Caring for Your MacBook
In some ways, your MacBook is like your best friend. If you take good care of it, it will take care of you!
Sixth-graders will be loaned a MacBook this year to use at school and to take home. Students in other grades will get to use MacBooks in the classroom. Let's talk about some of the things you should do to keep your MacBook clean and healthy.
Keeping it clean
You can clean your MacBook with a dry, dustless cloth. Never use alcohol or ammonia products. Use a cotton swab to clean between keys.
Do not drink or eat around your MacBook. If you spill into the keyboard, it can cause major damage. This would not be considered normal wear and tear which means that the cost of repair wlll be passed on to you. That could be a big chunk out of your allowance!
Keeping it safe
As laptop computers go, MacBooks are pretty tough. But the components inside are rather delicate. You should be careful to not drop or step on your MacBook. Also, do not place heavy objects such as books or electronic equipment on top of your MacBook.
Do not carry your MacBook around in your backpack! You will get a soft protective case for your MacBook. Keep the MacBook in the case when you're transporting and it when it's not in use. Do not remove the padding in the case! You should receive a name tag to put on the case, and a tag for your MacBook.
In the classroom, keep your MacBook in a safe place. Don't put it on a ledge or under your desk. There are special shelves for keeping your MacBook in the classroom.
Batteries and mice
Your MacBook has a maximum battery life of 5 hours. However, as the computer gets older, the battery won't last quite as long. Make sure you charge your MacBook every night. Don't worry about overcharging. If you have problems with your battery, contact someone in the Technology office.
The MacBooks are equipped with a trackpad to move the pointer around. If you prefer to use a mouse, you can buy one yourself. Most mice cost around $25, but you can sometimes find them for less. Almost any mouse will work with the MacBook, as long as it has a USB connection (not PS/2).
Connecting to the Internet
The MacBook's Internet connection is wireless. When you're at school, you should be able to connect to the Internet almost anywhere you go. However, you may find that you cannot connect to the Internet at home. Most Internet use at school will be from established bookmarks and any searching that is done will be guided and supervised by the teachers.
Do not attempt to download software from the Internet, or install from software from CDs.
You may not be able to print at home because of the various types of printers and print drivers that would need to be loaded. However, your teachers will arrange for times for you to print your documents at school.
You are only allowed to use the Internet for educational purposes only. Any inappropriate use, and you could lose your MacBook! What is inappropriate? If you have to hide it from your teacher or your parents...it's probably inappropriate!
Games, e-mail, and iTunes are not part of the educational process process so they will not be allowed at school. Please refer to your student handbook for more information on the rules for using the Internet at school.
Repairs and other bad things
Your MacBook is leased through Apple and all repairs will be handled through our technology office. Repairs for normal wear and tear will be covered. However, you will be responsible for damage that is caused by abuse to the computer, whether it's accidental or deliberate.
If you lose your MacBook, you will be charged for it and payment must be made before you get another one.
Make it your friend
Using the MacBook at school should make your school work easier and hopefully more fun. Take care of it this year, and like a friend, it will be nice to have around! 
posted 8/18/09
