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Windows Vista and 7 for Patron PCs

SCLS is beginning to convert patron PCs from XP to Vista or 7, which will bring some changes. Here are the highlights:

• Standard configurations
• Standard sets of programs
• Restarting for privacy
• Working with digital media files
• Safely removing USB devices
• Getting help

Standard configurations

When Windows XP was rolled out, SCLS gave libraries many configuration options for their patron PCs. As we move to Windows Vista and 7, we will be providing more features and fewer options in order to simplify support.
Libraries will be able to select:

• Browser home page
• Full Internet or Catalog
• Library Online or no Library Online

These “full internet” and “catalog” configurations include default collections of programs that will not be customizable.  In the future, we hope to open up the Partnership Program to include patron PCs so that libraries may add additional programs.

Depending on when your library’s PCs were ordered, they will be upgraded to either Vista or Windows 7.  These will be very similar in their look and feel and the same in their program availability.  Windows 7 is being piloted right now with Vista soon to come.

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Standard sets of programs

(click on PC type for full listing)

• Full Internet
• Catalog

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Restarting for privacy

In the past, “LINK” patron PCs were configured to erase data on logoff using custom scripts. With Windows Vista/7, PCs will erase data on restart instead. There are 2 ways this will occur:

• PCs using Library Online - a restart will happen automatically between users

• PCs not using Library Online - patrons will find a "Restart PC For Your Privacy" shortcut on the desktop. When double-clicked, this will restart the PC in 5 seconds. It will be important for library staff to encourage patrons to restart at the end of their session to clear their private data.

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Working with digital media files

Some of the programs new to the SCLS Vista and 7 PCs are Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Movie Maker, iTunes, and VLC Media Player. These are programs used for working with digital media files like audio files, pictures, and video.

Importing photos and videos

Patrons will be able to import photos and videos using Windows Live Photo Gallery. Videos can be edited in Windows Live Movie Maker.
Vista and 7 will recognize many digital cameras, video cameras, media players, cell phones, and other portable devices. Libraries may wish to invest in a USB card reader or two to assist patrons in accessing files from devices not recognized by Vista or 7.

Scanning

Scanners can be ordered through SCLS. Call the Help Desk for more information.
For portable scanning, we recommend a current model of ViewPoint Handheld scanner.

• No software to install
• Can easily be moved from PC to PC
• No Optical Character Recognition feature

For flatbed scanning, we recommend a current model of Canon Scanner.

• Includes software (some have Optical Character Recognition features)

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Safely removing USB devices

To safely remove a USB device from a patron PC...

1. 
   
   Right-click or left-click this icon
   
   
   

2. 
   
   Click Eject Data Traveler G3 (the name of the device will vary)
   
   
   

3. 
   
   You can safely remove your USB device from the PC

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Getting Help

With the additional programs  and newer versions, patrons may need assistance. Each program has either a Help icon in the upper right or a Help menu in the program menu for more information which can assist them.  A quick internet search should also turn up tutorial videos and other help pages.

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For more information, contact the Help Desk: (608) 242-4710.

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