Out with the Old in with the New

Things will be changing at our libraries! Over the next several weeks our old computers will disappear and you will see new ones. Here is a is a quick look at what you will see:

The New

Yes, I know, it is just another box, but look carefully at the picture. There are some IMPORTANT differences from our old ones! The new computers do not have a floppy drive. You can bring in your thumb drive, cd/dvd, or memory card. If you look at the image above, you can see the memory card ports on the left side of the computer. The new computers do not support all memory cards, just a few of the main ones.

Once you log onto a computer, the “look” will be different.  The entry page will give you several quick start options such as library catalog, emedia, Word, Internet, etc.

Start Screen

You can click the “Exit to Desktop” button to close the start screen. The new computers will be running Windows Vista and it does change the look of features such as My Computer, Recycle Bin, Patron G Drive, etc. THere is also that Office 2007 thing, but that is for another post!

Windows Vista Tip

Booting into Safe Mode in Vista

When troubleshooting your PC or if a normal boot fails or hangs up, a booting into safe mode may be required. A fix in “safe mode” may be required for a driver problem or spyware infection before you can use Windows Vista as normal.

Using Safe Mode will only load the minimum set of drivers and components, while allowing many tasks to restore problems, however with reduced functionality. Performing a system restore is often the best course of action.

You can boot in to safe mode by press F8 just before the Vista loading screen appears, this is after the BIOS screen has disappeared. A black screen with white writing will be present. From this screen you can select one of the safe mode options (using the arrow keys and then press enter):

 

Safe Mode – Unless you need internet access, use this version. It will launch the most basic version of safe mode, with only the minimum of services loaded.
Safe Mode with Networking – If you need internet/network access use this version. Other then internet functionality, it is the same as above.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Command prompt access is added to safe mode. You will likely never need this mode.