VITAhelp - porteusconf/kiosk GitHub Wiki

Note: bit.ly/vitahelp is the easy-to-remember URL for this webpage, and we'll post any late-breaking issues and status updates right here at the top of this webpage!

Trouble-shooting and survival guide for vita program computers

(In case of known outages or issues, we'll update this STATUS line at top of bit.ly/vitahelp )

NOTE: If you have internet, please use newest version of this guide on web, always at bit.ly/vitahelp If no internet on pc, but you have a cell-phone, perhaps try viewing this website on your phone, which is always at easy-to-remember URL bit.ly/vitahelp

If no internet, try connecting a network cable. If no cables available, verify wifi is on: keys on top row (with radio-tower or airplane icon) may turn on or off wifi: typically one of F5, F7, F9. Some laptops also have switch on the front edge of the laptop to turn on/off wifi. On IRS HP laptops, the lighted radio tower above F5-key must be blue, not orange. Use "DogwoodTech" wifi if available & try to avoid "Orange_Public_Wifi" or other wifi connections as they may be slow.
If laptop screen is dim, it may mean you are on battery power, so verify all power cords are connected firmly. Hover mouse over battery icon at bottom right and you should see "(plugged in)". And/or there may be an indicator light by the power-plug or front of laptop.
Full shutdown or restart is always worth trying: not sleep, not hibernate. Shutdown pc first, then the printer (if any) and wait 10 seconds. Then power up the printer, and finally the pc. Or, try another computer or printer. If the need is urgent, please try to contact Ric Wallers gmail ricatchnc (remember as RIC AT Chapel Hill NC) or Bill Day at 1 or 2:

landline 643 0436 at usual area-code. Try this first as I have poor cell signal at home.
verizon 482 9541 Texting is more reliable than calling. Pls do NOT leave voice mail at 9541: instead try texting, or call land line to leave message, or gmail ncprius2 etc.

Many cleaning wipes will destroy the computer. Use only a slightly damp paper towel, then gently dry with a paper towel. NO DISINFECTING WIPES ARE ALLOWED -- except on your hands or table
Do NOT write the password on labels on the computer. User: taxprep or KathyP (NOT Admin or volunteer). Password: (ask!)
For TaxSlayer, only use Chrome browser (red, yellow, green circle) and not Internet Explorer (blue-e).
Automatic software updates are turned off, but only for the network intended for VITA use. Manual updates can be performed of Google-Chrome, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, etc. Please do not install additional software without asking me or other IT folks. VITA computers are not to be used for personal browsing, due to malware risks.
When done using, click on "Shutdown". Then unplug power, and verify no lites anywhere are on before storing in case. Loosely wrap up the power cords and mouse cord (and tie up power cords with velcro strap).

How to enable/disable touchpad manually or automatically when using mouse.

When typing, your palm might brush on the touchpad, which may frustratingly move the cursor elsewhere on the page so you end up typing in the wrong place! You may use an external keyboard. Or, below is how to disable the touchpad after you plug-in the mouse (and/or use red TrackPoint "nub", by H-key on some laptops)

Some laptops will automatically disable the touchpad while a mouse is in use. But if touchpad (or red TrackPoint nub) is still active when using a mouse , you can always manually disable (or re-enable) them. For trackpad, see some examples below. Note: I've tried to ensure the touchpad is automatically enabled on each reboot. But you may want to verify, when done using laptop, that touchpad works when no mouse is in use. If touchpad is dead, you can try any method below to enable touchpad, especially before you shutdown (power off). If methods below do not enable touchpad, try restarting laptop. If touchpad still dead, please report the issue, and leave note on laptop to use it with mouse.

On any laptop, you should be able to find a checkbox to Enable/Disable the touchpad somewhere under: Settings (WindowKey+i) -> Devices -> Touchpad -> Additional Settings. An icon (gray or red) in tool-trays may also work:

Some laptops have a key-shortcut, like Fn+F6 or just F6, that turns touchpad on or off. Each press of F6 key toggles state of touchpad: enable it if off, or disable it if on. It may (or may not) require you hold down Fn key while pressing F6.

VITAhelp - porteusconf/kiosk GitHub Wiki

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Trouble-shooting and survival guide for vita program computers

How to enable/disable touchpad manually or automatically when using mouse.