Safety Rules in the Computer Lab

 Do not run inside the computer lab.

 Take a note of all the exits in the room, and also take note of the location of fire extinguishers in the room for the sake of fire safety.

 Keep bags in the designated area, as they can cause people to trip if they are simply lying around the room.

 Try not to type continuously for extremely long periods.  Look away from the screen once in a while to give your eyes a rest.

 Do not touch any exposed wires or sockets.

 Do not attempt to open any machines, and do not touch the backs of machines when they are switched on.

 Do not spill water or any other liquid on the machine, in order to maintain electrical safety.  There is a lot of equipment in computer labs that could short circuit itself or cause electric shocks.

 Do not bring any food or drinks near the machine.

 Log off the machine you were using, at the end of the period.  Shut down computer at the end of the day.  Push chairs up to the tables.

 Do not access external devices without scanning them for computer viruses.  Do not use your flash drive without permission.  Do not use your phone without permission.

 Ensure that the temperature in the room stays cool, since there are a lot of machines inside a lab, and these can overheat easily.

 Try not to touch any of the circuit boards and power sockets when something is connected to them and switched on.

 Always maintain an extra copy of all your important data.

 Other equipment inside a computer lab is very expensive, and it is your responsibility to ensure that this equipment is kept safe and sound.  If some damage is incurred by this equipment, the cost of repairing or replacing it will be very high indeed.  Hence, the importance of following these lab safety rules for high school cannot be stressed enough.

 Online predators can make contact through chat rooms, discussion boards and .  You should never give out personal information about yourself or others.  It is NOT ok to meet someone in person that you have met online.  Never share passwords with anyone, except parents. Online Safety

 Do not use the same password for all sites.  Update your anti-virus software often  Phishing is a term for messages that request personal information.  Note that friends and family can contain viruses. Internet Website Safety

 Dust can affect computers adversely. Ensure that the machines are cleaned on a regular basis.  Run antivirus software often  During a thunderstorm unplug devices, use power strips and proper wiring.  Back up data often to prevent loss of information.  Use anti-virus and anti-spam software that is updated often. (a sign of a virus is your computer running slow) A key logger is a program that keeps a log of everything that is typed into a keyboard. Protect Your Computer from Damage

 Back up data  Use surge protectors  Insulate computers from heat A natural threat includes: Fire, water or heat Protect Computer from Natural Threats.

 Bullies will:  Pretend they are other people while online  Spread lies about others  Trick people into giving out personal information  Post pictures of others without permission Do not deal with a bully by bulling them back! Be sure to report a bully to a trusted adult. Cyber bullying

The computers belong to the Madison County School district and are not to be changed in any way.