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Technical Tips for Computer Buddies
COMPUTER BUDDIES
are volunteers responsible for the technical aspects of the Computer
Buddies program in addition to encouraging academic success for the child.
The following tips are suggested to help the Computer Buddy be
successful in setting up and maintaining the computer and software:
·
COMPUTER BUDDIES must be supplied with the following:
o
A
complete CD-Rom disk set, consisting of one “ Image disk,” one “
software disk,” and one “ 3 1/2 floppy” formatted as a start up
disk
o
A
color Computer Presentation Handout by Nexuskids
o
A
color Wiring Guide
o
Addresses
of the Nexuskids websites: www.Nexuskids.org
and www.help-net.com
·
COMPUTER BUDDIES must be comfortable in
doing the following before they enter the home for the first
time. In addition to training that is available, complete
instructions are available on the Nexuskids Software CD-Rom under “Help
Guides.”
o
Assemble
the computer and know where all of the wires go (including the modem wire)
o
Explain
the following terms: ZIP file, EXE file, Shareware, Demoware
o
Copy
a file from the CD-Rom to the hard drive
o
Install
an EXE file and re-image the hard drive
o
Unzip
and install a ZIP file and run and understand WinZip
o
Replace
the CD-Rom
o
Understand
the various software packages well enough to be able to provide the
children with the proper software. Remember
there is little software on the computer.
It is the job of the Computer Buddy to provide additional software
from the CD-Rom for the children.
·
COMPUTER BUDDIES going into homes must work with the children and
the parents to decide which software packages are appropriate for each
school-age child in the household (be sure to respect the decision of the
parents in choosing software; some parents, for instance, will not allow
card games on the computers). As
Nexuskids continually updates software for the children, it is imperative
that the COMPUTER BUDDIES contact their County Technical Manager (for
Computer Buddies) in order to maintain up-to-date, effective software.
·
COMPUTER BUDDIES are responsible for maintaining the computers to the
best of their ability. If
something is not working, try to fix it.
If it is software related, re-image the machine after taking
precautions not to erase any files created by the family.
Remember to ask if the family has added any software on their own,
so you will not erase important program files. If you need any help in
this, feel free to call your County Technical Manager.
If
the problem is hardware related, do your best to fix it.
If you cannot fix it, however, then call your County Technical
Manager. If he or she cannot
help or cannot be reached, please page David
Fellows at (803) 698-8278. After
you hear the beep, enter the area code and the phone number where you can
be reached immediately, then press the pound (#) key.
If the pound key is not pressed the page will not go through.
If you do not get a response in 15 minutes try again - the page was
not received! David will be
glad to help you.
Most
importantly, have fun and help the kids!
Answer as many questions as you can—there are likely to be a ton
of them. If you do not know
an answer, tell them you will get back with them later.
Do not forget them, your credibility is on the line!
If you need anything, contact your County Technical Manager, the
DSS Computer Buddies Coordinator, call Nexuskids at (803) 576-5896, or
visit the Nexuskids’ websites, www.nexuskids.org and www.help-net.com!
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