The Computer Consultants are highly skilled, quick thinking, and highly motivated individuals. They are always ready with a word of encouragement or technical advice for a fellow student. But there is a weary sadness in their eyes from watching students making the same mistakes year after year. We ask you to spare the Consultants by following the accumulated wisdom of the students who have gone before you:
  • Learn your word processing program before you have to complete a paper. After typing in a 30 page masterpiece is not the time to start wondering which button to push to make the paragraphs line up. Practice with other writing tasks (e.g. notes, letters, etc.), and use the online help or tutorials to learn special features before they're needed.

  • Start writing your paper away from the computer. At least collect your thoughts and outline your ideas before coming into the lab. Sure, we give this advice because you'll leave a computer free for someone else to use, but it will also help you to write a better paper.

  • Plan to write and print your paper as early as possible. A day or two can make all the difference. Sure, the Maxey Lab is open 24 hours a day, but it is not wise to count on being able to type last minute changes and then print a final draft during the hour before class - what if everyone has the same bright idea? Here's a hint: the labs are mostly empty on Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the Consultants will appreciate your company.

  • Save your paper every five to ten minutes as you write. Every computer and disk, even the most recent, will experience glitches. To prevent a major loss when something goes wrong, save often, and save a second copy on a separate disk before leaving the lab.