Library Technology Info and Tips
Public Computers
All library branches of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library system have public PCs available for use by library card holders in good standing. Users login to the PC using their library card and PIN number for 1 hour sessions, with a daily limit of 2 sessions. Users must agree to the Electronic Use Policy to access the PCs.
Software on Public PCs
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8, Office 2007, and the following plug-ins which are updated quarterly: Flash, Adobe Reader, and JAVA
Saving Files
• Files can be saved to USB flash drive. Most flash drives work with the libraries public PCs.
• Public computers are unable to burn files to a CD.
Printing
Printing from public PCs is available for 20 cents a page.
No color copying or printing is available.
No public fax service is available.
Wifi
All library branches of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library system have public Wifi access available for use by library card holders in good standing.
Users may login to the WiFi network using their library card and PIN numbers between 8:00 am and 10 pm daily. For more details, please visit the WiFi @ CPPL page.
If you are new to using a computer or need a brush up, browse through this list of helps.
Internet surfing cautions
• Do not post personal information on the internet.
• Electronic messages and pictures live forever in the virtual world, and can be retrieved by future employers, relatives and anyone else online. Be careful what you post.
• Secure web sites begin with https
• If something online sounds too good to be true… Users who are new to the internet need to be alert for scams and tall tales. Internet old timers need to be careful too before forwarding that exciting disturbing email, verify by searching the subject at http://www.snopes.com/ OR “Truth or Fiction” http://www.truthorfiction.com/ another site patron's can go to check the legitimacy of information that is forwarded to them.
• For the latest info on computer viruses, Trojans, worms, etc. check out www.symantec.com
How to set up an email account
Often you will need an email account to participate online. There are many free email providers. Below are directions for setting up email with 2 popular providers, YAHOO and Google.
Setup a YAHOO Email account
1. Log on to: https://login.yahoo.com/
2. Click on the 'Sign Up' link that appears somewhere near the top of the Yahoo home page.
3. Enter your name and other requested information in the fields provided.
Choose Your Username and Password; (A must to remember).
4. Create a username that you will be comfortable using for a long time and will identify you to your email recipients. Remember that you can use numbers and letters and even a single dot.
5. Type the username you choose in the field provided. Check the availability of your username by clicking the box below that reads 'Check Availability of This ID.' You may have to think of an alternative username if your top choice is already taken by another Yahoo user.
6. Choose a password when you have successfully entered a unique username. Passwords must be at least 6 characters long and keep in mind that passwords are case-sensitive. You will be asked to type your password twice to ensure accuracy.
Enter Security Information and Verify Your Registration
7. Select a question from the following drop-down menu as your security question. Yahoo will ask you this question if you should forget your password in the future, in order to verify that you are the correct user.
8. Type in your answer to the question in the field below.
9. Enter information in the required fields. Usually have an asterisk next to the field. Entering an alternate email address is not required but it's good to give Yahoo personnel a place where you can be reached if for any reason you do not have access to your Yahoo account.
10. Verify your registration by typing the characters you see shown in the last section of the registration page into the field provided.
11. Read the Terms of Service thoroughly and print a copy for your records.
12. Select 'I Agree.' You have successfully set up your Yahoo email account.
Setup a GOOGLE Email account
1. Log on to www.gmail.com
2. Click Create Account (bottom right of the page).
3. Now you will be presented with a form to fill out. First you will be asked to enter your first name, last name, desired login, and you will select a password. You will reenter the same password you chose again. Personally, I do not use my whole name, but that is my preference.
4. There is a box that asks you whether you want the computer to remember your login information. I would uncheck this box especially if it is a shared computer. You do not want someone else accessing your personal information.
5. You can either leave the enable web history box checked or you can uncheck it depending upon whether you want to Google to remember the sites you are visiting.
6. The you will be asked to choose a security question and provide an answer to it. Be sure to choose a question you will definitely remember the answer to. Also provide a secondary backup e-mail address. This is in case you forget your Gmail sign in info. Google will use the secondary address to mail your security information to.
7. Next just type the security code you see in the provided box then click "I accept".
8. Google should then send you a welcome e-mail. Just follow the directions in the e-mail.
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Digital Devices and Your Library
Digital Devices and Your Library
