LTSP User Guide
<support@pcc.com>
1 Main Street, Suite 7
Winooski, VT 05404
USA
(800) 722-7708 Admin
(800) 722-1082 Support
Copyright © 2005, 2006, 2007 The Physician's Computer Company
2007/01/11 19:04:16
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS: To print out copies of this document, browse to LTSP User Guide to download a PDF formatted version. Then select the "File" menu and choose the "Print" option. If you have trouble opening and printing the PDF, please contact PCC support at <support@pcc.com> or (800) 722-1082.
1. Introduction: Getting to Know Your Linux Terminal
PCC's Linux Terminal Server solution means that your office has virus free, easy to use and maintain, powerful terminals for all of your staff members. These terminals are not like the old fashioned black and white terminals of yesterday, they are powerful computers!
This guide will help you get started using one of your new terminals. Maybe instead of a new terminal your office has converted one of your old PCs to act like a new terminal. Either way, you'll have the same great tools and the pages below will help you learn how to do everything you need to do to get your job done quickly and efficiently.
This guide will show you how to:
Turn on and Log In to Your Workstation
Log Off, Shut Down
Use the Desktop and Run Programs
Connect to Partner
Use a Browser and the World Wide Web
Read E-Mail with Squirrel Mail
Use Open Office for Word Processing
Select Printers and Print Documents
As always, be sure and contact PCC if you need additional help with any of the subjects covered here. There are also some great online resources and free training sessions described in each section.
2. Turn On and Log In
Follow the procedure below to start using your Linux terminal.
Press the Power Button
If you are using an LTSP diskless workstation, the power button is located on the front of the machine. It looks like this:
If you are using a converted PC computer, then the power switch is the normal switch for that brand or model of computer.
Enter Your Username and Password
You will see a login screen that looks like this:
Log in using your assigned Partner username and password. If you forget your username or password, contact your office's system administrator.
Click "OK"
Your personal desktop will load, and you'll be ready to work.
 | Why Is That Window Open? |
|---|---|
When you log in to LTSP, your "Home" folder opens automatically. You will see your Home window and the contents of your Home directory. Any word proccessing or other documents that you work on are stored in this folder or in subfolders within it. If you want to close this window, simply click the close "X". |
| Numlock |
|---|---|
When you first log in to an LTSP diskless workstation, you should press the Numlock key if you intend to use the number pad on the keyboard. The Numlock turns off each time you turn the machine off. |
3. The LTS Desktop Environment
The LTSP desktop is just like desktops on other computers you have used. A menu-bar at the bottom contains common tasks and programs, the desktop contains icons that open folders or applications, and you can use your mouse to select items on the screen. There are a few important differences and some special features which you will learn about in this section.
3.1. The Menu Bar
At the bottom of your screen is a menu bar. This bar will help you run most of your important day to day functions. As you open new windows and programs, you will see a link to each window on the bar.
On the left hand side of the menu bar is a "start" menu and a series of buttons. If you place your mouse pointer on each button, you will see a brief description of what it does.
In addition to the shortcut buttons, the start menu on the menu bar will allow you to run all of your LTSP applications and perform other functions. Click on the start menu and take a look at some of the options:
Some of the choices have a sub-menu of options. Simply click on an item to select it and show the sub-menu:
3.2. Desktop and Icons
Your desktop has a bunch of icons, or small pictures, that are linked to different programs or folders on your computer. Here is a brief explanation of each one and what it is for:
- Home Folder
Your home folder is a convenient place to store documents you are working on. If you use word processing or make spreadsheets, you will save your files in this folder or in a subfolder within this folder. See below for more information about saving and retrieving files.
- Common Files Folder
The Common folder is visible on all of your office's workstations. If you and your colleagues share a schedule, a memo, or other file it should be stored in the Common folder.
- Squirrel Mail
Squirrel Mail is the graphical e-mail program for your office. You can use the text-only e-mail program pine, if you prefer, but Squirrel Mail will allow you to send and receive attachments and interact with your mail in a more powerful way.
- Trash
Click and drag a file to the Trash when you want to delete it. Trash will be emptied automatically when you log out.
 | Remember |
|---|---|
Save items in your home directory or the Common directory. Don't keep files on your desktop. They will still be there when you come back, but they may be wiped away if your system administrator needs to clean off people's desks. |
3.3. Logging Off, Shutting Down
Follow this procedure to safely log out of your LTSP Workstation:
Log Out of Partner Windows
If you have opened any Partner logins, log out of them before logging out of LTSP.
Close Applications, Save Changes
If you are working in Open Office on a word processing document or any other kind of document, you should save your changes and close the window.
Click on the Start Menu and select, "Logout..."
Confirm Logout
Optionally, Turn Off Your Machine
You are now completely logged out of both Partner and your LTSP Workstation. Though not necessary, you may wish to turn off your machine by pressing the main power button.
4. Connecting to Partner
You can open a Partner window of several different sizes. You can open multiple Partner windows and run different Partner programs in each one. Read the procedure below to learn about opening connections to Partner and using multiple windows of different sizes.
Click on the "Start" Menu and select "Partner Logins"
Click on a Window Size
Select from small, medium, or large font sizes.
Log Into Partner
Enter your username and password to log in to Partner.
| Multiple Windows |
|---|---|
You can open as many Partner windows as you wish by repeating the steps above. Each window you open will create a link to the window on the menu bar. You can then use your mouse to switch between your Partner windows as you work. You can also press Alt-Tab to cycle from window to window. |
5. The World Wide Web on an LTS Workstation
How do you explore the internet in the LTSP environment? Use the Firefox web-browser. Run Firefox by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the following option:
The Firefox web-browser looks like this:
Just like other browsers you may be familiar with, you can use the address bar at the top to go to any web site. The box in the upper right hand corner is for searching the web.
Bookmarks. You can keep a list of useful sites under the "Bookmarks" menu. Just click on Bookmarks and "Add Bookmark..." when you locate a site you wish to keep.
Unsupported Websites. Some common websites are poorly written and will refuse to support the browser on your LTSP Workstation. The page may fail to load or produce an error on the screen. Fortunately, there may be a way to view the site anyway. If you see a message at your favorite website warning you that your browser is not supported, especially if it mentions cookies or java, try clicking on some other link on the page and navigating back to the information you need. You can also try viewing the website on a windows computer, writing down the address of the specific page you need, and then bookmarking that page on your LTSP workstation.
6. Squirrel Mail
Squirrel Mail is a fast and powerful web-based e-mail program. You can open a Partner window and use the mail function (pine), if you wish, but Squirrel Mail is easier to use and has more features. This section contains a brief introduction to using Squirrel Mail.
6.1. Starting Squirrel Mail and Logging In
Follow this procedure to get started:
Double click on the "Squirrel Mail" icon to launch your web browser and connect to Squirrel Mail.
Enter your Partner username and password for access to your mail.
Click "Login"
6.2. Read and Delete Messages
On the main Squirrel Mail screen, you will see the contents of your e-mail "INBOX." The most recent messages are located at the top of the list. Unread messages are shown in bold.
Click on the subject of any message to read it.
While viewing a message, notice the options at the top to return to the "Message List," "Delete" the message, move to the "Previous" or "Next" message, "Forward" the message or "Forward as Attachment," and "Reply" and "Reply All."
If you click "Delete," the message will be moved to the trash and you will be shown the next message in your INBOX.
6.3. Reply and Compose New Messages
Click "Reply" while viewing a message to compose a new message to the sender. You can click "Reply All" to ensure that your message will also be sent to everyone who received the original message. You can also compose a new message by clicking "Compose."
Creating a New Message
Click "Compose"
Fill Out Message Information
Write Your Message
Click "Send"
6.4. Sending and Receiving Attachments
You can send and receive files that are attached to e-mail messages. In this way, you could send a spreadsheet to your accountant or receive pictures from colleagues across the country. Follow the instructions below to either send or receive an attachment.
 | Viruses and unwanted advertisement programs are often spread using attachments. LTSP has protection to prevent many kinds of viruses, but you should never open an attachment that you are not expecting, even if it is from an address that is familiar to you. Speak with the sender and find out an attachment's contents before you open it. |
Send an Attachment
Compose a Message
First, create a new e-mail message that will contain the attachment. Either "Reply" to an existing message or "Compose" a new one. In the text of your e-mail, you should explain to the recipient what the attachment is.
Click "Browse..." to Select a File
Find the Needed File
Use the file selection dialog box to select the file you wish to attach to your message.
Click "Open" to select the file or double click on its name.
Click "Add" to Attach the File
Click Send to Send the E-mail and the Attachment
Receive an Attachment
Open a Message With an Attachment
A message with an attachment will look like this:
Click the Filename or "Download"
Select "Open With" or "Save to Disk"
You can open a file and view it without saving a copy to your folders. Or, you can save it to your Home folder for later viewing.
If you choose to open your file, it will open as soon as you click "Ok." If you choose to save the file, it will be saved to your Home directory automatically.
6.5. Mail Folders
If you don't delete all incoming messages immediately after reading them, or if you like to save certain messages for later retrieval, you should use mail folders. The default mail folders are "INBOX," "Sent," and "Trash," but you can add your own folders and use them for any purpose you like.
In the example below, you will learn how to create a "PCC Info" mail folder. Next, you will learn how to move several messages into that folder.
| Old Mail Folders |
|---|---|
Did you use mail folders in Partner before? Your folders are still available and you can continue to use them. When you click to add a new mail folder, check the bottom of the screen for tools to "subscribe" to your existing folders. |
Creating a Mail Folder
Click "Folders"
You can find the "Folders" option at the top of your screen:
Enter a Name For Your New Folder
From this page you can also subscribe to previously existing folders. Check the bottom of the page to see if you have older folders you can subscribe to. Enter a new, unique name if you wish to add a new folder.
Click "Okay" to Create the Folder
Click "Refresh Folder List" to Refresh the List of Folders
Save Messages to a Folder
Go To Your Message INBOX
If you are not already viewing your message index, click "INBOX" or "Message List" to return to it.
Check Off Messages You Wish to Move
Click the check box next to each message that you wish to move to a folder. In the example below, four messages are selected.
Click the "Move Selected To:" Box and Select the Destination Folder
Click "Move"
7. Open Office
Open Office is a software suite that includes a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a presentation program. It can read and write files that are compatible with Microsoft Office. Open Office is an "open source" project, which means it is free and can be updated for free.
If you are familiar with Microsoft Word or other programs in Microsoft Office, you will be able to learn Open Office very quickly. The sections below will help you get started.
7.1. Run Open Office and Begin a New Document
Follow this procedure to open Open Office and begin a new document.
Click "Start" and "Office Tools"
Choose Word Document, Spread Sheet, or Presentation
From the sub-menu, select the type of document you wish to work with.
Begin Creating Your Document
A blank page or template will appear. You can now create your document.
Spell Check and Other Tools
If you don't know how to perform a word processing function, move the mouse over the various icons on the screen. A short description of each tool will appear next to the icon. By trying the icons and exploring the menu at the top of the screen, you can learn about all the different abilities of Open Office.
Open Office is a very popular collection of programs. Your local bookstore has books on using Open Office, and you can find additional help online at: http://www.openoffice.org.
7.2. Save a Document, Open a Document
Follow the procedures below when you wish to save a document or open an existing document.
Save a Document
Click the "File" Menu and Select "Save"
From the menu-bar at the top of the window, click on the "File" menu and select "Save."
If the Save option is gray and can not be clicked, you do not need to save your document.
Enter a Name and Location
If this is the first time this file has been saved, Open Office will ask you to name your document and choose a destination folder. You should save your documents in your "Home" folder, as shown:
Click "Save"
Open an existing Document
Double Click on the File
Find the file in your "Home" folder and double click on it. The appropriate program will launch and open your file.
Optionally, Select "File" and "Open" From Within an Open Application
If you are already working in Open Office, for example, and wish to open an existing file, click on the File menu and select "Open." You will be prompted to select your document from a dialog box.
8. Printing
You can print any document at any time by selecting the "File" menu and choosing "Print." When you wish to print an e-mail message, you should click the "View Printable Version" option before printing. See the sections below for more information on printing in LTSP.
8.1. Set Your Default Printer
Follow these instructions to set which printer your Open Office and World Wide Web documents will print to by default. This will not change where your Partner programs print.
Open the Print Manager
At the bottom of your screen, click on the "Print Manager" icon. The icon looks like a printer, and if you put your mouse over it, you will see the following:
Review Current Printer
The Print Manager window will open and show you all of the printers on your system. Your current default printer will be marked with a check-mark, as shown:
Right-Click on the Desired Default Printer
If you wish to change your default printer, click on the printer you desire with the right mouse button.
Select "Set as Default"
From the menu, select "Set as Default" and click with the standard, left mouse button. The green check will move to your new default printer.
| Setting Default Printing for Partner Applications |
|---|---|
The instructions above will help you set printing preferences for Open Office and all documents you print from LTSP. To set up default printing for Partner applications, call PCC at 1-800-722-1082. |
8.2. Cancel a Runaway Print Job
Have you ever printed a two-hundred page document accidentally? You can use the LTSP Print Manager to stop any print job. Follow the procedure below.
Open the Print Manager
At the bottom of your screen, click on the "Print Manager" icon. The icon looks like a printer, and if you put your mouse over it, you will see the following:
Choose the Printer
The Print Manager window will open and show you all of the printers on your system. Double-click on the printer that has a job you wish to cancel.
Choose the Job to Cancel
You will see a list of print jobs waiting to go to the printer. Click on the job you wish to cancel with the right mouse button. If the name of the document is not helpful, you can use the "owner" and the "size" columns to try and determine which job you wish to cancel.
Select "Cancel Job"
From the resulting menu, select "Cancel Job."
| What if I don't see the job? |
|---|---|
If the print job that you wish to cancel is not visible in the window then it has already been loaded into the printer's memory. You can cancel the job by pressing the "Cancel Job" or similar button on your printer. If your printing job does not cancel even after pressing the button on your printer, you should turn your printer off for several minutes. If the job still continues once you turn it back on, you should turn your printer off and unplug it for several minutes. |