| PEC Library and Archives ‐ Computer FAQ 1) Can I use a computer at the library? Yes. All six branches of the PEC Library have computers that anyone can use for up to 1 hour at a time (longer if no one is waiting). You do not need to book ahead (although you can) and a library card is not required. The computers all have a high speed connection to the Internet, as well as word processing, spreadsheet and other application software. 2) When using the library computers, how can I save files that I want to keep ? You may not leave files on the library computers. You may use a USB Flash drive (sometimes called a Thumb Drive or Jump Drive, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive ). For most documents, a 1 Gigabyte drive is fine, but if you are storing photos, music and video, a larger 2 or 4 Gig drive is recommended. 3) Can I print from a computer at the library? Yes. You may print from library computers at 20 cents per page for the first ten pages, Over ten pages, the cost is 15 cents a page. Students printing pages for homework may print up to 20 pages at no charge. If more than 20 pages are required for homework, please speak to a staff member. 4) Can I use my own laptop computer at the library? Yes. You may bring your own laptop and use it at any library branch. In most branches, there are a number of locations where you can access a power outlet to plug in your computer. Note that you cannot print a document from your laptop, however, you may put the document you would like to print on a USB flash drive, transfer it to a library computer and print from there. 5) How do I connect to the wireless “Wi‐Fi” network at the library with my laptop? Go into the wireless connection application on your laptop (the specifics depend on your operating system) and connect to the Library Public access point. When you are connected, start a web browser and go to wherever you want on the network. 6) Can I use the wireless “Wi‐Fi” when the library is closed. Yes. You may access the wireless from outside even when the library is closed. 7) Can I get computer help at the library? Yes, depending on the nature and extent of the help. For simple use questions, feel free to ask any of the library staff. If it is a quick question they will be able to answer you. Should you require more complex help that requires staff time away from their duties at the circulation desk, we ask that you make an appointment with a staff member or request a computer training session. 8) Can I get a computer course at the library? Yes. If you need more help than the staff can provide quickly, or want to learn more about using a computer and the Internet, you may book a one‐on‐one tutorial at any branch with the IT Coordinator, Eric Pierce. The IT Coordinator also conducts regular computer skills workshops at both the Picton and Wellington Branches. Call 613‐476‐5962 for more information or e‐mail:computerlab@peclibrary.org 9) What is the best Internet email to use? You may use the Internet e‐mail that is free with your home Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection, or you may use one of the many free web‐based email system such as Google Mail (http://www.gmail.com), Microsoft Live Mail ( http://www.hotmail.com ) or Yahoo Mail (http://mail.yahoo.com ). One of the advantages to using the free web‐based is that you need not change your e‐mail address even if you change servers and you can always access your email from any computer on the Internet. Conversely, a disadvantage is that if you cannot access the Internet for whatever reason, you cannot view saved messages, sent messages and so forth. 10) I want to buy my own computer. Should I buy a Desktop PC or a notebook PC? And what is better, an Apple MAC computers or a Microsoft Windows/Intel based PC? This is a two part question and is dependent on so many factors, such as your requirements, costs, etc., that it is difficult to make a general recommendation. The County of Prince Edward Public Library has available both desktop and laptop computers on both PC and MAC platforms available to “test drive”, so to speak. We recommend that you come in and use these and book an appointment with the IT Coordinator to discuss your computer needs. 11) I don't seem to be able to download and install software on some computers in the Library. Why not? To ensure that computer operate trouble free for all patrons, all computers are "locked down" to prevent permanent changes. Some computers use a program called "deep freeze" to do this, which allows the patron to install updates and programs, but the software removes the changes on the next boot. We are moving new and updated computers to a program called "steady state" (which is free from Microsoft). Steady state prevents ANY changes at all, so the patron cannot install updates or software at all. Computers are updated at least once a month so you should be able to do what you need in most cases. If you have a concern, pleasv if not let the library staff know what updates or programs you need added, and they will be added as soon as possible. Also, we will have at least one computer in all branches that will still have deep freeze if you REALLY need to install something yourself, which will be there until the next time the computer is booted (ask the library staff where it is located). 12) I opened and printed a Microsoft Word document in the word processor on a Library Computer, and it does not look exactly the way I had formatted it. Why? To save money, the library is using the free "Open Office" package (word processor, spreadsheet and presentation graphics). It is good enough for most work, but will not render some complex documents correctly, We have authentic Microsoft Office on at least one staff and one patron computer in the library, so if you have an important document that needs to print exactly, see a staff member to have it printed from one of those computers. 13) Can you print something for me on special stock (like transparencies, heavy card, etc.)? Yes, as long as the stock is made to be used in a laser printer, this should be possible. Try to bring in the original box or envelope that the paper stock came inas the staff assisting you will then be able to set the printer for the specific material for best results. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact the I.T. Coordinator. |
