Saving Files

It is very important to understand that anything you save to an APN Public PC computer's hard drive (eg My Documents) will be completely WIPED when the computer restarts. 

The APN Public PCs can be shut down or restarted by anyone using them at any time AND they automatically restart after about 15 minutes of "idle time" (no keyboard or mouse activity, so watch out if you are watching a DVD!)  A restart is not the same as logging off - only restarting the computer will ensure all user data is wiped.

You can temporarily store your files on the hard drive of the computer. The default file location is "My Documents" which is D:\UserData on the computer.  Do not try and save your files to other locations of the computer's hard drive  - it may cause problems later on for you.  For example don't save your work to the Desktop.

So how can I save my work?

To permanently save your work you have a few options ... 

• Web Mail - if you are using webmail (eg Hotmail or Gmail) use the function to add an attachment (your file which you have temporarily saved to My Documents) and send the email to your address or save it as draft.  Your file will then be available in your inbox or drafts folder next time you log into your email account.
• USB Flash Drive - purchase a USB flash drive (also known as a pen drive).  This can be plugged into the front USB ports on the APN Public PC and will display as drive letter E:\ or K:\ in My Computer.
• Memory Card - similar to a USB flash drive, flash memory cards can be plugged into the front slots of the APN Public PC.  See Removable media regarding what is supported.  Digital devices such as cameras and some cell phones often have internal memory cards which can be removed and plugged directly into PCs.
• Writeable CD or DVD - see this section on how to write files to disk.  Writing Files to CD or DVD
• Store your work online.  A Web 2.0 option and is suitable for people who are never far from an internet connection.  See Saving files Online.

Removable media

Writing Files to CD or DVD

Saving files Online

Floppy disk