Update Week for January

Starting on Wednesday, January 24 and ending on the 31st, there will be visits to each branch library to deliver software updates. These updates address security bugs that are routinely found in software, and aren't covered by Anti Virus or Microsoft Update.

In addition, the keyboards and immediate area that a computer resides in will be vacuumed, so please be prepared for noise. An effort is made to work around patrons and to minimize down time on each computer, but please be prepared for a minimum of a 15-minute interruption per computer.

If you have any comments or questions, you are welcome to speak to me in person, or you can have a Librarian relay a message.

Oscoda Printer Fixed

The Robert J. Parks Library printer has been repaired. The replacement part was delivered and installed today.

Printing Problems At Robert J. Parks (Oscoda)

For the past week, the printer at the Oscoda Branch has not been working properly. Why we didn't act quickly in repairing the problem was due to delays with an On-Site Technician contacting us to schedule a site visit.

Today, after two days, we finally had a Technician check the printer on-site (courtesy of Ricoh). It was a worn-out "black drum." However, because they were a 3rd-party contracted by the manufacturer, they couldn't order the part for us, we had to.

Fortunately, a call to Ricoh's tech support had the new part ordered (covered under warranty) and on its way. The printer should be back up and running no later than Wednesday evening.

This was the first time I've had to contact them about a problem with one of our printers. We've had the same make/model at headquarters for over six months with no problems at all; only a quick-to-clear paper jam. Should this not be the last, I've taken notes so that the process should be much quicker next time.

Happy New Year

With 2006 behind us, it is on to 2007. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My focus for this month is preparation of our old equipment for the surplus sale. This entails formatting hard drives, installing software, and resetting other equipment to their factory default settings. Of course, a list and description of what will be up for sale will be typed and submitted.

An answer to how well the new public computers and software have held up will be determined on the third week of this month. The first round of software updates will take place the 22nd-27th at each branch library.

This month, or during next month, vendors for Time Management solutions will be re-evaluated. It is my goal to have a time management solution evaluated and ready before the tourist season begins.

In an effort to expand my knowledge of Linux, I have purchased a second-hand IBM ThinkPad T41p laptop. This computer will replace my Apple iBook G4 in day-to-day use and serve as a portable learning platform, diagnostic tool and workstation. It will eventually be a dual-boot configuration using Windows XP and Gentoo Linux.

For more information on Gentoo Linux and ThinkPads, visit:

Gentoo Linux
ThinkWiki
IBM ThinkPad T Series
IBM ThinkPad T41p