VariQuest Visual Learning Tools featuring the Design Center 1000

A. Yes. It contains 5 USB ports, hard drive, monitor, CD reader/writer drive, etc. It is all-inclusive.

Q. Is there a significant difference between using the Design Center 1000 and running Design Center software on a regular PC?

A. Yes there is. The touch screen is easy to use, does not take up a lot of valuable space and does not tie up a school computer technician. Any user can approach the touch screen without having to log on to a computer.

Q. Do I need to shut down my Design Center every night?

A. No. You may leave the Design Center on continuously during regular usage. It is recommended to power down the system when not using for an extended period of time.

Q. Do we recommend using a surge protector?

A. Yes! As with any valuable electronic components, this is strongly recommended for all VariQuest products. Surge protectors are inexpensive and readily available.

Q. What temperature ranges can this product withstand?

A. Operating environment: 32° to 104°F. Storage environment: - 4° to 160° F.

Q.What if I own an early version of the 3000 Series PosterPrinter that only has a parallel port and not USB, can I still connect this to the Design Center? Are special drivers needed since it's not USB?

A. A ProImage® Plus3000 or XL3000 PosterPrinter with a parallel port will work with the Design Center. The Design Center has a parallel port and supports a parallel connection. The PosterPrinter being installed (XL3000 or Plus3000) needs to be selected in the Workroom Assistant Tab. You will then need to configure the port by accessing the Printers and Faxes section of the Control Panel and following the steps to setup a parallel connection. Installation instructions are included with the Design Center software CD.

Q. How do I load digital photos into the Design Center?

A. Photos from digital cameras can be saved to a USB device (flash drive, thumb drive, pen drive, etc.) that can be easily plugged into the USB port located in the front of the Design Center. The files can be accessed within the Design Center software by selecting "Find My Own Graphic". Most common files types are supported. Please see the Design Center User's Guide for supported file types.

Q. How do I import photos from a CD (such as student photos) to the Design Center?

A. Load the CD into the CD/RW drive on the Design Center. When the files launch, save them to a folder created on the Desktop (this will be the easiest place to locate later). Use the "Find My Own Graphics" selection to browse to the location of your saved files.

Q. How do you import my own graphics such as our school mascot? Does it matter if the graphics are color or black and white?

A. Follow the same procedure as outlined in the previous question. For optimum quality output, the mascot file should be black and white or grayscale. Color mascot files may not produce desired results.

Q. What happens when I purchase additional VariQuest products after I have initially set-up my Design Center?

A. It is recommended that you perform a software upgrade each time you add additional components. This will ensure the latest database of content and software fixes.

Q. How can I tell what drive I am using on the Design Center 1000?

A. C = Hard Drive; D = CD Drive; E = Flash Drive. If you are connected to the network, the drives that are available to you also appear. (Note - drives may be different when using your own PC.)

Q. Can I print 8 ½ x 11 originals to a desktop printer from the Design Center? Is it plug and play or do I need to load special drivers?

A.You will need to follow the Windows "Add New Printer" wizard when installing a desktop or laser printer. Once installed, it will appear in the "Output Devices" section located in the Workroom Assistant tab.

Design Center Software 1.1

Q. How do we receive software upgrades?

A. Most software upgrades will be distributed at no charge. Content updates are scheduled for twice a year. The content updates may include new templates for the Awards Maker & Poster Maker, graphics for use with the Awards Maker & Poster Maker and Cutout Maker shapes.

Q. Is Microsoft Windows Operating System installed in Design Center Software 1.1?

A. Yes. Windows Operating System software has been pre-installed and registered.

Q. Can we load Design Center Software 1.1 on each teacher·s computer?

A. Yes. However, this does not offer a significant advantage except being able to print 8 ½ ·x11· documents to use with the scan-to-print feature of the Poster Maker. The software license allows you to install software on multiple computers located at your school site. At this time, VariQuest devices are not able to print or cut over the network.

Q. Can I convert all of my saved GalaRio files to my new Design Center?

A. It is not possible to convert your GalaRio files.

Q. Can I load Microsoft Office on the Design Center? Can I load Microsoft Publisher? Corel?

A. It is possible to load Microsoft Office on the Design Center, but in order to ensure optimal performance, our software engineering team recommends that to you do not. Design Center software and its accompanying templates have been developed to work specifically with VariQuest products.