Rule #1: Restart the computer before seeking other help.

Rule #2: If you don't know what to do or for routine questions, call the help desk at 2-3970.

Backup service - the NSave backup service is available at http://nsave.unl.edu. I strongly suggest that everyone use this service to save heartbreak when computers inevitably go bad.It only costs $5 per month for up to 10 gigabytes of storage. You'll receive instructions on how to install it and how to recover data from it, so keep the notebook. Linda Holsclaw 2-6843 is the contact person if you have problems with it.

Email - To set up the Lotus Notes full client, go to http://notes.unl.edu and click on new account requests on the left navigation panel. Full installation instructions are available on that page. If you change POP mail programs (Eudora, Outlook, Thunderbird), just copy the settings from Eudora to the new program - the forms should be similar.

Malware and Spyware - If your computer is going to web pages that you haven't programmed in, you may be a victim of spyware. Download Spybot (free at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html) and Microsoft Defender (free at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&DisplayLang=en as of now - Microsoft moves things around a lot.) If these are already installed on your machine, be sure that they are updated before you run them. Restart your machine in safe mode - press and hold F8 while your reboot your machine. Then run both programs and restart your machine.

Norton Disk - If your computer is having problems opening programs, or is freezing up, check out the Norton 2005 Utilities disk and select "Run the program from the CD", and then "WinDoctor". Follow all the prompts, and select "fix all problems."

Parts - There will be a limited amount of parts in a box in the main office on a first come, first served basis. If the part you're seeking isn't there, go see Jay the friendly computer guy in the east campus union. Ethernet cables for department use are free from Jay.

Printer problems - Call Nathan Clements at the help desk at 2-3970, or email him at helpdesk@unl.edu.

Registering hard wired network cards - Go to http://is.unl.edu/networking/ipform.shtml and fill out and submit the form. To find the network card address, go to Start-All Programs-Accessories-Command Prompt and type in ipconfig/all. The number you want is next to Physical Address under Ethernet Adaptor Local Area Connection. Once the form is submitted, you'll get an email explaining when the connection will be ready and how to access it.

Registering wireless network cards - Go to http://wireless-reg.unl.edu and log in. Fill out the form. A lot of the newer wireless cards or USB devices list the network card (or MAC) address on the packaging. If you need to find the network card address, go to Start-All Programs-Accessories-Command Prompt and type in ipconfig/all. The number you want is next to Physical Address under Ethernet Adaptor Wireless Connection. After you fill out the form, your connection will be up and running within 15 minutes.

Sending used computers and computer equipment to surplus - Download and fill out the Inventory Surplus Pickup form at http://www.unl.edu/entomology/forms/. If you are sending a computer to inventory, the hard drive must be formatted first, and you have to sign the form indicating that this was done before they'll pick it up. Instructions for formatting a drive are at http://is.unl.edu/computerdisposal.shtml#PCformatting , scroll down to the bottom of the page to Using a Windows XP System CD-ROM. If your computer won't boot to the CD, call the help desk at 2-3970. After formatting the drive, give the form to Marissa for processing. Be sure you have the correct room number where the equipment is on the form.

Software licenses - Go to http://sales.unl.edu/licenses/Default.asp Choose the company you're looking for, read through the license terms, and find the software. Fill out a requisition and give it to Marissa. You'll get a pink slip in the mail with directions on how to download the software. Keep the slip-it's your proof of license purchase. If you don't want to download it, in most cases you can order a CD for a minimal cost.

Software updates and reinstalls - Jeri will have the software in the office on a checkout basis.

System restore - If your computer was OK yesterday but being weird today, you might want to try a system restore. Go to Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore and follow the directions.

Virus attacks - You can get Sophos antivirus at http://antivirus.unl.edu After installation it should automatically update itself and scan every incoming file. If you suspect that you have a virus, run a scan by right clicking on the blue shield and selecting Open Sophos antivirus, then clicking on Scan my computer.