Tip re: helping people get USB drives out of the computers:

Sometimes, when people go to remove their USB drives from the LC computers, they get a message that the device cannot be removed. Understandably, people tend to panic at the thought of losing their information.

If you are called upon to assist someone in this situation, first make sure that all programs are shut down on the computer. A frequent cause of the "cannot be removed message" is that a file that has been saved to the USB drive is still open on the computer. Closing the program in question can resolve the situation.

If this doesn't work, things get a little less clear. Systems recommends logging out or restarting the computer. In general, this is a good time to get a supervisor, unless you are pretty sure of what you are doing...

Thanks!
Emily