An open message for anyone using Windows XP on their laptops in the Libraries

It has come to my attention that several persons do not understand how to turn their computers on mute so as to prevent the annoying 'windows start-up sound' from disturbing those around you. Similarly, several persons persist in not putting their machine on mute so that should an error occur, the sound will then persist in annoying those around you.

Rather then adhering to my plan A of going around and clubbing to death those who persist in doing this, I've decided that education is a far better solution. So behold: the following is how to turn off your machine's sound (presuming you're using Windows XP. If you're not, go to hell.).

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First, you don't always need your sound on unless you're a music student. If you are one of these unfortunates, then I would suggest investing in a pair of good soundproof earphones so that you can listen to your music in harmony to the silence others are supposed to enjoy.

For other students, you should begin by learning how to turn off the sound on your computer. Often, there is an automatic button on your laptop which will allow you to turn off your laptop sound, and for my own laptop (Inspiron 1300) all you need to do is to press the Fn key and F10 at the same time.

In the bottom right of your screen, you should see an icon which looks like a speaker, as shown here: . This shall be called the 'volumen button' for the purposes of this tutorial.

What this icon signifies is that the sound on your computer is on, and that you may be soon clubbed to death by angry students. To turn this to the mute position, right click the volume button as shown here: . Click on the highlighted section entitled 'Open Volume Controls'.

Once this is open, you should see a box with several dials. You should disable the first box by clicking the mute button, as shown below:
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This will turn your computer sound off, and so this: will appear in the bottom right of your screen. Close everything down, and relax in the peace that will follow since you shall not face death this day. If the icon did not appear, you may have made an error. Do not assume you are correct, retake the steps above and contact ISS if you are in need of further assistance.



Since this will not satisfy students since you may not be able to turn off the sound on your laptop prior to turning on your laptop (and therefore annoying many with the Windows start-up sound), please continue reading.

To stop the windows sounds being played for start-up, closing down, or any of the preset windows operations, first left click the Start button. On the right hand column, there is a button called 'Control Panel'. Click this.



Several icons will be displayed. You are looking for the 'Sounds and Audio Devices' icon, as shown below. Double click this.

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A box should open up. Go to the second tab entitled 'Sounds' and click the box entitled 'Sound Scheme'. Here there should be two entries - one being 'Windows Default' and 'No Sound'. For the sanity of your fellow students and indeed for your own health, click 'no sound' and then apply in the bottom of the screen. All windows default sounds are now deactivated.



Press OK on everything, and continue with your work.

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Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you know who persists in using a laptop without turning off the sound in the library.