Can anyone use a computer?
You just need your library membership card and PIN. It is easy
and free to join. If you are under 16 you need to ask your parent
or guardian to give permission to use the computers.
What is my PIN?
When you join the library we will give you a personal
identification number (PIN). If you do not have a PIN or have
forgotten your PIN please contact
your local library.
Can I book a computer?
You can book a computer in advance of your visit or you can drop
in and wait for a computer to become available. You can book by
asking a member of staff or by clicking on the book a computer icon
before you log off your previous session. There is a step by step
guide in the green folders next to every computer.
How much does it cost to use a library
computer?
It is free to use the library computers. There is a
charge for
printing. But you won't be able to use the internet if you owe
the library money.
Can I have more time on the computer
today?
The maximum per day is two hours. If there are a lot of
computers free at the library you can ask staff to extend your
session up to the two hour maximum.
Do you have a WiFi wireless
hotspot?
Only new Portishead library has a wireless
hotspot.
I am visiting the area, can I use your
computers?
We have visitors cards which allow you about 20 minutes computer
time a day.
I am a beginner, is there someone to help
me?
Our staff are pleased to help with basic queries. There are also
step by step guides in the green folders near our computers.
Can I download software?
Our security settings mean you may not be able to download files
which need to load themselves on to the hard drive. Very resource
hungry downloads may crash the system
Can I save onto a DVD?
Our computers save onto CDs using software to burn the
files, but not onto DVDs. There is a step by step guide in the
green folders near our computers.
How do I set up an email
account?
There is a step by step guide on setting up an email account in
the green folders near our computers.
Can I scan my pictures?
You can book a computer with a scanner to scan pictures. (Our
software doesn't convert an image to editable text (OCR).)
Can I download pictures from my
camera?
If you can connect your camera using a USB port then you may be
able to copy pictures from your camera. We have a memory card
reader we can issue to you which has slots for a number of
different memory cards. If your camera needs to load software onto
our computers it may be stopped by our security restrictions.
Can I print out on my own paper or
transparencies?
Unfortunately no, we can only print on our paper.
Can I watch video or TV programmes
online?
We do not allow video streaming because it slows the system down
too much for everyone.
How can I make the text
bigger?
Supernova software is available on our computers to magnify the
screen.
Why can’t I open the file with my
CV?
It may be we do not have the programme it was created in. Check
the file extension: .doc .rtf or .txt should open on our
machines.
Can I plug in my laptop while I am in the
library?
No - we do not allow you to plug electrical items: laptops,
tablets, MP3 players, mobile phone chargers, into our power supply.
Unless you have proof of recent PAT testing. (The new library at
Portishead does allow you to plug in equipment.)
