Computers & Internet

Tompkins County Public Library's Adult Services and Youth Services Departments offer the public free use of computers, software and Internet access.

Access to the Internet

The Library provides free access to 32 hard-wired computers for adults and children to search the Internet using both Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers. All Internet use in the Library requires you to agree to our Internet Access Services Rules. (Please note: In order to use Library-Supplied Internet computers, ...users must be registered TCPL library card holders.)

All users are limited to one hour per day which may be used in multiple sessions.

Children ages 8-13 may use the children’s internet computers with a valid library card and internet permission from a parent or guardian.

Teens ages 14-17 with a valid library card and internet permission from a parent or guardian may use the computers in the Teen PC area or the Adult Services Department.

Wi-Fi

The Library provides wireless (Wi-Fi) service to users with laptops from anywhere in the building. A library card is not required and there are no time limits. No printing service is available from the wireless service. For more information, check out the FAQs and Set-up Directions

Borrow a Netbook

The Library’s 2 Netbooks, mini-laptops that can connect to the Internet using the Library's wireless connection, are available for a 2 hour in-house loan period. Please go to the Circulation Desk if you would like to check one out.

EREADERS - Nooks & Kindles

The Library has eBook readers (or eReaders) available for you to check out ! Learn more >>

Printing & Scanning

Print cards are needed to print from the public computers. Print cards cost $1.00 and come encoded with 60¢. You can add funds to these cards and use them time and again. Black and white prints are 10¢ per page & color prints are 60¢ per page. No printing service is available for users using their own laptops and the the wireless service.

A scanner is available for emailing or saving scanned documents (library card required for log-in).

Software Available on Library Computers

ADULT SERVICES

Microsoft Office 2007

• Access
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Publisher
• Word

WinWay Resume Deluxe

Available on all 27 of the Library’s internet and word processing computers, the resume software features 14,000 sample resumes for more than 35,000 common job titles.  Users will also be able to:

• Create persuasive resume cover letters, ad response letters and interview thank you letters.
• Receive expert advice in full motion video to create professional looking resumes and cover letters and negotiate salary and benefits with confidence.
• Find answers to 200+ difficult interview & salary questions.
• Access current job openings anywhere in the U.S.A. from leading job search sites.

More information is available at tcpl-news.blogspot.com/2011/01/library-offers-new-resume-writing.html.

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing®

For Library Use on designated computers

Rosetta Stone®

For Library use only on designated computers.

• Rosetta Stone Version 1: English (US) Level 1, 2 & 3
• Rosetta Stone Version 3: English (US) Level 1, 2 & 3
• Rosetta Stone Version 3: Spanish (Latin America) Level 1, 2 & 3

YOUTH SERVICES

New Early Learning Software

The four Early Learning Computers in the Children’s Room have new software installed!  In addition to updated versions of old favorites like Cat in the Hat and Stellaluna, you’ll find programs featuring some of children’s most beloved characters, including Dora, Bob the Builder, Clifford, and Curious George.  With activities ranging from reading & phonics to science & music, and some that are just for fun, these new programs are sure to get our young patrons’ minds working and creativity flowing. Visit the children's webpage for Computers & Early Learning Software for more detailed information!

Parents with children may find it convenient to borrow a Netbook!

Teens

The Teen PC area has software for ages 14 - 17.

• Career Spins (Independent Living Resources, Inc.)
• High School Advantage (Riverdeep Educational Software)
• Hoyle Puzzle and Board Games (Encore Software)
• Kaplan SAT-ACT-PSAT (TOPICS Entertainment)
• Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (Encore Software)
• Microsoft Office 2003
• Microsoft Student 2006
• WinWay Resume Deluxe (Nova Development Corp.)

Internet Services Available

For the purposes of system security and stability, Internet services available are limited. The following table describes the permitted services as well as some which are explicitly blocked.

Public Internet Access Computers
Permitted Web browsing & most web-based applications (HTTP & HTTPS)	Blocked Services Telnet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Peer-to-Peer (kazaa, eDonkey, Limewire, etc.)
Floorjacks & Wireless Access Network
Permitted Web browsing & most web-based applications (HTTP & HTTPS), Email (POP3, IMAP, SMTP), Secure Email (POP3-SSL, IMAP-SSL), USENET (NNTP)	Blocked Services Telnet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Peer-to-Peer (kazaa, eDonkey, Limewire, etc.), Ping (ICMP)