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Gould 701 Multimedia Cart Instructions
The multimedia presentation system located in Gould 701 is a dual boot (Windows XP/Linux), Pentium 4 based computer designed to closely resemble student facilities currently available in our instructional labs.
In an effort to reduce disk crashes, the computer has been plugged into a uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and the cart's old ON/OFF switch removed. As a result, users must remember to never use the shutdown command (power down), but rather to use a restart (warm reboot) command if they need to change OS's.
In the event of a need to power cycle the CPU (hung screen, no mouse or keyboard response), access to the CPU power switch can be accomplished with the aid of the blunt end of a pencil pushed through the access hole on the front of the multimedia cart.
Start (Initial Access)
The normal state (i.e., state you should leave it in when done) of the multimedia system is CPU on and monitor off! Therefore, you will need to power on the monitor. The on/off button is located on the front, lower right, of the monitor bezel.
When the monitor powers on, you should see either a Windows or Debian splash screen and a mouse cursor. If nothing appears on screen, then check that #1 is selected on the switch located under the keyboard tray. Move the mouse. If the cursor moves, the system is not hung and is ready to receive commands. If the mouse fails to move, you may need to powercycle the system (see above).
Changing OS's
To change from the Linux OS, use the pulldown menu and select REBOOT.
To change from the Windows OS, use to Options button in the display window. Select Shutdown, then in the next window, change the Shutdown option to Restart. Click OK.
During the reboot procedure there will be a pause of 15 seconds during which you may select the OS into which you wish to boot. The default OS is Linux, multi-user. Do not select single-user mode as the Linux Boot option.
Windows XP
The Windows XP partition is set up to match as closely as possible the configuration used in the CS labs (GS228 & GS930).
Linux
The Linux partition is set up to match as closely as possible the Linux instructional cluster currently installed in the GS228 lab. The username and password file is basically the same as on Lectura.
Using a laptop
A set of cables is available at the right of the monitor to allow an external device (e.g. laptop) to plug into and use the projector system. Attach whatever cables you wish (ethernet 10/100, video, keyboard, mouse, power) and then press the #2 button on the membrane control panel suspended underneath the keyboard.
If the projector is powered on and the correct video source is selected, but you do not get the correct image on the projector screen, then check the settings on the laptop to make sure that it is sending data out of the external video port (often this is a keyboard toggle using key combinations such as Fn-F7).
Using a VCR
An SVHS VCR is located within the multimedia cart. To use the VCR you will 1) need to obtain a key (available from the 917 Business Office staff or you can have one issued to yourself), and 2) need to switch the Proxima projector to take data from Video #1. Then simply use the VCR as you would normally.
Do not forget to take your VHS tape with you and to lock up the cart when you are finished and please reset the Proxima to Computer #1.
Things to remember
- Always log off from your computer session when you have finished (Do you want all your computer files available to anyone walking into room 701?)
- Always turn off the Proxima projector system when you have finished your class (Proxima bulbs are short lived and very expensive!)
- Never power down the Multimedia Cart (Remember, it contains an active PC.)
- Always report problems immediately so that lab* can fix them before the next potential class/user
- The UPS sends out an audio beep signal when it is active. Check your power cord to the multimedia cart if you hear this.
Last updated Monday, 07-Jan-2008 09:32:28 MST, by John Luiten
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