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Fixing computers that have problems
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Fixing computers that have problems
2:57 PM EST 11/12/07
Greetings from sunny NE Kansas. I'm glad that MaintainIT is now connected with WebJunction. I'd just like to comment about Fixing computers that have problems.
Biggest problem with small libraries is always money, money, money. But, it is much better to spend a little before you are forced to spend a lot. I don't like taking the approach that you have to junk everything for new, so hopefully this plan will work for us.
We here in Sabetha are in the process of getting ready for some major renovations to our library so we are working to keep the present computers functioning until we can replace them with a new technology center. We usually run pretty efficently, but there is always that one computer that just keeps giving us fits. (When the patrons who use it start using language like, "that thing has got to go" you know that it's probably past time for piece mealing it and fix it right.) I've finally relented and admitted that the fixes are beyond what I can personally handle and have employed a patron who is trying to start a computer business to take a quick look at it. We are hoping to use his expertise to rebuild the computer good enough to last about a year, I have given him a dollar figure to work with he is willing to see what he can do. This way I can stay within my technology budget and continue to research the kinds of new computers that we want to include in our tech room.
Re: Fixing computers that have problems
12:36 PM EST 11/13/07 as a reply to Kim Priest.
hi kim!
terrific idea. how did you come across this person who is starting up a computer business? if this person hadn't existed, what would you have done? i like the tact of having a dollar amount, and finding out what can be done for that price. i wonder if you could pursue a similar plan with a local tech support provider--either by crafting a collaborative effort, or by depending on the kindness of strangers. emoticon
Re: Fixing computers that have problems
7:55 AM EST 11/14/07 as a reply to Kim Priest.
Hi Kim and Sarah, May the Lord bless us all and keep us safe from "computer crash".
Not only is it a lack of money in small libraries, it is a problem getting someone to come RIGHT NOW to fix the computer. If you don't have very many public access computers, it is bad to have even one down. And the trend seems to be for repair people, in general, to over-estimate how fast they can get to your library. That was another reason I jumped in and learned all I could about keeping our computers up and running - the tech guy would say, "I'll be there tomorrow" but that really meant he would be here, at the earliest, the day after that.
I do think that at least one person on staff should have some knowledge about common problems and how to get the computer back in operation.
Re: Fixing computers that have problems
1:08 PM EST 2/6/08 as a reply to Faye Hover.
Back again with some thoughts on maintaining computers in the library. Trying to save money isn't always the best way to deal with computer malfunctions, especially if one is using a person who builds/rebuilds computers. We've found out the hard way about licensing problems--ex. trying to install a professional license on a computer that was originally a home edition. Something glitched, so now we are exploring an alternative open-source operating system to bypass the problem. We'll find out soon if it does the job.
As far as what would we do if we didn't have some local tech people willing to work on the computers--then it's get on the phone or the internet to find an answer or if all else fails--buy a new computer. Not a prospect that I usually consider.
Getting the tech person to finish a job in a timely manner can be a real pain in the neck. We all think our job is the most important, so it is often hard to be patient. This is especially true when patrons are clamoring for more computers in the library!!!
We just put on our "we're doing the best we can" face and brave the onslaught. Sooner or later things will work out.
Re: Fixing computers that have problems
9:32 AM EST 3/5/08 as a reply to Kim Priest.
You are so correct about tech people and how they operate. I have always worked on the Library computers myself. Even if it took me longer to fic the problem, I knew in the end it was done correctly. The City had a tech person hired to take care of all city computers (except the Library) and after they fired him I was asked to come look at a machine they couldn't get to work with Word. Sure enough, he had put on a copy and they had not disk to reinstall the program. Lucky, I had a Pro 2000 Word I could use. One must be so careful in the selection of someone to maintain the computers. Also, you might investigate if you or another staff member have the alility to learn how to do simple repairs. It really is fairly simple to to many things and you can get very inexpensive software from TechSoup.