Computer Network Services
Computer Network Services
CNS Services & Support
Computer Purchasing and Maintenance
- Bulk Computer Purchase Info and Order Sheet
- Recommended Computer Configuration
- Recommended Computer Peripherals (e.g. Printers, Scanners)
- Recommended Computer Cleaning Supplies
- Faronics Deep Freeze Console Instructions
- Updating Web Browser Privacy Settings for Public Computers
- Data Backup
Webhosting & WordPress Information
FALCONS
FAQ
How long should I keep my computer?
All Dell computers, unless there’s a specific exception, are ordered with a five year waranty. For a $900 computer, that averages out to a $180 per year, or $15 per month investment for the equipment with warranty. If you need to stagger replacements, FLLS recommends keeping a computer past its warranty rather than replacing before the five year mark is reached as it provides a better return on the initial investment. We also recommend that staff computers be targeted for replacement before public use computers in situations where equipment is kept past the five year cycle.
How do I know when a computer was purchased?
All Dell computers have a seven character Service Tag.
On desktop computers the tag is usually a black sticker with white writing and can be found on the top, front edge of tower computers that are standing or the left, front of a desktop laying on its side.
All-in-One computers can have the tag on the back, near the bottom left or on the bottom of the front bezel. For ease of access for computers with the service tag on the bottom of the front bezel, we recommend using the front facing camera on a phone to take a picture of the tag.
Laptop Service Tags can be found on the bottom.
Visit Dell’s support website and enter the Service Tag. On the resulting page, go to the Warranty link and the original ship date along with the warranty expiration date will be displayed.
What type of computer do you recommend for PowerPac or LibData Reservation?
We recommend Google Chromebox devices. They have a lower cost than a computer, can be used with existing monitors, mouse, and keyboard if replacing an existing computer, and don’t require maintenance such as Windows Update. They also do not require licensed software such as Deep Freeze or Symantec. There is a licensing fee to be connected to Google Admin which allows them to be remotely managed by FLLS.
How do I license FreeOffice?
FreeOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office and includes TextMaker, PlanMaker and Presentations which are the equivalent of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint respectively. FreeOffice can be installed by FLLS when staging new computers or by library staff by visiting freeoffice.com.
FreeOffice requires a license key to activate it after a trial period. FLLS does not install the key. When the trial period expires, FreeOffice will prompt for a license key. The prompt will include a link to request a key and asks you to enter an email address. You’ll send a request for a key for each computer whether the computer is used for staff or public. Once the key has been received, enter it into FreeOffice and save it.
If you have public computers with FreeOffice, once the trial is over, use the prompt to request a key. Before you enter the key into FreeOffice, remember to boot the public computer with Deep Freeze thawed. Enter they key, save it, and reboot the computer with Deep Freeze frozen.