#111 - This isn't your fathers Library!

The Covington Library recently received a grant from the Alleghany Foundation to upgrade its adult public access computers. The library working with its IT consultant (you may know him!, he posts here!) decided to provide new computers that would be useful as well as educational.

There are 6 Adult computers running Windows 2000 presently at the C.P. Jones Memorial library. When they were first installed, they were the first public access computers in the Alleghany Highlands. They had the MS Office suite of programs, typing tutor software AND the Internet! They receive extensive use and are certainly one of the main draws for many people that use the library. Shortly after the adult computers were installed, free wireless Internet access was provided by placing 3 wireless access points through out the library. Visitors to the Highlands can stop at the library and get on the Internet with their wireless laptop, PDA or phone!

The new effort will provide new Adult PCS of different flavors to enhance the computing experience. Four of the desktop PCS will be Windows XP models. They will have the complete Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook, OneNote and Publisher). They have DVD burners with appropriate DVD burning software. The computer will be using the latest Microsoft public access control software that will protect the PCs from unwanted changes, viruses, malware, spyware and other nasties. The software essentially cleans itself back to the original set up state after every reboot. The 5th computer will be one equipped with MS Vista operating system. It will have the MS Office 2007 suite and will appeal to those who want to see what Vista is like or need to be compatible with the latest from Microsoft. All the Microsoft based PCs will come with new 17" LCD thin screen monitors.

The 6th and last PC will be an Apple iMac. This is will be the library's first Mac PC and will introduce the customers to the Mac world. The iMac chosen is an all in one design with the hardware, DVD burner and screen in one box. Its a gorgeous box with a 20" LCD screen! It will have MS Office 2004 for the MAC on it as well as the normal complement of MAC supplied software (With new versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand included, you can create a photo book, make a movie, build a blog, compose a song, and much more). The iMac also has a built in camera for photos or live video.

All the new computers should be installed this week. So drop by the library and see what's new!