Library Computers FAQ
General
Q: Who can use the Library’s computers?
A: There are 20 computers available in the main technology center for patrons ages 18 and older. Patrons ages 6 to 12 have access to computers in the Youth area of the library. Young adults, ages 13 through 17, may access the 6 teen computers located next to the Reference Desk. Patrons under 6 years of age may use the multimedia learning station in the children's department, with parental supervision. WiFi is also available for your laptop.
Children and teens under the age of 18 must have parental permission to access the public computers, which is provided in person and in writing at the Circulation desk when a library card is issued to the child or teen.
Parents may allow children and teens to use an adult library card to access Technology Center computers if the parent stays at the workstation with the child at all times.
Q: Is there a computer use fee?
A: All public computers are available free of charge to library card holders, and our wireless network is free of charge to the public. Library cards are free to most California residents.
Q: Do I need to bring my library card to use the computers?
A: Yes, you need your library card and your PIN number to access the public computers. You do not need a library card to use your own laptop with our wireless network.
Q: May I reserve a computer ahead of time?
A: No, computers are available on a "next available" basis only.
Q: What hours are the computers available?
A: All public computers are available during normal library business hours. Computer reservations cannot be made beginning at 20 minutes prior to library closing and the public computer network automatically shuts down 10 minutes prior to closing each evening.
Q: How much time are we allowed on the computers each day?
A: Most users are allowed two hours per day. The initial session is 1 hour, and users may receive up to two 30-minute time extensions if no other patrons are waiting for the user's computer.
Q: How is computer use time monitored?
A: The library uses an automated system to manage computer use and issue any time extensions. The time you have remaining is displayed in an on-screen countdown clock as you work.
Software and Files
Q: What types of files can we open and view on the computers?
A: You can open and view file formats saved from any of the software applications available on our computers. This includes files ending in the following extensions: .doc or .docx (Word), .ppt or .pptx (PowerPoint), .xls or .xlsx (Excel), .txt (Notepad), .pdf (Adobe), .html (Internet), and the image formats (.jpg, .gif, .tif, and .png). Audio, video, or zip files can be opened from a CD or USB Flash Drive if the corresponding application is opened first.
Q: Can Macintosh (Mac) files be used your computers?
A: All of our computers are PCs. If your CD or USB Flash Drive has been formatted in a Mac computer, you will not be able to use it on our computers. Some word processing files created on Word for Mac can be opened in Microsoft Word by going to the File menu, selecting Open, and choosing "Word for Macintosh" from the Files of Type menu on the Open dialog box. You can then work on the file on our computers, in Microsoft Word, and save it by choosing the same file type from the Save As dialog box.
Q: How can we open Microsoft Works or Corel WordPerfect documents?
A: Microsoft Works documents can be opened in Microsoft Word or Excel, by choosing the appropriate option from the Files of Type menu in the Open dialog box.
Q: Can we use foreign language fonts on the computers?
A: Our Internet browsers allow you to view Web pages encoded in a foreign language, but the language settings on each individual computer cannot be changed for administrative reasons.
Internet Use
Q: Is your Internet filtered?
A: All City of Mission Viejo computers are filtered to block out gambling sites, adult content sites, and sites that pose a security risk to our network. This includes instant messaging and chat.
Q: Can we request that the library unblock certain filtered sites?
A: Yes, patrons may request that we review individual sites. The City's Information Technology staff will take the site under consideration and advise the Library of their decision. To request a site review, please note the site URL address, and visit the Technology Desk or the Reference Desk.
Q: Why is a blocked content page displayed when I try to access my Netscape AIM web email notification on my own laptop?
A: Web email access is allowed on our network, however, our filtering software blocks AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and all other instant messaging software.
Q: Is the library's Internet connection secure?
A: The library has security measures in place to secure the wired public network. However, security is not guaranteed. The Library is a public place, so you should take caution in what type of personal information you display on our public computers, and make sure you log out of any online accounts before closing the Internet browser. Our wireless Internet network is NOT secure.
Q: When using your wireless network, my firewall sometimes displays a message that someone is trying to access my computer and is pinging me. Could this be the library doing this?
A: The library does not try to access your computer. This may be another Wi-Fi laptop user from within the library, or someone from outside, trying to reach your system.
Hardware Use
Q: What media formats are supported to open or save files?
A: Patrons may open files from a CD or USB Flash Drive, as long as they are saved in a file format that is supported. Patrons may save files to a USB flash drive, or the temporary Z: drive (Z: drive files are deleted at the end of the day). The computers are not equipped with writeable CD drives.
Q: Does the library keep lost CDs or USB Flash Drives?
A: If lost CDs or USB Flash Drives are turned in to the library, we hold these at Lost & Found at the Check Out Desk for one month. We will attempt to contact you if your name, phone number, or email is written on the label. If a CD or USB Flash Drive is not claimed within 30 days, it is destroyed.
Q: Do the computers have sound and how can we listen to it?
A: You may listen to audio if you bring in your own headphones and plug them into the computer. The library does have some headphones available for the youth computers located in the children's section of the building.
Q: Are any multimedia players installed on the computers and can we listen to or view streaming audio or video files?
A: Windows Media Player is installed on all public computers. Streaming audio and video are blocked by our filtering system due to the impact on Internet bandwidth speed. You may listen to audio files and view video files that you have on CD or USB Flash Drive.
Q: How does printing work?
A: Printing is available for a nominal charge. Prints may be paid for using cash, or by deducting money you have previously added to your library account. Photocopies can be made on a cash basis. Both color and black & white printing is available.
Q: May we print to our own special paper, labels, or envelopes?
A: You may print on special paper or envelopes by using the manual feed tray on either printer, but you are responsible for making sure the paper is properly inserted to print out correctly. Regular printing fees apply. Label printing is not permitted due to the risk this poses for jamming the printers.
Q: Do you have a public photocopy machine?
A: We have two photocopy machines available at the library which accept coins or bills for payment. Both are capable of printing in black & white or color.
Q: Do you have a public fax machine?
A: The librarians at the reference desk can fax papers for patrons for a $1.00 a page donation.
Q: Do you have a public scanner?
A: One of the public photocopy machines is capable of scanning and saving to a USB Flash Drive.
Computer Assistance
Q: Is there someone who can help us use the Internet, sign-up for email, or use the software applications?
A: Staff are available at the Technology Center help desk most days and evenings, and can assist you with basic questions.
Q: Do you offer individual or group computer tutoring?
A: We do not currently offer computer tutoring.
Q: Do you have books that teach how to use computers and software?
A: Yes. Please see the technology center Library Assistant at the help desk, or the Librarians at the Reference Desk for assistance.
Q: Can the library staff and volunteers help me with my own laptop?
A: The Library staff cannot accept the liability of handling your laptop, wireless card, or configuration.