Support | Space Coast STEM

Understanding Your Laptop's Packing Slip

Every laptop from Space Coast STEM comes with a packing slip that includes important information about your device.

Example of a laptop packing slip

What's on the Packing Slip?

Laptop Model: The brand and model name prominently displayed at the top
Performance Rating: A 1-10 score with color-coded badge (yellow/orange for 1-3, green for 4-7, blue for 8-10)
Screen Size: Display diagonal measurement in inches
CPU: Processor model (e.g., Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen)
GPU: Graphics card (if present - important for creative work and gaming)
RAM: Memory capacity (4GB, 8GB, 16GB, etc.)
Storage: Hard drive or SSD capacity
Operating System: Usually Linux (Zorin OS) or Windows
Recommended For: List of suitable activities based on the rating and specs
Special Notes: Any unique features or considerations (e.g., "Detachable tablet" , "Upgradable Memory")

Performance Rating Scale

We rate each laptop on a 1-10 scale to help you understand what it can do:

We have minimum requirements for the equipment we distribute, so a low rating does not mean that it is not a capable machine. It is just not meant for handling more demanding tasks. All of our laptops are suitable for basic educational activities.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Basic Standard High Performance

⭐ Rating 1-3: Basic Performance

Best for: Basic homework, web browsing, email, word processing, and simple research

Examples: Writing essays, browsing educational websites, checking email, watching videos

⭐⭐ Rating 4-7: Standard Performance

Best for: More intense tasks, multi-tasking, presentations, light photo editing, and educational software

Examples: Running multiple programs at once, creating presentations, basic coding, light image editing, video conferencing

⭐⭐⭐ Rating 8-10: High Performance

Best for: Demanding applications, creative work, programming, video editing, and specialized tasks

Examples: Advanced coding projects, video/photo editing, 3D modeling, machine learning experiments, creative tools like GIMP or Blender

Note: Some laptops in this range include dedicated GPUs for graphics-intensive work

Getting Started with Zorin OS

Welcome to your new Space Coast STEM laptop! This guide will help you get started with Zorin OS.

Default Login Credentials

Username: user

Password: password

Important: For security, we recommend changing your username and password after your first login. See the "Setting the Username" guide below.

Video Tutorial: Zorin OS Basics

Watch this comprehensive video tutorial to learn the basics of using Zorin OS:

Quick Start Tips

Application Menu: Click the grid icon in the bottom-left corner to access all your apps
Settings: Click the gear icon to customize your system
Files: Find all your documents, downloads, and files in the file manager
Software Center: Install new applications from the Software app
Updates: Keep your system secure by installing updates when prompted

Learn More

Want to understand why we use Linux? Check out our explanation page, or visit the official Zorin OS website for more tutorials and documentation:

Why We Use Linux → Zorin OS Help Center →

Need Help? If you have questions or run into issues, email us at info@spacecoaststem.org with "Tech Support" in the subject line.

Setting the Username

Follow these steps to change your username and display name in Zorin OS:

Step 1: Open System Settings

Click on the Menu button in the bottom-left corner of your screen
Click on Settings (the gear icon)

Step 2: Navigate to Users

In the Settings window, click on Users in the left sidebar
You'll see your current user account displayed

Step 3: Unlock Settings

Click the Unlock button in the top-right corner
Enter your password when prompted

Step 4: Change Your Name

Click on your Full Name field
Type your new display name (this is what appears on the login screen)
Press Enter to save

Note: To change your actual username (login name), you may need administrator assistance. Contact your teacher or email us for help with this advanced task.

Adding a User for Parental Controls

Create a new user account with restricted access and parental controls:

Step 1: Open System Settings

Click on the Menu button in the bottom-left corner
Open Settings

Step 2: Go to Users

Click on Users in the left sidebar
Click the Unlock button and enter your password

Step 3: Add New User

Click the Add User button (+ icon)
Choose Standard account type (not Administrator)
Enter the Full Name for the new user
Enter a Username (no spaces, lowercase)

Step 4: Set Password

Choose "Set a password now"
Enter a secure password twice
Click Add to create the account

Step 5: Configure Parental Controls

Select the newly created user account
Click on Parental Controls (if available)
Set restrictions for:
- Application usage
- Web browsing
- Time limits

Tip: Standard user accounts cannot install software or change system settings, providing a safer environment for younger users.

Installing Software

Learn how to install new applications on your Zorin OS laptop:

Method 1: Using the Software Center (Recommended)

Step 1: Open Software Center

Click on the Menu button
Search for and click on Software

Step 2: Search for Software

Use the Search bar at the top
Type the name of the application you want (e.g., "GIMP", "VLC", "LibreOffice")
Browse through the results

Step 3: Install the Application

Click on the application you want to install
Read the description and check the reviews
Click the Install button
Enter your password when prompted
Wait for the installation to complete

Step 4: Launch Your New Application

Click the Menu button
Find your newly installed application
Click to launch it

Popular Free Applications for Students

LibreOffice: Word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software
GIMP: Image editing (like Photoshop)
Inkscape: Vector graphics editor
Blender: 3D modeling and animation
Audacity: Audio recording and editing
VLC Media Player: Play videos and music
Visual Studio Code: Code editor for programming

Note: You need administrator privileges to install software. If you're using a student account, ask your parent or teacher for assistance.

Safety Tip: Only install software from the official Software Center to ensure it's safe and virus-free!

Support & Help

Help Topics

General Information

📋 Understanding Packing Slips

Need More Help?

Common Tasks for Zorin OS

🚀 Getting Started with Zorin OS

🐧 Why We Use Linux

🔧 Setting the Username

👪 Adding a User for Parental Controls

📦 Installing Software

📚 Other Questions

Need More Help?