Charges

Q: Is there a charge to use the computers?
A: No! Computer use is free, but you must sign in and out at the Reference Desk. The only charges are for printing full text, not citations. Floppy disks are available at the Circulation Desk for $1.00 each. In addition, time limits apply. You are limited to two hours total per day, one if others are waiting.

Q: Is there a charge for printing?
A: Yes. Printing full text articles or Web pages incurs a 10 cents per page cost. Copies may be picked up at the Main Desk. If you have many pages to print and you have a computer at home or work, consider purchasing one of the library's pre-formatted IBM compatible floppy disks at $1.00 each.

Q: Can I bring in my own disks from home?
A: Yes.  Disks are automatically scanned for viruses upon access.

Q: Can I save data to the hard disk?
A: Absolutely not. Saving to the hard drive is strictly prohibited.

Q: Can I bring in my own software programs and run them on the computers?
A: Under no circumstances may you load or run any of your own software on the computers. Attempting to do so will result in a loss of computer privileges (at the minimum).

Q: I downloaded data to my floppy disk but it looks weird. What did I do wrong?
A: Most programs automatically save data in their own special formats. For example, Netscape saves file with an ".htm" extension. You may wish to save your documents with a ".txt" extension if they are primarily text.

Q: Do you offer word processing?
A: Yes. Currently word processing is offered at station number 7 and 8 only with Microsoft Word '97. Library staff is not responsible for instruction in word processing. Other publishing software is available in the Computer Training Center.

Q: What software applications are available?
A: All of our LAN computers have access to Netscape Navigator, EBSOhost (on the Web), InfoTrac SearchBank (via the Web), SIRS Researcher on the Web, McGraw-Hill Multimedia Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia 1997, Exploring Poetry, the SOJOURN Catalog, and the Foundation Center Search. Most also have West Legal Publications (the New Jersey Statutes, Administrative Code, Register, and Court Reporters). Our single non-networked computer has may single CDs, including government document CDs. Check the nearby sign for a detailed list.

Q: Do you have any games?
A: No.

Q: Who will help me? Do you offer classes?
A: We are happy to answer questions, but time and staffing do not permit extensive one-on-one computer training. Due to the ever evolving nature of Internet technology especially, we also cannot be familiar with all the nuances of every possible search tool or navigation method. Nearby, there is a collection of self-help books and magazines to assist you in Internet and computer matters. The library also does offer computer classes in the Computer Training Center.  Please talk to the CTC Operator for details.

Q: How do I print?
A: Most of the time, printing is as easy as clicking the print button on the program's toolbar or using the File/Print menu combination. It is often a two-step process -- click the print button and then the

Q: How do I know how many pages I'm printing?
A: In Netscape, check Print Preview from the File Menu. Next, click the magnifying glass on the bottom left corner of the document, and you will see the total number of pages in the document. When you then to to print, you will notice choices for ALL (the entire document) or PAGES. You may print only the pages you wish entering numbers in those boxes. For example, to print just page 3, check PAGES and enter "FROM 3 to 3." You cannot print selected paragraphs, just pages.

Q: It's not printing. What's wrong?
A: Be patient. It may take several seconds, especially if it's the first print job of the day or if your document is long or if others are printing. furthermore, you may have clicked outside the Print dialog (or OK) box. In that case, try minimizing the program (click the button with the single line at the top right of your screen) and notice if the Print box is now displayed. Do not keep clicking the print key. This will only cause printer jobs to stack up (eventually costing you more money in the long run).

Q: Do I have to pay for mistakes?
A: The library is responsible for equipment-related errors or failures. You are responsible for your mistakes! This includes printing more pages than you anticipated. Remember to use "print preview" if you are unsure.

Q: How do I access the Internet?
A: The library uses Netscape Navigator 4.0 as its primary software program to access the Internet. Double-click (click twice rapidly with the left mouse button) on the Netscape Navigator icon on the computer desktop.

Q: What are bookmarks?
A: Bookmarks are lists of sites we have pre-selected and categorized for your convenience in Netscape. They have been deemed particularly interesting or useful for research.

Q: I've got this address from TV (or the newspaper, etc.). How do I get there?
A: The easiest method is to click on the white bar to the right of "Netsite:," enter your address in exactly as you see it, and press enter (note: http:// is not always necessary when using Netscape).

Q: Can I add my own bookmarks?
A: No. If you feel the site would be of particular interest for a large segment of the general public, you may submit it to the reference librarian for consideration in future updates.

Q: Can I do e-mail?
A: The library does not support e-mail. We do not offer e-mail accounts and Netscape mail is not configured for individual use. The primary use of our stations is for reference and research. We encourage you to check out local service providers if you have substantial needs in this area.

Q: How about chat?
A: Chat is prohibited. Any chat user may be removed at any time, especially for users with more serious pursuits.

Q: What about job searching?
A: Job related sites are always available from the Bookmarks menu item and through the home page. For a more detailed explanation and assistance, click here.

Thanks to the generosity of the NJ Department of Labor, station number 5 is always open for users wishing to initiate a job search. Such users always have top priority on the machine and can "bump" another user regardless of normal time limits.

Q: Is this America Online?
A: No, it's not. There are no modems here. AOL is not the Internet, and the Internet is not AOL.