must also establish rules concerning access to the computer and its accompanying software. Very small children should not be allowed unsupervised access to the computer. To protect software, parents should act as 'librarians,' allowing a child to check out a new program only when the current program has been returned; this should also apply to each individual's disks when a computer is shared by several users. Finally, some basic housekeeping rules should be established, including restricting food and drink from the area and requiring children to wash hands before using the computer.

Management, Usage, Microcomputers, Children, Information management, Computer-assisted instruction, Computer assisted instruction, Computer Education, Microcomputer, Guidelines

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Learning to save trees

Article Abstract:

There are a number of steps that individuals and organizations can take to be more ecologically responsible in their use of the computer. Computers were once touted as a means of reducing paper use and waste, but more paper documents are now being generated than ever before. Don Rittner presents many options in his book 'Ecolinking: Everyone's Guide to Online Environmental Information.' Users are encouraged to purchase recycled paper, especially as increased demand will cause a drop in prices. Laser printing on recycled paper often produces superior results because the fibers are more flexible and forgiving. Paper waste could also be drastically reduced by using both sides of the paper. Organizations should use electronic mail as opposed to written memos for internal communications. In addition, users should take advantage of the heat-generating ability of monitors by leaving them on in cold weather.

Innovations, Column, Environmental aspects, E-mail, Email, Printers (Computers), Printers (Equipment), Environmental protection, Printers, Paper Media, Recycling

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Planning for summertime is not always a picnic; blackouts, brownouts and power spikes require a strategy for hot weather

Article Abstract:

The burden of heat and unstable power supplies in summer poses the threat of power spikes, blackouts and brownouts that can damage computer circuitry - including hard disk equipment with its data - so users should take precautions. Things to do include: make regular backups; obtain a surge suppressor; consider getting an uninterruptible power system; making sure a microcomputer is not plugged into the same power line as an air conditioner; use a good hard-disk diagnostic program; keep things clean; and make sure the microcomputer has proper ventilation. Turning a microcomputer off when a storm is looming is a good idea: a lightning strike that hits nearby can send a power surge of up to 5,000 volts through power lines.

Maintenance and repair, Hard disk drives, Hard disks, Power failures, Power supplies (Computers), column, Hard Disk Drive, Power Supply, Electric power system stability, Power Failure

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