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Computers in the Libraries FAQ

1. What computers are available for use and who may use them?
   
   
2. Can I install programs on these computers?
   
   
3. What kind of removable storage device can I use?
   
   
4. Is wireless available?
   
   
5. How do I print something out?
   
   
6. My display is blank or says "No video input" (Windows) or "No computer signal" (Macs). Is something wrong?
   
   
7. What rules and regulations apply to computer use?
   
   
8. Where can I get more information about computers?

What computers are available for use and who may use them?

There are four general categories of computers in the Libraries:

 

1. Library Research Computers

Available to everyone for their designated purposes. The Libraries provides free, public access computers for conducting research. These computers are located throughout the libraries and provide access to the Libraries' online catalog and Libraries-subscribed databases. Purchase of these computers was made possible through the student computing fee. Please note that these computers have only web browsers and do not have other applications available.

 

We welcome you to bring your own laptop to the Libraries. At this time, however, the University's network is not accessible to the public or anyone who does not have an Identikey.

 

2. SCARPIE (Stationary Computerized Apple Resource for Personal Internet and Email)

Available to everyone for their designated purposes. These iMacs, located around the Libraries and across the campus, are for quick searches and email use. They have internet browsers and Acrobat document readers. They do not have any other software.

 

3. ITS Computer Labs

Restricted to current UCB students, faculty and staff and require the use of a campus Identikey. Funded by student fees, these computers are usually of the latest design and have the latest software. Norlin Library houses both Mac and PC computing labs.

 

4. Laptops Available for Checkout
Laptop Checkout Users' Guide -- Norlin Library and Lester Math Physics Library

 

Restricted to current UCB students and requires the use of a campus Identikey. The laptops were paid for with Student Computing Initiative funds and the service is a joint project of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the University Libraries.

 

Currently, these laptops are Macintosh-platform only and have Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Netscape Navigator, and Telnet installed. They are connected to the campus Ethernet using the wireless network. The computers must be used within the wireless coverage areas if a network connection such as e-mail or printing is needed. If these services are not needed, the laptops may be used anywhere in Norlin and Math Physics.

 

Math Physics: Laptops are available for checkout in the Math Physics Library, located on the second floor of Duane Physics.

 

Norlin Library: Laptop computers are available for checkout by students ONLY in Norlin Library. They are housed at Norlin's 1st floor Circulation Department.

Can I install programs on these computers?

No, these computers are maintained by either the Libraries or ITS. They have mechanisms in place to limit your ability to install/modify software.

What kind of removable storage device can I use?

A flash or thumb drive.

 

Some older formats can be accommodated. The Norlin Reference Desk has available both a floppy disk drive and a 100 Mb Zip disk drive for checkout.

Is wireless available?

Wireless access is available and limited to current University of Colorado at Boulder students, faculty and staff. With the completion of the campus Wireless Expansion Project, all areas of all the University Libraries -- and most of the campus -- support wireless connectivity.

 

To connect to the wireless network with your own laptop, you need to have a wireless network card. Depending on your computer, this might be built-in or a PCMCIA card that you need to purchase separately. Check the ITS website for recommendations on purchasing a wireless card as well as complete installation instructions.

 

Wireless network setup documentation can be found on the ITS website.

 

The Libraries have partnered with ITS to provide wireless networking in the University Libraries. A portion of the funding for this project came from the Student Computing Initiative fees. This solution uses the 802.11b wireless protocol, making it possible to connect to the campus network using a compatible WLAN card. The wireless network is designed to augment the existing wired network by offering mobile connectivity and network accessibility from varied locations.

How do I print something out?

Printing is available from the Libraries' public and student computers. Additionally, students may configure their personal laptops to print to the library printers. Non-students will not be able to print from personal laptops.

 

Remote and wireless printing information is available via the CPI website.

 

When you send the command to print a file, a dialog box will form. Fill in the appropriate information. All print commands go to a nearby Print Release Station. Swipe either your BuffOne Card or a gray Vendor Print Card at the station, select your print job and click to print.

 

Printing costs 10 cents per page, or 19 cents for a double-sided page. Public computers are set to print double-sided by default.

 

Students, staff and faculty should use their BuffOne cards to pay for printing at any print release station. BuffOne cardholders can add value to their card using a credit card via the Buff OneCard website.

 

Public patrons should purchase a Vendor Print Card for one dollar at the vending machine on Norlin Library's second floor copy center, then use the same machine to add value to the card. Note that this is a different card than the one used to pay for photocopies.

 

If you need help, have questions, problems, or concerns call the ITS Help Desk at 5-HELP (303-735-4357), or email help@colorado.edu.

 

Additional printing information may be found at the Campus Printing Initiative (CPI) website.

My display is blank or says "No video input" (Windows) or "No computer signal" (Macs). Is something wrong?

No — this just means your computer is either asleep or was shut down. If moving the mouse or hitting keys doesn't bring the screen back, look at the front of the computer and make sure it is powered-on (light in large button should be lit).

What rules and regulations apply to computer use?

Use of computer and e-mail systems is governed by the rules of the State of Colorado, the University, the Boulder Campus and the University Libraries.

 

Legally, the University of Colorado electronic network is not an open forum, thus its use is limited. The systems and individual accounts must be used in a manner consistent with the instructional, research and administrative objectives of the University community. All activities inconsistent with these objectives are considered to be inappropriate and may jeopardize continued use of campus computing facilities and networks. If the person is not a member of the campus community, they will be warned they are violating campus policies and if they don't refrain, they will be excluded from the building by UCPD personnel. If they return, they are subject to arrest.

 

Policies and guidelines include

 

Use of University Computing and Networking Resources

 

(University) Guidelines for Computer Users

 

University E-mail Policy

 

Libraries Computer Use Policy

 

Government Publications Library Policy on Electronic Information

Where can I get more information about computers?

ITS Computing Labs (Norlin)

 

ITS Help Docs