The two main scenarios in which you will be setting up a computer in your home is if you are a new student receiving a computer for the first time or if you are an existing student and have just received a laptop replacement from us. This guide will show you how to setup your PALCS device and access the tools you will need to use.
You will receive your PALCS laptop in a cardboard box/laptop mailer.
Open it up and take the laptop and charger out of the packaging. (Important note, do NOT dispose of this packaging as you will need it when the laptop will be returned!)
Plug the charger into a grounded outlet or power strip and plug the other end into the side power port of the computer. (If the laptop is receiving power, a small LED will light up on the side of the computer. If it is not lighting up, check all of the connections of the charger to make sure they are firmly connected).
Now that it is charging, you can power on the device. On most of our models of laptops the power button is near the top right of the keyboard. Once it is pressed down, a small light should show up and the computer should turn on.
It may take a minute or so to power on, the laptop will load into the Windows login screen. It may say either your students name, username or "Other User."
The first thing you should do is connect to the internet. Click on the globe icon at the bottom right and connect to your Wireless network. ( More detailed instructions can be found here - Wireless Network Connection and Troubleshooting )
Once you are connected to the internet, sign into the computer with the username and password you were provided for your student. (PALCS parent accounts will NOT work to sign into PALCS devices.)
It may take a minute or two to sign in and reach the Windows Desktop. From here you can access the apps and tools that you will need to use. ( Windows Basics - Beginner's Guides to PALCS Technology )
Most of what we do is online, so you will need to access the internet. Our recommended browser is Google Chrome ( Official Browser at PALCS ) as that seems to work best will all of our learning tools. Locate the Google Chrome icon and double click it to launch the application.
From there, visit www.palcschool.org to reach our PALCS School Lobby, the landing page for your educational experience at PALCS.
Your computer may require some updates, Windows will automatically download and install any pending updates for your device. (Learn more about computer updates here - Computer Updates )
If you also received a printer / scanner from us, you can follow this guide ( Printer Setup & Installation
) to learn how to setup the printer.