[MLTI-MS] MLTI G3 Buyout Scripts and procedures

[Heather Peel]

Subject: Buyout Scripts and procedures

A number of questions and issues have arisen related to the retiring MLTI G3
iBooks and preparing them for future use. Please note the following:

1) Scripts to help prepare the devices for use after the current MLTI
contract expires (June 30, 2006) are available for download from the Script
Exchange in the FirstClass middlemaine.org system.

2) Two of the scripts, "Cleanup" and "State Surplus" have one minor glitch
which is easily repaired. Please see detailed instructions at the bottom of
this email for more information.

3) After using any of these scripts, you must allow the laptop to reboot
completely in order for the scripts to complete their work.

4) If you want to be able to disable Open Firmware Protection, you must
first use one of the scripts (from #1), then you can disable Open Firmware
Protection by following these steps:

Disabling Password Protection

i) Boot into the Open Firmware. (Command + Option + O + F)

ii) Type "setenv security-mode none" and press return.

iii) Enter in the Open Firmware password at the password request prompt and
press return.

iv) Then type "reset-all" to restart the computer.


*****
Cleanup / State Surplus fix

Due to a minor permissions error, a user's Preference folder may be
inaccessible to the user. As a result, some applications are unable to read
or modify their preferences causing abnormal program behavior and sometimes
program crashes. Some reported issues included an inability to change the
desktop background or Appleworks quitting "unexpectedly".

There are two simple options to ensure that the Cleanup/State Surplus
intended changes are made properly.

1) If you have already reimaged a laptop with one of these scripts and you
are using one of the preexisting accounts (ie admin, teacher, parent,
student), then you should open your home directory (click the Finder icon on
the dock, and click the Home icon). Then open the Library folder and find
the folder named "Preferences". It will likely have a "Do not enter" sign on
it. Throw this folder out. Then log out and log in again.

2) If you are planning to reimage laptops and include one of these scripts,
you should also download the "CleanupCleanup" script that is posted in the
same location as the other scripts. Include the downloaded script called
"zCleanupCleanup" in your Packages folder along with the Cleanup or State 
Surplus script.



--------------------------------
Heather Peel
Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI)
23 State House Station ~ Augusta, ME  04333
Phone: (207) 624-6746 ~ Fax: (207) 624-6601
heather.peel at maine.gov