[WEB4LIB] RE: Patron Internet Machines

[Pecaut, Mark J.]

We've got Pentium 90's with 32MB RAM.  We run Windows 95/Netscape/Acrobat
and have constant problems with the machines.  
One of the things our technical staff is looking into now is the NIC
(http://www.thinknic.com).  It is a 266Mhz computer with no hard drive.  It
runs linux off a CD-ROM.  It is $200 without a monitor.  It seemed to run
pretty well - the slowest thing was starting netscape because it has to
access the CD-ROM.  I contacted the company and they said you can make your
own CD-ROMs, but that is unsupported.  Anyone else looking at something like
this?  
 -Mark

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robin Zalben [mailto:Robin.Zalben at alverno.edu]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 11:50 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: Patron Internet Machines
> 
> 
> We've been using Navigator with less memory (64MB I think) 
> and Winselect,
> and we haven't had many problems...The only problem which I 
> think I found a
> solution to, was when left unattended for a while, some of 
> the computers
> seem to get caught in some sort of memory loop.  I think it 
> is solved by
> removing Norton Antivirus 5.0 (I probably could have changed 
> the settings,
> but since they can't download or do anything with the hard 
> drive, I don't
> think it is necessary).
> 
> Our computers are Gateway P5-166 (some are newer no name 
> brands, but the
> same memory problem happened)
> 
> Robin Zalben
> Robin Zalben
> Automation Librarian
> Alverno College
> Milwaukee, WI
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tasmin R. Nyaforh [mailto:tnyaforh at lawrence.lib.ks.us]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 11:37 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] Patron Internet Machines
> 
> 
> I want to find out if any libraries are having consistent 
> problems with
> their patron Internet machines.  It seems as if the stations 
> are constantly
> locking up and we hear many grumbles from patrons and staff about the
> Internet being down.
> 
> We are currently using Compaq computers with 128 MB of RAM.  The only
> program we are allowing access to is Netscape Navigator.  We 
> also use Full
> Control or Winselect on the Internet stations for security.   
>  I know that
> the security software creates an extra burden on memory, but 
> it would be
> nice to have up time to be consistent. We are thinking about 
> migrating to a
> thin client environment to contain the problem. 
> 
> I am wondering if anyone else is having problems with keeping Internet
> Stations up and running and what solutions have you found to 
> rectify the
> problem.
> 
> Thanks!
> trn
> 
> ......
> .......
> .......
> ........
> Tasmin R. Nyaforh
> Technology Coordinator
> Lawrence Public Library
> 707 Vermont Street
> Lawrence, KS 66044
> 
> 785-843-3833, ext. 106
> 785-843-3833, ext. 124 (voice)
>