Laptop Computers - These computers are available to provide a portable computing capability within the library with access to the Internet and software applications. Print jobs from the laptops will be sent to the library's pay-for-print printers in room L123.

Microsoft Office is available on these machines to make it possible for users to prepare research papers and other written materials, using the full range of research materials the library can provide and the most popular applications for formatting and presenting the results of their research. Additionally, these machines provide access to Internet use and e-mail when the stand-alone workstations are not available.

Because these machines are open machines, they are especially useful when a particular Internet application is needed (FTP for example). Because they are DeepFreeze based, a person can install the needed application on the spot, with no damage to the system. The one limitation is that there is currently no obvious way to export files larger than a floppy.

These machines can function as a mobile computer lab & teaching station to provide additional hands-on and presentational teaching alternatives for students and teachers, beyond the workstations in the main classroom. This includes things like: teaching applications loaded on the laptops, providing a hands-on capability in the Conference Room, and using one laptop as a PowerPoint projection machine at another location in the library. To use a laptop as a presentation machine, reserve a "Smart Cart" from Media Distribution.

Please be aware that faculty and staff may also check out laptops from Media Distribution. The check-out period for these machines is two weeks, and these machines do allow network access.