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Healthy Computing Tips

1. Love wireless, but don’t forget about wired.

Information Systems regularly sends important computing and security updates for your ThinkPad through the University’s wired network. Make it a habit to plug in to a jack and reboot with a Ethernet cable connection at least once a week. Need help finding a jack?

2. Virus Scan. It’s like a Flu shot for your ThinkPad.

No vaccination is guaranteed, but if you let the ThinkPad’s weekly virus scan run until it is finished each week, your computer will be far less likely to become infected with a computer virus. You can also scan for yourself! Find out how here.

3. Shut Down? Hibernate? Or Stand by?

When you leave the office for the day, or pack up your books and computer at the end of class, what do you do with the ThinkPad? If you are one of the many people who slam the lid shut and head home, you may be causing serious damage to your computer.

Think of the ThinkPad as a car. Stand by is when you have the car in gear, but your foot is on the brake – the car is still running, and the stress on the motor is the same even though you’re not stepping on the gas. Hibernate is like putting the car in neutral – it puts less stress on the motor, but you could still run out of gas. Shut down is turning the ignition off and taking out the key – the engine can rest and you are not using any gas.

So when should you use which option?

Shut Down: Completely shut down your computer at least once a day. Typically this is most convenient at the end of the day, when you leave the office or right before you go to bed.

Hibernate: Use hibernate when you are moving from one class to another or from moving from having lunch at Benson Center to studying at the Library. Remember, when you choose hibernate, always wait for the crescent moon to stop flashing before moving the ThinkPad. It takes the computer approximately 30-45 seconds to go into hibernation – moving it before this process is complete may cause damage to your hard drive.

Stand by: Stand by is a good option if you are in a class and the professor asks you to “close” the computer. Stand by saves some battery power and prevents random noises from interfering with a meeting or class. Always wait for the crescent moon to light up before moving the ThinkPad in stand by mode.

4. When in doubt, ask.

We are here to help. Call us, stop by, or submit your question online anytime.