This lab seems pretty simple at first glance, but actually, it is a combination of the material found in Labs 1 AND 2 last year, so it is a bit more than we have expected of students in the first week of previous semesters. If you are not familiar with Windows NT or any of the features we teach in this lab, go to the cluster ahead of time to try them out. As always, ask questions at the Friday meeting, or email the group (instructions soon.. for now email emkawas@princeton.edu).
First, the lab introduces students to Windows NT and has them play around a bit with the different desktop features. Then they open up Notepad and learn to create and save text files. Next, they open Netscape and find the page. They then learn to email and ftp. Finally, they send an email to cs111@princeton.edu.
Here are a few troublespots to prepare for:
Students who don't know their UserIDs: Look them up in the online directory (found off the Princeton main page). Their email address and thus their UserID should be listed underneath their name.
Don't know Password: Their passwords are the last 8 digits of their social security numbers. If they don't know their SSN, send them back to their rooms to look it up. :)
Finding things in the start menu: Often students won't be able to find things in the start menu. Sometimes this is because they didn't look well enough, or in the right place (usually under programs). Other times, the thing they're looking for really isn't there. In the latter case, help them use Windows NT Explorer or the Find... program to find what they're looking for.
Many windows open at once: Most students don't fully grasp how windows work. They don't understand that they can minimize and maximize programs without closing them. Also, they move windows around looking for other ones, without realizing that they can just click on the taskbar to get the window they want. Look out for students who have multiple copies of the same program open (like Explorer), as well as those who close Netscape (instead of minimizing it) every time they are told to look at another window. Explain to them how using the taskbar can reduce frustration and Desktop clutter.
The Save-As/Open box: This is often a difficult area for students who aren't familiar with Windows. They forget to look at which directory they're saving in. They forget to change the file format to "All files" so that everything will show up (or .txt won't get appended to their filename). They accidentally overwrite other files. The "Find.." program should come in handy to locate files they've accidentally saved in strange places.
Windows NT Explorer: Some of them will get this right away. Others will never understand it. If a student is having a lot of trouble, sit down and explain how Explorer works and lead them through a few examples (cutting and pasting files, looking through different directories, etc.).
Using the web Some students will spend a lot of time browsing the web in this section. Others won't know where to go, so be prepared to suggest a few sites like CNN Online, Yahoo!, etc. When they finish that, some may need help finding the course home page (the address is listed in the lab instructions).
Using the online lab instructions: Most students will be reluctant to use the online lab pages, favoring their paper copy. Encourage them to put down the paper version. Show them how to resize Netscape so that it only takes up half the screen and they can use other windows in the remaining space.
Unix (and Telnet): Hold their hands during this section and try to explain things to make them less intimidating (point to the prompt and say "that's a prompt" etc.). We're trying to help them realize that Telnet is not Unix and Unix is not Pine (even though that's what they'll usually use it for). If you don't know how to use Unix, read this section carefully beforehand and ask a CS major for help.
Resizing the telnet window for pine: If pine looks funny (the top black bar is in the wrong place), make the window a little larger and it should correct itself.
Using the mouse in Pine: You'll be surprised at how many people try to use the mouse in Pine. If their window is acting strange (the cursor goes places it shouldn't and it beeps a lot), try clicking the mouse once in the telnet window without dragging it. This should stop the highlighting mode and return things to normal.
Netscape Mail Identity: Be sure that before they send a message in Netscape, they follow the instructions to set their identity.
Replacing username: A lot of times, students will forget to replace username with their username in the FTP address or other parts of the lab. Sometimes, they will even ask how to put username in italics! :)
Submitting an email: Everyone will want to know what to put in their email, even though we tell them in the lab. Be sure that they type the name of the lab and their name in the subject field. Also, they should be submitting an email message they received by cutting and pasting it from pine (there will be lots of mouse problems there, but this should work as long as they highlight what they want and use "Edit|Copy"). The message should be sent to cs111@princeton.edu