Computer Access at Brown Public Library
COMPUTER SERVICES: The library provides eight computers for patrons to access the Internet and e-mail accounts. 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, and #6 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.
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.
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.
Before deleting downloaded or "saved" files you may want to copy them to a USB device or a blank CD. Be aware that when computers #4, #5, and #6 are shut down, all documents and other items that you have created or saved and left on these computers will be deleted so you should back up files you wish to retain.
Click on this link for a few tips about Protecting Your Privacy and Internet Safety when you use a public access computer.
Click on this link to review Library Computer and Internet Use Policies
The Brown Public Library website is graciously hosted, free of charge, by Trans-Video Cable.