Library
Software
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Microsoft
Office 2010
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Microsoft
Office Suite includes Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Access. These tools can create documents, charts,
flyers, presentations, and databases.
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Adobe
Reader X
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Adobe
Reader is used to read PDF files. You can view files and print documents that
you create or download.
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Java
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Java allows computer applications and programs such as games
to viewing 3D images. It is a
programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems
in 1995 (Oracle, 2014)
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Internet
Explorer
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A
browser created by Microsoft to browse and search the web.
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Windows
Media Player
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Windows
Media Player is a music player that can also store music and audio files.
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My local
library computer software on the public computers is bare. The computers have the entire Microsoft
Office 2010 software, but as far as other programs it does not offer any
accessories except for note pad and calculator.
When I tried to open other
program folders, they were empty. I was
told that outside of the software already put on the computers that was all,
unless approved by the library board. I
did take an opportunity to check out the Young Adult computers and the
Children’s room computers. The
Children’s computers were preloaded with educational games and books. The Young Adult computers were loaded with
Microsoft Office, but no access the web outside of approved reference resources
and the library catalog.
I do
understand why the library keeps the software simple and basic. No need to clutter the library computers with
less useful software or expensive software.
The library has the basic needs covered: check e-mail, create
professional presentations and documents, and research or surf. I could not
think of any software that I would add to enhance the computers or
services. It covered the basics. At the
library I work at. I have had patrons
ask for professional software like Adobe Creative. We are a midsized public library, and we
don’t get too many students or professionals asking for that type of
software. I have been on a college campus
that offers different software for different professional needs, and in a
community like that I see a need for additional software.
I do wish that more public libraries in my
area could offer more software such as the full Adobe line of software, and
suggestions like movie making software.
I think it would beef up the software and it would be a place the
community would consider to go for more of their needs. Maybe someday in the future they can get the
funding to do things like this. I think
it would be a benefit to extend learning and creative resources to all. I also see a need for services for the
hearing impaired or blind patrons. There are audio books and programs from Georgia
Public Library System (GPLS) such as GLASS for anyone who has trouble reading
print. Software that they could add for
the blind would be screen reading software.
Peripheral
Devices
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Mouse
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The
mouse is an input device that allows the user to navigate and click on
information. The mouse cost between
$10- $50, depending on what an individual is looking for. The mouse is very conforming to the hand
and uses a left and right click button, and sometimes there is a scroll
button to help navigate up and down pages.
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Printer
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Printer
is an output device. A user can input
information or retrieve information on the computer, and then print the
material. The library computer is able
to print in color or black and white.
Printers can cost anywhere from fifty to thousands of dollars. The library has a printer that is also a
photo copier and scanner also, but the scanner is not used by the public. The
library has the printer because patrons need to print information.
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Keyboard
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The
keyboard is an input device. The keyboard is used to input words and numbers,
and symbols. The cost of a key board
is between $10- $100. The library is
not paying $100 for a keyboard, but depending on what a user is looking for
the cost is very different. The library includes the keyboard because it is a
way to input data into the computer.
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CD-Rom/DVD
Drive
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CD-Rom
is an input device. You can insert CD’s or DVD’s to listen or watch. Unfortunately on the library computers does
not have a CD-R Drive, so you cannot save information to the computers, but
you can view information from the disks.
The cost of CD-Rom drive can cost between $50 -$500 depending on what
you need it for. The library has CD-Rom drives because patrons may have
information saved to them that they need to retrieve. They would not be able
to save information it if they brought one in, but they can view it. Also, the DVD drive can allow someone to
watch DVD’s or view information from the DVD.
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Monitor
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The
monitor is an output device. It is
vital part of the computer because it allows you to view the information on
the computer. Most new monitors are
LCD or LED. The cost is $100-$5000.
|
If I could add anything to
the libraries peripheral devices it would be some better computer
monitors. The slicker LCD or LED
monitors would have a lot of space, and a little better for the eyes. I would add a scanner. The copier/printer has
a scanner but not for public use. Scanning
and saving documents has many uses for everyday use.
Internet
Service Providers
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Company
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Connection
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Equipment
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Fees
|
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Comcast-XFINITY
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Cable
3Mb download speed (Economy package)
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Cd-Rom, Ethernet connection,
Computer/Laptop, and modem (rent from Comcast).
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$26.99 + modem rental + taxes and fees
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AT&T U-Verse
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DSL
3Mb downstream (Pro Package)
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Ethernet connection, computer/laptop,
modem.
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$29.99 + modem rental ($7monthly or onetime
fee $100) + taxes and fees
|
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DISH
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Satellite
5Mb download speed
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Satellite Dish, computer/laptop, modem,
router
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$49.99+ $10 monthly equipment fee + taxes
and fees
|
Conclusion
Comcast and AT&T offer
similar services, but Comcast is a little cheaper. Comcast offers the same speeds as
AT&T. The equipment lease is about
the same, but AT&T offers a onetime purchase of the equipment. This is a
good offer if you know you are not moving for some time, and can say that it
would be a good investment to have. I
only based inquires on the smallest, cheapest packages, for someone who is just
interested in having internet connection in their home.
The most expensive and most limiting provider
is DISH. It cannot allow streaming or video game playing due to the slow
connect. It requires a satellite dish to
be installed, and if you have DISH TV it is a completely different satellite
for DISH NET. You also cannot use it in apartment buildings because the dish
has to be facing a particular direction and the signal can be interfered with.
All three companies charge for set up ranging
from $50 to $100. Comcast offers self
instillation, but it is rare that they ever recommend it. Both AT&T and DISH require that a
technician set up the service. AT&T
and Comcast offer wireless internet with the purchase or rental of the modem.
DISH net does not offer wireless internet at this time, although you can
purchase a wireless package for $99 and have it installed by a technician. If you were to purchase just the basic
service, it is not option for wireless.
It is very complicated
choosing the best ISP for your individual needs. Before signing up, read all of the fine
print. All three providers have
introductory rates or bundle rates, and DISH has a contract of 24 months. There are fines and penalties if you break
that contract. It is good to know what you are getting into before rather than
later. Choosing the correct internet
speed for your needs is also important.
If your household is heavy gamers or streamers, then a higher download
speed is needed to fulfill that need. If you only check your e-mail and social
media accounts, then a slower download speed may be suitable.
References
