Preparation Program User Instructions

Instructions for Using the Physics Computer Preparation Programs

This document describes the steps needed to use the computer Preparation Programs for the University of Minnesota introductory level physics laboratories. The Preparation Programs may be accessed at the U of MN computer facilities located at Physics 130 or Engineering-Computer Science 4-240.

STEP 1

When at a Macintosh workstation, select the Physics Labs icon from the Quick Launch window:

STEP 2

Select and double-click on the Physics Labs icon to access the programs. You will then be prompted as follows:

Go directly to the box marked Password and type as password physics. The password is case sensitive so make sure you are typing only lower case letters. After entering the password, click on OK or press the return key. If the Physics Classes server is available, your screen should look similiar to:

STEP 3

Select the folder by locating the screen arrow using the mouse to the folder corresponding to the Physics course you are enrolled. Double click on the appropriate folder icon to expose the corresponding Preparation Program icon. The Preparation Programs for the 1251 course are displayed as example.

Double click on the Physics Labs icon to begin.

NOTE: If the Macintosh you are reading this document on can not support the simultaneous operation of the browser and cT software, ie, if there is not enough Random Access Memory (RAM) installed, you may need to exit the browser program, to continue.

The program may take a minute or so to startup after which you should see the introduction screen as shown below.

STEP 4

Read and follow the instructions provided.

STEP 5

Eventually you will be prompted to enter you last Name followed by your Student ID # as shown below.

In the unfortunate case that you are denied access to the preparation programs, an error message similiar to he one below will be displayed.

Be careful to type in your name and ID# correctly . If you are sure you are entering it correctly and you still are denied access, then exit the program and try again later. All failed attempts are logged to a file that is monitored regularly. If the problem persists then notify your Teaching Assistant.

Once your name and ID # have been determined to exist in the database, the preparation programs will begin. You should continue to follow the instructions provided.

Hints for using the Quiz Program

Here are a few suggestions when running the programs:

You will be asked to make some calculations so have a pen, a sheet of paper and a calculator ready. Do not use the calculator that is provided on the Macintosh. In fact, do not attempt to access any of the Macintosh's desk accessories. If you do, you will be warned. If you continue to access the desk accesories or other programs while running the preparation program, you may be ejected from the program resulting in a score of zero. In this case, you are permitted to restart the program, but please be careful not to actuate the other programs including allowing the screen saver to be actuated. It might be a good idea to mobilize the mouse frequently when you are sitting at an idle while thinking or calculating.

Many of the questions require a numerical answer and units. If you neglect the units, the program will warn you, then wait for you to include units with your answer. Be aware that you may need to re-type the numerical part of your answer so it is a good idea to jot questions and answers down on the sheet of scratch paper you are using. If you use the wrong units, or the program cannot recognize your units, it will ask you to convert your answer to the correct units.

When giving responses, often you may shorten you reply. For example, meters may be shortened to m, miles per hour to mph, seconds to s and so on.

Press the return key after you've entered a response. Remember to include units if appropriate.

When the programs responds with PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE..., you can press any key on the keyboard when you are ready to proceed.

Sample Prep Program Questions
1D Coordinate Systems	Average Velocity
2D Kinematical Motion	Free Fall Motion
Force Components	Free Body & Force Diagrams
Kinetic Energy	Momentum & Collisions

Exiting the Preparation Program

After the preparation program is complete,you will be notified of your score. At this point, you will need to exit the program. Instructions on doing so are provided below:

Select Quit from the Options menu by moving the mouse so the arrow is on top of the word Options located at the top, left corner of the screen.
Press and hold the mouse button down and move the mouse so the arrow points at Quit, (you will see Quit change from black text on a white background to white text on a black background) and release the mouse button.
The quiz program will now end and you will see the screen as it was before running the program. You can now shut down the computer.

For more information, contact David DeMuth at (demuth@mnhep.hep.umn.edu)