Internet Access at MHL
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
see also:
Q. Does the library offer public
access to the Internet?
Yes, there is public access to the
Internet at 15 computers during all the
hours the library is open. You can also
search the Internet on our 7 catalog
computers on the First Level. There are
also Internet computers in the
Children's Room for children 12 and
younger and their parents and in the
Teens Room for teens. We also offer
WiFi
(wireless) Internet access for
appropriately configured laptops.
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Q. Does the
library offer WiFi (wireless) access to
the Internet?
Yes, we offer WiFi (wireless)
Internet access for appropriately
configured laptops.
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Q. I'm
not from Andover. Can I use the
Internet?
Anyone with a library card from a
Massachusetts library can use the
Internet. Occasional out-of-town
visitors can be logged in as a "guest".
Regular visitors from other states must
purchase an Andover library card.
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Q. How can I
sign up to use the Internet?
You can walk in and sign up to use
the computers by logging in with your
library card and pin number. If a
computer is open, just sit down and log
in. If a computer is not open, just log
in at the signup station and you will
enter the waiting queue.
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Q. If I
don't arrive by the time I reserved, can
I still use the Internet?
Our PC reservation software will hold your
slot for 5 minutes past the time you
reserved.
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Q. Is there
any time when I am likely to have to
wait for an Internet computer?
Afternoons, evenings, and Saturday
and Sunday afternoons are likely to be
busy, but wait times rarely exceed ten
minutes.
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Q. How long
can I use the Internet?
Each person can initially sign up for
an hour per day. After that hour, you
may reenter the queue for a second hour.
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Q. What
kind of access do you offer?
As part of its contract with the Town
of Andover,
Comcast donates broadband
access.
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Q. What
browser do you use?
Internet Explorer 7.
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Q: What
software is available?
- Microsoft Office 2003 products:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and
Publisher
- DVD player: CyberLink PowerDVD
- CD/DVD burning software: Nero Express
6
- Symantec AntiVirus
- Various reference CD-ROMS
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Q. Is there a
charge for access to the Internet?
No, but there is a charge of $.10 per
page for printing ($.40 per page for
color).
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Q. What kind
of printers do you have for printing
from the Internet?
All computers print to a Xerox Phaser high
speed laser printer that can print
letter and legal
sizes of paper in both in black & white
and color.
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Q. How
much does it cost to print from the
Internet?
| |
Black &
White |
Color |
| letter (8½" x 11") |
10¢ |
40¢ |
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Q. Can I
bring my own paper and save money?
No. The cost of the paper is only a
very small part of the costs associated
with printing.
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Q: Can I
download/upload/save information to/from
a CDs and USB drives?
Yes. Our computers include a CD/DVD
burner, memory card reader/writers, and
USB
ports for external storage devices so
you can easily save large files. For
your convenience, you can purchase CD-Rs at our
Circulation Desk or you may bring your
own.
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Q: Can I use a
CD/DVD in the library's computers?
Yes. Our new computers also include a
CD/DVD burner. You can purchase
recordable CDs (CD-Rs) at the
Circulation Desk or bring your own.
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Q: Can I use
email at the library's computers?
You can establish an email account at
no charge with many web-based email
providers. Ask a reference librarian if
you need assistance. If you have an
established web-based email account, you
should be able to access it from the
library's computers. Ask a reference
librarian if you encounter any
difficulties. You will not be able to
access any email provider whose services
are not web-based.
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Q:
Can I receive an attachment by email?
Yes, you can receive an attachment by
downloading it. If you download to the
hard drive, it will disappear when the
computer is rebooted. We suggest you
download to a USB drive. Since our computers include Microsoft Office, you
will be able to open many (but not all)
types of
files.
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Q: Can
I send an attachment in my email?
Yes, you can send attachments.
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Q: Can I
participate in chat groups while using
the computers at the library?
Yes, you can participate easily in
web-based chat, but not in any type of
chat that requires downloading a
program, and then rebooting the
computer, since any files you download
will disappear when the computer is
rebooted.
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Q: Can I
connect my laptop to a dialup modem?
There is no access to modems since
our Internet access is via broadband.
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Q: Does the
library offer any assistance in using
the Internet?
Of course! Reference librarians are
available to get you started and answer
any questions that you have. A reference
librarian can direct you to sites that
will help you find information on your
topic. To find information by subject,
try the
Internet Picks on the MHL home
page, or use the main menu on the
computers at the library. The library
also offers
beginning Internet courses
through the
Town of Andover's Department
of Community Services.
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Q: Does the
library filter its Internet access in
any way?
The library does not use any software
to "filter" Internet content on any of
its computers. Please see our
Internet
Access Policy.
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Compiled by Ruth
Rosensweig, Reference Librarian
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