care_maintenance

=MacBook Care and Maintenance=

Below are some basic steps to keep your MacBook in the best condition and make it last through the years.
 * 1) ====**Regularly clean your MacBook display. Wipe away dust and dirt off it for best viewing experience. To do this, make sure that your MacBook is properly shut down, the power is unplugged. Then, with a clean, soft, and slightly damped cloth, wipe the screen gently. Never spray any liquid directly on the MacBook's screen.[[image:helpful_smiley.jpg width="72" height="72" align="right"]]**====
 * 2) ====In cleaning the exterior of your MacBook, use a clean, soft, and slightly damped cloth, as well. Wipe dust and dirt off the keyboard, cover, and the base of your laptop in a gentle and moderate pace. Never use solvents, aerosol sprays, or any chemical liquid in cleaning your MacBook.====
 * 3) Carry your MacBook gently and carefully. Place it in a secure bag with padded sleeves so that it won't get scratched or damaged. Also, make sure that there are no loose items in the bag that could accidentally get stuck on your laptop computer. Avoid stacking books or other objects on top of your MacBook.
 * 4) Take care of the battery of your MacBook by not overcharging it. Moreover, drain the battery once in a while to fully maximize its use. If you will not use your MacBook for a long period of time, make sure to store it in a secure place with its battery unplugged.

[[image:computer_bag.jpg]]Carrying Your MacBook
====__**The district issues a computer bag to store and carry your MacBook when transporting from location to location. If the district bag is damaged, please report to your principal so a replacement can be provided.**__==== ====Please do not carry small, loose items (such as paper clips, staples, or coins) that could accidentally get inside your computer through an opening, such as as the optical drive slot or get lodged inside a port. You should always unplug your power adapter from the computer when placing inside the bag or when carrying the computer from surface to surface or room to room.====

**Always power off your MacBook before storing in the computer bag. Leaving your computer on creates a heat build up which can cause damage to MacBook components.**
Do not store books or sharp edge items in the computer bag with the MacBook -- the additional pressure can cause case and/or screen damage.


 * NOTE:** The MacBook power adapter port contains a magnet that can erase data on your credit card, iPod, or other device. To preserve your data, keep magnetically sensitive items away from the power adapter port.

Storing Your MacBook
If you are going to store your MacBook for an extended period of time, keep it in a cool location (ideally, 71° F) and do one of the following to preserve your MacBook battery life:
 * 1) Discharge the battery 50 percent before storing your MacBook.
 * 2) When storing your computer for longer than five months, please notify the Technology Department for directions for long term storage.

Safety Instructions for Setting Up and Using your MacBook
IMPORTANT: Do not place your MacBook on a pillow or other software material when it is powered on, as the material can block the airflow vents (in particular, the rear vents) and cause the computer to overheat. Never place anything over your keyboard when operating in closed-lid mode. This can cause your computer to cycle on and off, which might create excessive heat and drain your battery.