| PEC Library and Archives Computer FAQ Q: Can I use a computer at the Library? A: Yes. All six branches of the PEC Library have computers that anyone can use for up to one hour at a time, or longer if no one is waiting. You do not need to book ahead (although you may in order to guarantee a specific time) and a Library card is not required. The computers are all connected to high speed Internet and have many applications. (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Media Players etc.) Q: When using the Library's computers, how do I save files that I want to keep? A: You cannot leave files on the library computers because they are for public use. However, you may use a USB Flash Drive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive). For most documents a 1g (Gigabyte) drive is fine, but if you are storing photos, music and video a larger 2 or 4g drive is recommended. These can be purchased at reasonable cost (between $12 and $25) either online or via any store that carries computers and accessories (e.g. The Source/Futureshop etc.) Q: Can I print from a computer at the Library? A: Yes. You may print from any Library computer at a cost of $0.20 per page for the first ten pages (black and white). Over ten pages the cost is reduced to $0.15 and more than fifty will provide a further discount to $0.10. Students printing pages for homework or school projects may print up to twenty pages at no charge. If you require more than twenty pages for homework, please see a member of staff. The cost of colour printing or copying is $1.00 a page with discounts applied if you print over 10 pages. Q: Can I use my laptop computer at the Library? A: Yes. You may bring your own laptop and use it at any branch. In most branches there are a number of locations where you can access a power outlet to plug in your computer as well. Note that you cannot print a document on your laptop, however, you may put the document you would like to print on a USB Flash Drive, or any other media storage device, transfer it to a Library computer and print it from there. Q: How do I connect to the wireless network at the Library with my laptop? A: Go to the wireless connection application on your laptop (the specifics depend on your operating system but it often looks like the images provided:  When you are connected, start a web browser and go to wherever you want on the network. If you continue to have problems, please see a member of staff. Q: Can I use the wireless network (WiFi) when the Library is closed? A: Yes, you may access the wireless network from outside even when the Library is closed. Q: Can I get computer help at the Library? A: Yes, depending on the nature and extent of your problem. For simple use questions, feel free to ask any of the Library's staff. If it is a quick question they will be able to answer you. Should you require more complex help that requires further staff time, we ask that you make an appointment with a staff member or request a computer training session. For specific computer hardware problems, we keep a computer consultant list on-hand. Many of them will help you with your problem at a very reasonable cost. Q: Can I get a computer-use course at the Library? A: Yes. If you feel you need more help than the staff can provide quickly or just 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 email: computerlab@peclibrary.org Q: What is the best Internet email to use? A: You may use the Internet e-mail that is free with your home Internet Service Provider (ISP), or you may use one of the many free web-based email systems such as Google Mail (www.gmail.com) Microsoft Live Mail, also known as "Hotmail" (www.hotmail.com) or Yahoo Mail (www.mail.yahoo.com). One of the advantages to using a free web-based email is that you need not change your email address even if you change Internet Service Providers and you can always access your email from any computer, anywhere in the world, on the Internet. Conversely, a disadvantage is that if you cannot access the Internet, you cannot view saved messages, sent messages and so forth. Q: I want to buy my own computer but it's confusing. Should I buy a desktop PC or a notebook PC. And which is better? An Apple "MAC" computer or a Microsoft Windows computer? A: This is a two part question and it is dependent on so many factors, such as your requirements, budget, etc. that it is difficult to make a general recommendation. The Library has both desktop and laptop computers with PC and MAC platforms to try and our I.T. Dept. would be happy to work with you in order to find the computer you need at reasonable cost. Q: I don't seem to be able to download and install software on Library computers. Why not? A: To ensure that computers operate properly for all patrons, they are "locked down" to prevent permanent changes. Some computers use a program called "Deep Freeze" to do this. Patrons can download, install updates and programs, but any software installed will be removed once the computer is restarted. We will be moving new and updated computers to a program called "Steady State" (free from Microsoft). Steady State prevents any or all changes so that 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, please inform the Library staff which updates or programs you need added and they will be addes as soon as possible. Also, we will have at least one computer in all branches that will allow you to install programs if you really need something, which will be there until the next time the computer is booted (ask staff where it is located or if you need assistance). Q: I opened and printed a Microsoft Word document in the Word Processor on a Library Computer and it does not look the way I typed it. Why? A: To save money, the Library uses a free software package called "OpenOffice". It has a Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Presentation Graphics. It is good enough for most work but will not format some complex documents correctly. We have authentic Microsfot Office products on at least one staff and one patron computer at the Library so if you have an important document that needs to print exactly, see a member of staff to have it printed from one of these computers. Q: Can you print something for me on special stock paper (like transparencies, photo, heavy card, etc.?) A: Yes, however, the Library has only basic paper materials available.Feel free to bring in your own stock materials that have been made to be used in a laser printer. Try to bring in the original box or envelope that the paper stock came in as the staff assisting you will then be able to set the printer for the specific material in order to get best results. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact the I.T. Coordinator. |
