[WEB4LIB] Re: Patron Internet Machines

[Andrew Mutch]

One thing that I have seen from time-to-time with various security programs is
that they leave fragments of the browser application running in the background.
This may not be immediately obvious as all the browser windows are closed.
However, if a patron starts a "new" instance of the browser and it appears to
hang or freeze up, there is probably a conflict with the "background" copy.  In
Windows98 [if the security app. allows it], you can use CTRL-ALT-DELETE to see if
there are multiple instances of Netscape running.  Zapping the offending copy
returns things back to normal and allows the "new" sression to continue without a
problem.  I would bet that the security software is to blame.  Sorry I can't
offer a good solution to solve the issue!

Andrew Mutch
Library Systems Technician
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford, MI

Sherie Brown wrote:

> We have seven public internet machines also running Winselect and have
> CONSTANT problems as you described. They also have another layer of
> security, Carl's "Everybody's Menu Builder."  We used to use only
> Netscape, but just last week changed to IE (thanks to the list discussion
> on Hotmail problems) but that has not improved the overall situation.  We
> have a T-1 line, so I don't suspect bandwidth problems.  I don't think we
> have two machines alike in regards to memory or processors--some are
> dinosaurs, some fresh from the box.  But they ALL freeze up.  As you know,
> it is inconvenient to reboot through all these security layers.  When the
> browser quits responding, you can't even close the program.
>
> Some shifts at the reference desk involve rebooting the machines on a
> rotating basis, as one after another quits responding.  AAAARRRGGGHHHH
> I understand your frustration, as it is shared by our staff and public.
> Our  staff machines do not have this problem--EVER--and they are
> identical in configuration to the "bad" ones in all other ways but
> Winselect and Menu Builder.  All advice EXTREMELY appreciated!
> Sherie Brown
> ****************************************************************************
> Sherie Brown
> Head of Reference Services
> Massillon Public Library
>
> On Tue, 12 Sep 2000, Tasmin R. Nyaforh wrote:
>
> > 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)
> >
> >