What's+New

What's new for Spring 2018?
Our studios have 20 iMacs with the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud installed. Here is a basic overview of how the lab works:
 * **Key Card Entry.** All students who have registered for a class in C184, D017, D019 will be able to enter the Studio by swiping their current Parkland ID. Key Card entry is a privilege that can be revoked at any time (see Lab Policies). If your key card does not work, please talk to your instructor or consult the Key Card Guide.
 * **Logging In.** Students must use their assigned "Netshare" login (i.e. "faa001") which will be assigned to you by your instructor. You will be assigned a random password which you must change immediately (Apple Menu > System Preferences > User & Groups: click the CHANGE PASSWORD button). We recommend that students use their ParklandOne password for everything related to Parkland (more info).
 * **Logging out.** After each session, you MUST logout (Apple Menu > Logout). If you fail to logout, other students may have access to your files. Logging out is preferred as it is faster than restarting.
 * **Saving files.** We recommend saving files to the "NetShare" network drive (a.k.a "Nemo"). Your personal password-protected "Netshare" account (i.e. "faa001") is automatically linked to your "Netshare" login. You will need only one "NetShare" account for the semester to use any Mac workstation in C184, D017, D019 (you do NOT need a separate account for each class). Your Netshare account is good for one semester only, so please remember to backup your files at the end of every semester.
 * **Backing up files.** After each work session, you should also back-up your files to your USB flash drive (or upload them to a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive). Files saved in the local "Documents" folder or on the desktop will NOT be accessible from another computer or another room.
 * **Application Preferences**. Parkland faculty have configured select Adobe applications with ideal preferences that meet our standards for teaching and learning (these preferences are different than the defaults installed by Adobe). To reset these preferences to Parkland's "preferred" standards, please use the SELF-SERVICE utility (see instructions).
 * **Apple Keyboards.** The extended keyboards in our labs have a FN key (located right below the F13 key. Use the FN key in conjunction with F11 and F12 to control the sound volume. FN+F10 will mute/unmute the sound.
 * **Saving Adobe files to older versions**. If you're using an older version of the Adobe Creative Suite at home, please read the "Saving Backwards" article.
 * **Restarting.** If a computer becomes non-responsive, restart and the problem will most likely go away (also see force quitting).
 * **Automatic Restart.** All computers in C184, D017, D019 will automatically shut down at 10pm every night and restart at 6am every morning.
 * **Fonts.** The default "core" fonts (see PDF specimen sheets) are classic typefaces that are recommended for students to use. Additional fonts may be installed as needed, but please talk to your instructor before installing them (more info).
 * **Printing.** Your class fees should cover all of your printing needs. If you registered for a class in C184, D017, or D019 your instructor will load your ParklandOne account with enough credit to be able to print all the assignments for your class (more info). However, if you abuse your account and run out of credit, then you will have to add additional cash to your account in order to print.
 * **LCD Screens.** The LCD screens on iMacs are particularly sensitive. Please do not touch or press on the screen. LCD monitors should only be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth or special wipes (NOT paper towels!).
 * **USB Flash Drives.** You may use the USB port in the keyboard to plug in your USB flash drive. **Important: always eject your drive before unplugging it (RMB>Eject).**
 * **General housekeeping:** Our janitors will only clean the floors and empty the garbage. Your job is to get the garbage into the garbage bin or recycling bin. Cleaning supplies are available on top of the cabinet in D019 if you wish to wipe your desk, keyboard or screens.