ABAH 245: Using a Laptop

  1. Lower the screen.
  2. Connect the computer cable.
  3. Plug in the sound cable (optional).
  4. Plug in the EtherNet cable (optional).
  5. Turn on the classroom technology control system.
  6. Press the LAPTOP button on the control panel.
  7. Turn on the power to your computer.
  8. Select the program you wish to use or authenticate to the network if using ethernet.
  9. Adjust the sound if needed.
  10. Adjust the room lighting.
  11. Shut down the computer when you are finished.
  12. Turn off the system.
  13. Unplug the EtherNet cable (if you used this option).
  14. Unplug the sound cable (if you used this option).
  15. Disconnect the computer cable.
  16. Raise the projection screen.

1. Lower the screen.

The projection screen is located at the front of the room.

The projection screen is the window shade style that is raised and lowered manually.

Pull the cord on the screen to lower it.

2. Locate the laptop connections.

Laptop computer connection cables are located on top of the A.V. equipment cabinet/podium at the front of the room.

Three cables are laying right on top.

3. Connect the computer cable.

The computer cable, along with the other laptop cables, are located on top of the cabinet. The laptop monitor cable is labeled "Computer Cable".

The computer cable has a standard computer connector on it's end.

Attach it to the VGA/monitor connector on your computer.

Note: Some IBM laptop computers do not automatically turn on their external video port when a secondary display such as a projector is connected. Some Powerbooks require special cables. Refer to your computer manual for details. Also if you are connecting an older Macintosh that does not have a 15-pin connector, you must use a Mac adapter.

4. Plug in the sound cable (optional).

A sound cable is bundled with the monitor cable. It is labeled "sound".

The sound cable has a standard computer audio connector on it's end.

Plug it into the audio connector on your computer.

5. Plug in the EtherNet cable (optional).

An Ethernet cable is bundled with the other cables. It is labeled "EtherNet"

The ethernet cable is a the standard type that tends to resemble a telephone cable but is a bit larger.

Plug the EtherNet cable into the modular connector on your laptop.

You will also need to authenticate after you are set up.

6. Turn on the classroom technology control system.

This classroom is equipped with a control system panel that eliminates individual remote controls and power switches.

The control panel is located on top of the podium.

It is on the right side in the top right corner.

Press the ON button.

This button is the top, right one on the control panel.

The projector will begin warming up. After two to three minutes the projector will be ready for use.

7. Press the LAPTOP button on the control panel.

Press the LAPTOP button.

This button is on the right side of the control panel, second from the top.

8. Turn on the power to your computer.

Press your power button.

9. Select the program you wish to use or authenticate to the network if using ethernet.

To use programs like PowerPoint and others on your computer, operate it as you normally would.

However, in order to use the network connection in this room you must first authenticate. This is necessary to ensure that only authorized people (University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students) have access to our network.

PLEASE NOTE: You must have followed the previous steps including starting your computer (a cold boot) before attempting to authenticate.

To Authenticate:

  1. Launch your web browser.
  2. You should be automatically taken to a web page that will ask you for your internet ID (email) username and password.

If this does not work, type https://port.d.umn.edu into the url location or address field at the top of your browser window.

QuickStart Windows Network Security

QuickStart Security, is required for Windows computers on the network to prevent the spread of worms and security exploits. QuickStart checks for minimum security settings. If you don't run QuickStart security a network scan will alert you to do so and to correct any problems it finds. Other computers are not required to run QuickStart but should follow Desktop Computer Security Check guidelines.

If you have a windows computer and if you haven't run QuickStart Security within the last year, you will need to download QuickStart. If you have problems downloading and running the QuickStart Security wizard:

The QuickStart Security wizard checks for the following five items on the computer:

  1. Is file and printer sharing disabled?
  2. Is Windows XP Firewall enabled?
  3. Is Windows Automatic Update enabled?
  4. Is a current version of Symantec Anti-virus installed?
  5. Is the Symantec Anti-virus definition file current?

If a computer fails any of the first three checks, the problem(s) must be corrected by selecting the "Fix It" button displayed by QuickStart before the user can continue.

If the computer does not have the current University version of Symantec Anti-virus or current definition files, the customer will be allowed to proceed but will be redirected to our Symantec Anti-virus web page. Students, faculty and staff should download and install the University's version of Symantec on their computers.

After correcting any security problems and authenticating you will be able to use any internet application including web browsers, email programs, etc.  Again, using local programs like PowerPoint and other applications on your computer does not require this.

Note that if you run QuickStart on a laptop connected via an Ethernet cable to a jack, you will need to run it a second time if it is on the wireless network. Two separate QuickStart records will then exist for that computer.

When you are finished using the network connection, please return to https://port.d.umn.edu, and select the LOGOUT button to close your connection (you will be automatically logged out after 90 minutes of inactivity).

10. Adjust the sound if needed.

The control panel has several buttons to control and adjust sound.

You can mute, raise, or lower it. You can also blank the video.

Volume Buttons
There are two volume buttons. Press the second button from the top on the left side of the control panel to increase the volume. Press the button directly below that one to decrease the volume.
Mute Button
Press it once to cut the sound. Press it a second time to restore the sound. This button is the on the left side, on the bottom of the control panel.

11. Adjust the lighting.

The lighting controls are located by the exit.

The projector provides the best picture quality and brightness in a dark or dimly lit room. You might want to experiment to find the best lighting option for your purposes. It is best to adjust the lights after you have started so you can more easily see the operating controls. Restore the room lighting when you are finished.

12. Shut down the computer when you are finished.

Shut down according to the manufacturer's prescribed method for the computer that you are using.

13. Turn off the system.

This button is the top, left one on the control panel.

The projector lamp will turn off. Approximately one second after that the, lamp will be cooled for about a minute. Then the system will be completely shut off.

14. Unplug the EtherNet cable (if you used this option).

Disconnect your EtherNet cable from the modular connector on your computer.

15. Unplug the sound cable (if you used this option).

Disconnect the sound cable from the modular connector on your laptop.

16. Disconnect the computer cable.

Disconnect the computer cable from your laptop. Recoil the cables and place them beneath the Plexiglas cover.

17. Raise the projection screen.

Pull the cord on the screen to raise it.

The projection screen is the window shade style that is raised and lowered manually.

For immediate classroom technology help phone the AV desk at 726-6222.