Home
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Document Actions
Library Home * Computer Services Home
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Q: How many computers are there available for public use at the Berwyn Public Library?
A: There are 18 computers with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Access. There are also 7 computers available with Microsoft programs and no Internet accessibility in the Word Processing Center.
Q: Can I reserve a computer?
A: No, computers are issued on a first-come first-served basis.
Q: How do I sign up to use a computer?
A: You need to sign up at the Audio Visual Desk at the left side of the desk. A library card, state ID or other type of photo ID is required. The person behind the desk will assign you a computer and hand you a card with the username and password on it. Computers are assigned randomly on a first come first serve basis; you will not be allowed to choose your own computer.
Q: I am not a Berwyn Resident; can I still use the computers?
A: Yes, our services are open to non-residents who provide a library card, state ID or other type of photo ID.
Q: What happens if there are no computers available?
A: You will have to sign up for our waiting list by presenting a library card or photo ID. The staff member in charge will call your name when a computer becomes available.
Q: How much time do I have on a computer?
A: You have a total of three, one hour, sessions per day.
Q: I am not done with my work; is there any way for me to stay on the computer longer?
A: Due to high demand, patrons cannot use our public internet computers for more than 3 hours per day. However, if a patron wishes to use one of our Microsoft-only computers he/she can stay for as long as he/she wants up until the computer section closes which is a half an hour before the library closes. If other patrons are waiting only one hour sessions will be allowed, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Q: What do I need to do when I am done?
A: Close all programs by clicking on the X located on upper right hand corner of the page. Log off through the Start menu and leave the computer on; then give the card with username and password back to the person in charge.
Q: Does the library offer FAX services?
A: Yes, in the Reference Department located in the lower level. The cover page is free to fax and each addtional page is $1.00 per page.
COMPUTER QUESTIONS:
Q: My computer is off, how do I turn it on?
A: Press the large blue button at front of the computer.
Q: Are there Zip drives available on the computers?
A: No.
Q: Are there CD drives available on the computers?
A: Yes, only readable; we have no writeable drives available.
Q: On what drives can I save my work?
A: You are allowed to save your work only in the 3½ Floppy Drive (A:) and USB ports.
Q: I do not have a 3½ Floppy Disk. Can I buy one at the Service desk?
A: Yes, for a 50¢ charge.
Q: A message asking me to format my 3½ Floppy Disk is coming up, what should I do?
A: Do not format your 3½ Floppy Disk; you will lose all your documents.
Q: Why can’t I save my work in other computer drives?
A: For security purposes, our computers are set up to erase everything new in its memory every time it is logged off. If you save something in the computer, you will lose it.
Q: My computer is frozen. What should I do?
A: Please, ask the staff member in charge for help. They will most likely have to shut the power off to the tower.
Q: How often should I save?
A: At least every five minutes to minimize the risk of losing your work.
Q: How do I get sound on my computer? Are there headphones available?
A: Our computers have no sound available, not even with headphones.
Q: Can I install my own program on the computer and remove it afterwards?
A: No, our computers are protected by high security that will not allow you to install any type of program into our system.
Q: Can I download a program off the internet?
A: No, our system will prevent you from downloading any programs including messengers and games.
Q: Can I send e-mail via Outlook Express?
A: No, these are public computers and outlook should only be used in the privacy of your home.
INTERNET QUESTIONS:
Q: How do I get to the internet?
A: Click on Start (Lower left hand corner of the screen)
Click on programs
Click on Internet Explorer
Also, you may click on the internet explorer icon loaded on the desktop.
Q: How can I set up an e-mail?
A: In the Yahoo Home page click on Mail (located in the upper right hand corner of the page)
Click on Sign Up (located in middle right hand side of the page)
Then follow the instructions.
Q: My e-mail account is not provided by Yahoo, how do I check my e-mail?
A: In the address bar, type the address of the provider with which you set up your e-mail.
Example: if your provider is hotmail, you would type www.hotmail.com
Then hit the enter key.
Q: How do I send attachments?
A: Click on compose.
Click on attachment.
Click on browse.
Select your file and click OK.
Proceed to send your e-mail as you would regularly.
Printing Questions
Q: Is there a fee for printing?
A: Yes, there is a 10¢ charge for every black and white printed copy and a charge of 50¢ for every color copy
Q: How do I print?
A: Click on file (located on the upper left corner of the screen)
Click on print.
A printing box will pop up, and then click OK.
Walk up to the printer station and select the computer # from which you sent your print outs.
Click on print.
Pay at the coin box.
Click on print a second time.
Pick up your print outs and remember to pick up your change.
Q: Is there a color printer available?
A: Yes, click on file (located on the upper left corner of the screen)
Click on print.
A printing box will pop up select the color printer and then click OK.
Q: How do I print only 1 page of my document?
A: Click on file.
Click on print.
A printing box will pop up; select the icon (Pages).
Type the page # you will like to print and then click OK.
Q: I sent something I didn’t want to the printer; can it be canceled?
A: Yes. Ask a staff member to assist you.
For all other questions. please see a staff member to further assist you.
