Computer Access at Brown Public Library
COMPUTER SERVICES: Eight computers give patrons access the Internet. The library contracts with Norwich University to supply and maintain five of these computers, which are on the university's network. Internet access for these computers is graciously provided free of charge as a community service by TDS Telecom. Computers #4, #5, #6, and "the children's computer" are maintained by the Brown Public Library. Internet access for these computers and for wireless access is graciously provided free of charge as a community service by Trans-Video Cable. All computers have firewall and anti-virus protection.
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: Patrons can access the Internet from their laptop computers using the library's wireless connection. For directions, please stop at the Circulation Desk.
Click here to review Library Computer and Internet Use Policies
Click here for tips on Protecting Your Privacy and Internet Safety.
BACKING UP DATA: Be aware that when computers #4, #5, #6, and "the children's computer" are shut down and restarted, all documents and other items that you have created or downloaded will be deleted. Be sure to back up data you wish to retain on your own USB device or a CD.
BROWSERS: On computers #4, #5, and #6, there is a choice of two browsers to surf the Web: Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox. You might enjoy discovering the features of the popular Firefox browser, if you have never used it before.
COOLIRIS: Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox on these computers also have the COOLIRIS add-on (yup, just like that cool iris in your eye). The Cooliris add-on allows you to browse and to search for images on the Internet. You can experiment with the intriguing features of Cooliris by clicking on the Cooliris link on the computer desktop, or you can bring up Cooliris while using either browser by clicking on the Cooliris icon to the right of the Search box.
OPENOFFICE SUITE: These computers have the OpenOffice suite, which features a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and other resources. OpenOffice is a sophisticated suite that is compatible with Microsoft's Office suite, and will open Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files, and gives you the option of saving files in a variety of formats, including those of Microsoft Office. With OpenOffice, you can also save a document in PDF (Portable Document File) format.
The Brown Public Library website is graciously hosted, free of charge, by Trans-Video Cable.