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Library-Owned Laptop Support Page

Library-Owned Laptop Support Page

• If you are considering a laptop purchase for the library...
• What's the first thing the Systems Office recommends?
• What about dialer-modem capabilities?
• What about network card?
• What about wireless connection capabilities?
• What operating system should I use?
• Do I need any special software?
• What's needed if...
• You're going out-of-town?
• You're at home?
• You're on campus?
• On security
• Checkup for machine regularly
• Preventative measures
• Virus Update
• Windows update
• Problems
• How do I contact the Library Systems Office?

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If you are considering a laptop purchase for the library...

What's the first thing the Systems Office recommends?

If possible, we highly recommend you come in to visit us or call us. We would then be able to help you with finding a laptop machine that would fit your needs and budget as well as a machine that we would be better able to support.

What about dialer-modem capabilities?

In order for you to use your laptop to connect to the Internet when you do not have access directly via a network card and connection, you need to use a modem. We recommend you purchase a laptop that has an integrated modem-- in other words, a laptop that has a built-in modem, which is generally supported well. If you absolutely cannot get an integrated modem, we recommend you purchase a modem card appropriate for the laptop. See if you're at home or if you're out-of-town to see what software setup you'll need with your modem.

What about network card?

We recommend your laptop have the ability to connect to a network, which is quicker and more reliable than a modem connection. It's also better to have an integrated network card rather than an external one since the integrated one is usually supported better. A wired network connection allows the Systems office to support your laptop better. The process to update software or patch your machine should then be quicker and more efficient. Plus, if you travel to a place that has a network connection, you'd be better off connecting via a network versus via a modem.

What about wireless connection capabilities?

We recommend your laptop have the ability to connect to a wireless network since this way of connecting will be becoming more common.

What operating system should I use?

As of fall 2003, we recommend using one of the latest Windows operating systems: either 2000 or xp. Both systems are full-featured and supported by microsoft. Thus, they have patches and downloads available if needed. Plus, both of these operating systems in conjunction with VPN software can allow you to access your library drives G and H when you are out-of-town. See if you're out-of-town to see what software setup you'll need.

Do I need any special software?

We do recommend you install and use the latest virus software, which is freely available for all Library staff. To see the latest VirusScan software, press CITES latest antivirus software. We recommend you choose "Virus Protection- VirusScan v7.0 for Windows." Once downloaded and running, it is set to get the latest virus updates and scan your machine. By default, it will update VirusScan every morning (or the next time you turn on your machine if off and not connected to the Internet for more than a day).

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What's needed if...

You're going out-of-town?

If you are unable to have a free access connection to the network and if you are using a modem, we recommend you load the Library Internet Dialer (LID) service. See How to setup LID for details. Also, if you would like to access your library H and/or G drives, you need to load VPN software. See On Installing VPN for details.

You're at home?

You will need to call CITES server. Press UIUC Dialup Access for details. If you cannot connect via a local call, see if you're out-of-town.

You're on campus?

You should be using a network connection, not a modem. Your library laptop should also be registered with the Library Systems Office.

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On security

Checkup for machine regularly

We recommend that Systems Office check your laptop machine at least every six months or if the Systems Office recommends it via LIBNEWS-L (when there is a major software patch or virus update). We would check your computer for the latest virus protection and software patches. Plus, we would update your laptop with any needed software.

Preventative measures

In general, you can use the following safe computer practices:

• Never, never open an email attachment from an unidentified source. Even if you receive an email attachment from someone you know, do not open it unless you are sure this person has sent it. If you are not sure, email this person back and ask if he or she had sent it. Viruses can sometimes make an email look as if it was sent by a person you know when in reality it was sent by someone else. Plus, a virus can also send an email from someone you do know without that person's knowledge of ever having sent an email to you.
• Choose reasonable passwords. See How to Create Effective Passwords and How to Protect Your Passwords.
• Make sure your computer has up-to-date virus protection and patches.

Virus Update

In order to update your VirusScan software manually, right click on the VirusScan icon in your systems tray (bottom right part of screen near the time display). Then choose "Update Now" and your laptop will update your VirusScan with the latest updates. It does not hurt your laptop if your laptop already has the latest VirusScan and you try to do another update.

If there is no "Update Now" choice, then choose Start->Programs->Network Associates->VirusScan Console. Then go to Task on task bar and choose "Update Now."

Windows update

You can autmatically install important/crucial windows 2000 and XP patches by the following procedure:

• You should be logged on as a user with administrative access (i.e, as an administrator).
• Start Windows Intenet Explorer.
• Under tools, choose "Windows Update"
• Press Scan for updates link.
• Depending upon the amount of network traffic, you may have to wait a bit. When screen returns, choose Review and install updates if more than (0). These updates should be the same updates as under the Critical Updates and Service Packs link.
• if there are updates, close any applications you have running and choose "Install Now" button.
• Accept license agreement.
• For some updates, a windows box will pop up and say that you need to restart computer. So, restart your laptop as soon as you can.

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Problems

How do I contact the Library Systems Office?
Email your problem here: libsys@uiuc.edu Or press here in order to access the Library Systems Home Page.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library Homepage libsys@uiuc.edu Updated on: Friday, 05-September-2003 17:59:00 CST