From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning

Reference Computers Undergoing a Change

08.17.2009

This year when you use one of the library computers, you will be logging on! We're still clearing the dust and tweaking some of the bugs, but it should be ready for the first day of school.

The library computers in the main reference area have always been a little different. They are "thin clients." This means that unlike a normal computer, they have limited resources, no hard drive, and a highly locked down operating system that is intented only as a basic launch point for a remote server.

What does that mean? It means that the library computers were not capable of doing much on their own. If you know what a "dumb terminal" is, that's is essentially how they were intended to be used.

Soooo, that's what we will be using them for this year!

What does this really mean? It means you won't have to use Firefox to open attachments on your e-mail. It means you will be able to print all your pdf documents. It means that your personal network folder (X drive) will automatically connect just like any of the labs on campus or the ETC. It means you can use the computer like you would just about any other computer instead of wondering why they don't seem to work right.

We hope this is an improvement in service for you. Feel free to let us know what you think by sending us your comments and suggestions.

Shawn Denny, Information Services Librarian