(June 1, 2011) Good news for folks who access the Internet on library computers. We have replaced all 15 public computers with newer, faster machines. The computers run an Intel 2.1 Ghz, core duo processor with 2 gigabytes of RAM, and all public computers now have Microsoft Office 2010. The library is very pleased to provide this vast improvement over the motley assortment of computers patrons had been using for some time now, including 7 computers that were around ten years old. These computers are new to the library, but not brand new. We have purchased off-lease corporate machines at a very reasonable price; they have been checked over, cleaned up, and come with a warranty. Savvy computer users will notice that library computers still use Windows XP rather than Windows 7 as their operating system.. Buying used PCs required sticking with XP, which is a very stable and reliable operating system that still supports a wide variety of software and internet applications. XP will be supported by Microsoft until the summer of 2014. Already, many library patrons use their own devices and library wi-fi to access the Internet. That trend will grow, and, while in 2014 we certainly will need to provide computers for patrons to use, it seems likely that we will not rely on desktop PCs to provide that access. We're pleased with our purchase and hope that you are too. Stop by today and try out the computers at your Minerva Public Library.
