LibGuides: Help Desk FAQs: Computer FAQs

Computer FAQs

Computer Basics

Does the library have computers for public use?
Yes! The Atlantic City Public Library (including the Richmond Ave. branch) has computers for the public to use. You do not need an Atlantic City Public Library card to use the computers. To use the computer at the Main library, visit the Help Desk.
Can I access the Internet from Library computers?
Yes! All Atlantic City Public Library computers have Internet access, except those reserved for searching the Library's catalog.
Can I download files to Library computers?
While you can download important files to the computer, such as a resume or application, those files are completely erased once your computer time ends. We have this policy to protect the security and integrity of the computers and library network. You may save files onto your own storage media such as flash memory drives.
Blocked Website
Why is this website blocked?
The library maintains internet filtering software on all computers to protect minors from accessing visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. However, filtering software is not foolproof. It decreases the likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text or images that they may find offensive, but does not eliminate that possibility. In addition, filters often block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. If a user does not find what is needed, the user should ask a Help Desk staff member for help. Technology protection measures may be disabled by a library staff member, as necessary, for bona fide research or other lawful purposes by people aged 17 and older.
Do you have tutorials for MS Office or using a computer for the first time?
Use software tutorials from Learning Express and GCFLearnFree.org. The library also offers free computer workshops, open labs, and one-on-one training sessions.
Does the library offer WiFi and how can I connect to it?
The Atlantic City Library offers a free WiFi network you can use on most mobile devices. If you have a mobile or smartphone device, you may access the library's internet service at the Main Library and the Richmond Ave. branch.
To connect to the internet, go to the WiFi settings on your device and connect to AC_Library. There is NO password for this network! Please note that after you connect you must open your web browser and accept our internet usage policy. Click connect, and you're good to go!
How can I get rid of the advertisement so I can see my emails?
Yahoo has a feature called preview pane that may appear on the bottom of your inbox or to the right, which limits the amount of emails you can see at one time. If you click on actions from the menu bar you will get a drop down menu. Click on No preview pane. This will remove preview panes entirely. Gmail & Hotmail don’t seem to have this problem.
How do I attach a document and/or my resume in my email? May I download a file from the internet/my email?
Start composing a message. In the new window, click the Attach Files button, or Paperclip symbol. You may see some options asking where you want to look for your files. Choose Browse This Computer. From there, the File window will open so you can locate the file you want.
To attach the file, select it, and click the Open or OK button. The selected file and its location should appear in the email.
If someone has sent you an attachment, you can open the document and save the file to a USB storage device or temporally on the computer. Here are the steps to take if you need to open/save an attachment sent to you via email:
Open the email attachment and select Download. Downloads to local drive are cleared at end of session so be sure to save to USB.
How do I keep my computer if I have to get up for a few minutes?
Find and click the Hide My Screen option on the bottom right of the computer. You will be prompted to create a password. This will keep your computer from shutting down from an inactivity timeout while you are away. Please be aware that your time continues to count down and will expire at the designated time.
May I borrow a set of headphones to use on Library computers?
Due to health concerns, the library's policy on headphone use no longer allows this. If you do not own a set of compatible headphones, you may purchase a set for $2.50 from the Circulation Desk. All headphones purchased from the library are no longer library property and become your responsibility.
Using Library Computers
How do I use a computer?
ACFPL no longer uses reservations. To use the computer, visit the Help Desk and ask for a Guest Pass. You will receive a pass with a 4 digit pin. You can go to any computer marked Available. At the computer, log in as a guest and use the 4 digit pin provided to you. Please see any Help Desk staff for details, problems or concerns.
Webpage Not Opening
Why doesn’t the web page open?
This is a complex question which could be due to a number of issues, such as internet traffic, cookies needing to be enabled, or Adobe flash needing to be updated. Please ask a Help Desk staff person for assistance.
What's wrong with this computer?
If you experience any problems with the computer or have trouble printing, ask a Help Desk staff member to assist you. Please do not turn the computer off or reboot the computers.
Where can I plug in my USB drive?
Using the monitor for USB access has been inconsistent. Using the CPU is much more reliable.
When the flash drive is plugged in you can see a little green dot on the right hand side bottom on task menu, then you can click the flash drive icon on the desk top to open the flash drive. The flash drive icon works for any portable device so that items can be viewed.
Why can't I get to the Internet on this computer?
This is a complex question which could be due to a number of issues. Please ask a Help Desk staff person for assistance.
Why is the computer so slow?
Please check to see if it is just one website that is slow--if so that site could be having problems. If the problem is not just with one website, but is more general, please let the Help Desk staff know about the problem so we can try to resolve the issue.

Printing

Can I print at the library, and is there a charge?
The library offers both black and white and color printing from all its public computers. The charges for each are:
Black and White prints – 10 cents per page
Color prints – 50 cents per page.
All printing uses a coin-operated system. You print as usual from the computer and then come to the print-release station to pay for and release your prints. The Print-release station is located at the Help Desk. Print jobs can be paid by using one dollar bills and coins (no pennies).
How can I print from the library computers?
Use the Print Preview feature to ensure you are printing exactly what you expect. Use the File drop down menu and select Print Preview. If you do not see what you would like to print, adjust the settings or ask a Help Desk staff member for help. Print from the Print Preview window by clicking the print tab in the top
Then go to the Print Station, and scan your library card in order to see and pay for your prints.
Do I have to pay for pages that I printed but do not want?
Yes. You are responsible for paying for all pages that you print. Staff will gladly demonstrate the use of Internet Explorer's “Print Preview” feature so that you can easily determine in advance which pages you want to print. In addition, our print management software, LPT:One, will inform you of the number of pages you are about to print.
How do I print a pdf file?
Do not print a pdf file from the file menu. A pdf file can be printed from the print icon, which is sometimes located at the top of the page or on the bottom of the page.
Can I print from my laptop computer?
Wireless printing is not available at this time. In order to print, you must sign up for one of the library's public guest or members computers. You can print from a thumb drive, CD, DVD, or file you have saved within your personal email account.
Printing from the Internet
Many web sites are using quick scan images of files for viewing purposes only. You may have to click the download original button to be able to print the entire document. Sometimes print is grayed out under the file menu; look to the top right of the page for the gear Icon. Click this icon and select the print option. If you are on a page with frames you run the risk of getting blank pages or something that you didn’t want. Click inside the frame that contains the information you wish to print, then file and print. The print window will now have a print frames option under Print Range. This only shows up when frames are in use on a website. There are 3 options-- As laid out on the screen, The selected Frame, Each frame separately. Some images found on the internet from a google search can only be copied and pasted into Word or Publisher; then print by clicking on the office button in the top left corner, print from the drop down menu. The print window box will open.
Why did I get a blank page?
Your document may have more pages than you realize. Select Print Preview in your software application Print menu before printing. Then either select to print only the current page, or only those pages with text, or delete the extra pages in your document before printing.
Why are the pages blank when I try to print from the website?
If web pages are printing out blank from Internet Explorer and are blank in print preview, try deleting your Temporary Internet Files:
Go to Tools--Delete Browsing history; then check Temporary Internet files.
How do I open and print attachments?
Determine where the attachment is located (email or Google cloud). To open the attachment, click on the attachment and then click open; if it is saved on the google cloud it will look like a power point slideshow. Then you need to click on original document tab which is on upper right hand side. Then it will open the original document and the document can be edited.
How can I print pictures from my phone, Facebook, and an email?
Connect the phone through usb cord, make sure the phone is on, click “flash drive” on the desk top and then look for the folder that has pictures saved. Open the selected folder and then click the specific picture that you want to print. If you print from facebook then you need to save a picture to desktop and then click to open, the picture will open with Picasa software. When Picasa opens, a popup window will open up then “click next” then on right hand side you can choose the printer either color or black & white. The print icon will be on the bottom of the page-- just click print and then click “ok” three times. It does not matter where you want to print a picture from you need to use “Picasa” to print.

Saving Documents

How do I save documents on this computer?
We don’t recommend saving documents on the public computers. Please save to a portable drive (flash drive) or email the document to yourself. If you need to save it temporarily (i.e. to change and save and re-upload), you can save it to the desktop and then delete at the end of the session. Please note that anything saved to the public computers will be erased at the end of the session to protect your privacy.
How do I save documents and/or applications on website?
It depends on the website. To save a job application on the website it depends on what kind of application you are filling out. If it’s a job application and you had to create a user name and a password then it's possible the application can be saved. However, some applications do not require a user name and a password, so the application can't be saved. If the application doesn’t save then you might want to print the incomplete application in order to have a record of work completed.

Social Networking

How do I create a Facebook account?
Steps to Create an Account:
1) Go to www.facebook.com
2) Sign Up
3) Enter information. A valid email address is required.
4) Click “Sign Up.”
Steps to Log In:
1) Go to www.facebook.com
2) Enter email address and password.
3) Click “Log In.”
How do I deactivate and/or reactivate my Facebook account?
Steps to Deactivate your Account:
1. Click the account menu at the top right of any Facebook page
2. Select Account Settings
3. Click Security in the left-hand column
4. Click Deactivate your account
When you deactivate your account, your timeline and all information associated with it disappears from Facebook immediately. People on Facebook will not be able to search for you or view any of your information.
If you’d like to come back to Facebook anytime after you’ve deactivated your account, you can reactivate your account by logging in with your email and password. Your timeline will be restored in its entirety (friends, photos, interests, etc.). Remember that you will need to have access to the login email address for your account in order to reactivate it.
How do I Post Pictures/Videos to Facebook?
To upload photos:
1) Click Add Photo/Video at the top of the page.
2) Pick Create Photo Album.
3) Pick the image files you want to upload. To pick multiple photos at once, hold down the Control button
4) On your PC, or the Command button on your Mac, while clicking the image files.
5) Check the progress bar to see the estimated remaining time for your album upload. Once it's complete, click Post Photos.
How do I print pictures from facebook?
When printing from facebook click directly on the picture and it will open in the facebook photo viewer. At the bottom of the picture on the menu click options / download / open / OK. When the picture opens print as normal from the file menu.
How do I remove someone as a Friend from Facebook?
Steps to Remove a Friend:
1. Go to that person's timeline.
2. Hover over the Friends box at the top of their timeline.
3. Click Unfriend.
Note: If you choose to unfriend someone, you will be removed from that person's friends list as well. If you want to be friends with this person again, you'll need to send a new friend request.
I don't remember my password for Facebook What should I do?
Steps to Reset a New Password:
If you're logged out of your account and you can't remember your password:
You can request a new password by clicking the Forgot Your Password link on the Facebook login page. Facebook will send you an email with a link to reset your password.
If you're logged into your account:
1. Click at the top right of any Facebook page and select Account Settings
2. Click on the Password section
3. Enter your current password and a new password and save your changes.

Downloading Music

How can I download music on my phone? At the present time, music can only be downloaded from CDs since our system does not allow. music to be downloaded from the Web.

How do I download music from the web or from the CDs? Putting the music from a CD on your computer—or "ripping", as its more popularly called, is very easy with Apple's iTunes: First, put your CD in your computer's CD drive and open up iTunes. It may prompt you to import the CD into your library, in which case you can hit yes and let it go.

If it doesn't prompt you, look in the left sidebar for a CD icon. Click on it, and you should see the songs on that CD in the main window. Look to the bottom left corner of the window and you should see an "Import CD" button. Click that, and the CD will begin importing your tracks.
You'll be able to watch its progress from the information pane at the top of iTunes' window. You can also look at the main pane, where the tracks are listed, and you'll see a green check mark next to tracks it's finished importing. The track it's currently importing will have an orange circle next to it.
When it's done, you'll hear iTunes chime and you'll see check marks next to all of your songs. You can now eject your CD, head to "Library" in the left sidebar

How can I get research or reference assistance?

All Library staff are available to answer questions or offer general assistance.

Call the Library 609-345-2269 ext. 3060 or email us at reflib@acfpl.org.

The Atlantic City Free Public Library

Help Desk FAQs: Computer FAQs