Making a sticker to put on peoples computer cases

[Herring]

After a couple of instances of people forgetting to plug in their mouse or keyboard before starting the computer, and damage following this in a couple of cases, I was thinking of making a short list of "to dos" and "not to dos" that I could print off and stick over the power button so that when people pick up their computers and take them home they don't do themselves or their computers any harm.
For example:

Make sure all your devices are connected to the computer before you plug in the power cord and turn on your computer.

Never connect or disconnect your mouse, keyboard or monitor while the computer is running.

Regularly perform Windows updates.

Update your antivirus software daily and run a full scan at least weekly.

...

Any something like that, that is not too lengthy and could be printed in bold so that it is visible and easy to read.

What would belong on a short list that could save people a lot of trouble? Phrased in easily understood terms for the computer people who don't know what a "USB device" or an LPT port are.

[fink]

Good idea. I'm just wondering though if putting it over the power button would be the best place. Once a computer user gets a new PC home they're pretty anxious to get it running and will very likely peel it off without paying too much attention to it... and then it's gone for good. Perhaps on the top front of the case would be better.

Also, you dont want to include too many things... probably a half dozen or so tops since the average modern human has the attention span of a gnat these days LOL. So the first two you have above are a bit redundant and can be combined to save suggestions.

a/v-spyware-firewalls can all be included in one.

updates in another.

online security, esp not opening email attachments can be another.

Using and storing passwords could be one more.

And perhaps a suggestion to use Firefox (or any other more secure) browser would be useful too.

[JPnyc]

A vinyl stick-on on the monitor would probably be best. Sticks with no adhesive so easy to remove, and there's no way to miss it.

[photolady]

I just had to add to this conversation. Something I used to do for customers who were not that computer sauvy was make them an 8x11 sheet, then I laminated it. The full sheet included everything they needed to do to make their computer turn on, turn off and a list of how to use email, what to do to read their email and what not to do. Each step I included was simple straight forward answers to most newbie computer users. After laminating it, I used a three hole punch so it would fit nicely in a notebook. Just an idea for you. Hope it helps.

[Herring]

I just got really busy, so haven't time to work on that right now. A couple of things though. I agree with Fink that people seem to have the attention span of a gnat these days. So I will keep it really short. If I could print on Postits I would do that, though I guess I could look into get some printed up. JPnyc, I extremely rarely get the monitor on the premises, usually just the PC with no cables or anything, so that wouldn't be an option for me. Photolady, that sounds like a decent idea, I could give a sheet to people and strongly suggest they read it, but I'm more concerned really with people getting all connected before powering up the PC, hence a POST IT over the power switch or on the front of the box. Do you have a document with the info on it already made up that you would be willing to share?

[photolady]

Know that busy thing, that's what I've been lately. Sorry I didn't post back but after work most of the time I'm too tired to VDR.

I don't have any presets ready now, that was a few years ago when I still lived up north. I've not made these things since then. Basically what I had on the Help files were how to set up internet, and how to get your mail. Of course you could substitute whatever you wanted in them.

[imadreamer2]

I never thought of laminating the notes. A year ago when I worked on my bosses computer I made little explanation notes on 3 by 5 index cards and taped them to the side of the computer. The bosses son said they are still there and he still uses them but they are fading now. He wanted me to rewrite them. I said after a year you should know them by heart now. He said he did but he was worried about his mom and dad. I told him he should write them. I just hope they are following them. LOL They must be haven't had to work on it any more. Knock on wood.

[104456]

Just a query do you have the halt on error for keyboard and mouse enabled in the bios as this would be a sharp reminder?