Software, Peripheral Devices, and Network

Library Software

Microsoft Office 2010	Microsoft Office Suite includes Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Access.  These tools can create documents, charts, flyers, presentations, and databases.
Adobe Reader X	Adobe Reader is used to read PDF files. You can view files and print documents that you create or download.
Java	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)
Internet Explorer	A browser created by Microsoft to browse and search the web.
Windows Media Player	Windows Media Player is a music player that can also store music and audio files.

            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

Mouse	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.
Printer	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.
Keyboard	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.
CD-Rom/DVD Drive	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.
Monitor	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

Company	Connection	Equipment	Fees
Comcast-XFINITY	Cable 3Mb download speed (Economy package)	Cd-Rom, Ethernet connection, Computer/Laptop, and modem (rent from Comcast).	$26.99 + modem rental + taxes and fees
AT&T U-Verse	DSL 3Mb downstream (Pro Package)	Ethernet connection, computer/laptop, modem.	$29.99 + modem rental ($7monthly or onetime fee $100) + taxes and fees
DISH	Satellite 5Mb download speed	Satellite Dish, computer/laptop, modem, router	$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

Oracle. (2014). What is java technology and why do i need it?. Retrieved from
                http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/whatis_java.xml