Tablet Proper Care policies.

This document is intended to provide a series of guidelines for students to help ensure the proper care of their Tablet PCs. While this list is quite in depth, it cannot serve as a complete list. In addition to following these guidelines, students are expected to use common sense and best judgment to protect all of the Tablet PCs on and off campus. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary actions and/or financial responsibility for loss or damage.

• Although your Tablet PC is owned by Cary Academy, it is your responsibility. Please treat it with great care.
• Follow the Acceptable Use Policy at all times and in all locations. Remember that you are not to lend your Tablet PC to anyone.
• Back up your data. At least once a week, you should copy your important work to the network servers. In addition, use you USB Jump Drive to back up work in progress.
• At times it will be necessary for the IS Department to send announcements to all Tablet users. Keep up to date with all of you emails from the IS Department.

What if something goes wrong?

• When there appears to be a physical/hardware issue with your Tablet PC, do not try to fix it. Instead take it to the helpdesk as soon as possible.
• If you are having software issues, you may try to fix them, but do not spend considerable time with it. Take it to the helpdesk as soon as possible.
• When necessary, plan to visit the help desk before school, during break or lunch, or after school. Being at the helpdesk is not an excuse for being late to class. Note: The helpdesk has two new locations. In addition to the area in the Administration Building, there will be a helpdesk on the first floor of the Upper School and the second floor of the Middle School.
• If you have any questions, ask for help.

General Care

• Each Tablet PC has several identifying decals. Under no circumstance are you to modify or destroy these labels. In addition, you are not to “decorate” your Tablet PC in any manner, e.g. stickers, markers, and paint.  However, you may place a label with your name on your power supply, but you may not permanently mark it in any fashion.
• Under no circumstances are you to open the Tablet PC housing, doing so will render the warranty void.
• You are not to “untether” your stylus. This will only create the possibility of losing your stylus which will cost $30 or more to replace.
• Liquids and other debris can damage the Tablet PC. As such you should avoid eating or drinking while using the computer.

Carrying the Computer

• Always close the lid before moving. Close the lid with the screen inward. You should never transport your Tablet PC in laptop mode, i.e. with the lid up. Be sure that there is nothing trapped between the screen and the display.
• Closing the lid sends the Tablet into standby. To prevent permanent damage to the hard drive, you should wait for your system to enter standby before moving it.
• For prolonged periods of inactivity, you may want to hibernate or shut down completely before closing the lid. This will help to conserve battery.
• You have been provided a slip case for your Tablet PC. You must use it for transporting the Tablet PC. In addition, you may not place any other items in the case. Doing so, may cause damage to the Tablet. 5. You may place the slip case in your backpack. However, you should not “cram” your book bag full of other items. In general, avoid crushing the Tablet.

Taking Care of the Screen

• Take particular caution with the screen. The screens are very susceptible to damage from excessive pressure. In particular avoid grasping the Tablet by the screen with any force.
• Be certain to only use approved styluses on the screen.
• You may clean the screen as you would a camera lens or a good pair of glasses. In particular, you may use anti-static cloths or lens cleaners designed specifically for camera lenses and glasses often sold as moist towelettes.

Maintaining your Battery

• You are expected to come to school with a fully charged battery. Each night when you go to sleep, so does your Tablet. Plug it in for a good night’s rest.
• When you plug your Tablet PC in at school, be mindful not to cause a tripping hazard.
• Once a month it is a good idea to allow your battery to completely drain. For specific details, consult the Technology web page.

Daily Logistics

• You are to bring your Tablet PC with stylus to school everyday.
• You are to take your Tablet PC home every night.
• Your Tablet PC is not permitted in the dining hall during lunch.
• When the computer is not in your immediate vicinity, it should be secured in your locker, locked in a classroom with the teacher’s permission, or locked in your PE locker.
• During after-school activities, you are still expected to maintain the security of your Tablet. When possible you should lock it in your PE locker, lock it on a school van, or lock it in your car, out of sight.
• Avoid using your Tablet PC in areas which may lead to damage or theft. Do not use your Tablet PC around sporting activities where it might be knocked over. Never leave your machine in a public space, especially after school.
• Tablet PCs are not allowed on overnight trips or field trips without the expressed written approval of the lead chaperone.

For the Tablet PC program to be a success at Cary Academy, we all need to be conscientious of our surroundings. If you see an “unattended” Tablet PC, be a good Samaritan and take it the office or to one of the helpdesks. Remember, the next time it might be your Tablet PC, and wouldn’t you be glad if someone was looking out for your benefit and safety? Avoid rough-housing in the hallways, as this may lead to someone’s Tablet PC being damaged. Have fun this year, and enjoy the wonderful tool you will have at your disposal.