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Page Title: Working with Users
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Operating System
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Information Systems Technician Training Series, Module 2 - Computer Systems
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Using Software Packages

Make sure you complete each task successfully before going onto the next. The  first  step  will  probably  be  to  execute  the program from a setup disk or in a setup mode. You will probably execute a command that will lead you through a series of prompts and menus on the display screen. This  will  allow  you  to  tell  the  program  about  your system  and  make  initial  settings.  These  settings  will define  your  system  and  set  the  defaults.  This  means that  everytime  you  execute  the  program,  the  settings will be what you specified. You will not have to reset them  each  time.  For  example,  you  might  be  asked whether  you  want  the  software  to  automatically  backup your data. If you enter yes(y), it will ask you how often, every so many minutes. You enter the number. It may give you a choice of whether you want a beeper set to alert you to a given condition. For example, the system can be told to beep when certain error conditions occur. If the software is a wordprocessing program, you will want  to  specify  the  margin  settings  you  normally  want; for example, left margin at position 10 and right margin at position 75. You might want to tell it to automatically right justify print and to format date as mm/dd/yy. You can  tell  it  whether  the  default  setting  for  paper  type should be continuous-form or single sheet; and so on. Once  you  have  established  the  defaults,  you  will  not have   to   change   them   unless   you   want   something different. You may also need to tell the software what type of printer you will be using. This will enable the program to send the proper signals to your particular printer. You may  be  able  to  define  several  printers  and  select  the appropriate  one  when  you  use  the  software.  Some software  packages  come  with  definitions  for  many printers, and it is a simple matter to tell it which you have by selecting the make and model number from a menu. Occasionally, you will need to upgrade the software that you have loaded onto the computer. To do this, you will follow the same procedures that you did when the software was originally loaded. That is, read and follow the   instructions   included   with   the   upgrade.   Virus software   is   upgraded   most   frequently,   with   the discovery of new viruses that are out there. WORKING  WITH  USERS End   users,   especially   first   time   users   and noncomputer  users,  will  need  your  help  to  operate  their systems  and  their  programs.  They  also  need  to  know how to care for and handle diskettes, manage disks and files,  take  care  of  the  system,  and  perform  user/operator maintenance. Don’t be surprised when you get your first call for help. As you have learned, computers seem to have minds of their own and can do strange things. Help users  by  troubleshooting  and  identifying  problems. Teach them what you know. Using Software Once you have the software installed and set up so it works  on  your  system,  the  system  is  ready  for  use. Simple  enough,  you  say—so  what  should  I  do  first? You  should  boot  either  from  the  hard  drive  or  by inserting the diskette that contains the operating system. You can set up the system so it will automatically boot when  power  is  turned  onto  the  system.  Next,  tell  the operating  system  which  program  to  use.  Do  this  by entering  the  file  name  of  the  program  following  a prompt given by the operating system. For example, if the   program   is   named   WPP   (for   wordprocessing program),  enter  WPP  and  press  the  ENTER  (RETURN) key. If you are using a hard disk, be sure to specify the directory   used   when   you   installed   and   set   up   the program.   The   operating   system   will   then   load   the program into memory and the system is ready to do the work.  From  this  point  on,  follow  the  instructions  of  the software  package;  in  this  example,  a  wordprocessing program.  Refer  to  the  user  manual  and  any  in-house user  manuals  that  apply. When you have finished your processing, return to the operating system before turning off the power. Do this  by  saving  your  work  and  exiting  the  program properly.   Each   program   will   have   a   procedure   or command to end execution of the program and return to the operating system. If using diskettes, remove them from the drives, put them in protective jackets, and file them in an appropriate place. If using a hard disk drive, it  is  considered  good  practice  to  enter  the  operating system command to park the read/write heads. This will move the heads away from data storage areas so data will   not   be   destroyed   if   the   system   is   moved   or accidentally bumped. Then turn the power OFF. WORKING WITH SOFTWARE PACKAGES When you work with packaged software, you will be concerned with what it does, how it does it, and how you  are  to  interact  with  it.  For  each  different  type  of application package, you will be confronted with anew vocabulary.  For  example,  the  terms  used  with  word processing   come   primarily   from   the   office/clerical 3-5

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