Miami University Libraries
Get HelpLaptop Checkout
Overview
The Miami University Libraries allow Miami University students to check out and use portable computers within King Library and the Brill Science Library to explore the Internet and electronic resources using wireless networktechnology.
Wireless Network connections are available in all areas of these buildings except for portions of the 3rd floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I login to the Wireless Network
- What kind of computers are available?
- What kinds of software do they have?
- How do I check out a laptop?
- What about privacy issues?
- What if I lose the laptop?
- Can I access email using laptops?
- How do I print files?
- How do I save files?
- How do I accesss my Universal Disk Space (UDS)?
What kinds of computers are available for loan?
The library currently provides a number of Dell Latitude Windows-based laptops and several Macintosh G4 Laptops.
What software do they have?
- The Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- The MUNet Internet Tools:
- Windows: Internet Explorer, Putty Telnet, Telnet, WS-FTP
- Macintosh: Safari, Mozilla, Firefox, Better Telnet, Terminal, Fetch.
- Web Authoring Software
- Windows: Map this 1.3, MS Front Page, Visual Page
- Macintosh: BBEdit Lite, Visual Page
How do I check out a laptop?
You can check out a laptop at the King Library Circulation desk on the 1st floor of King Library or the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor of the Brill Science Library. You will need to have two picture ID's. One must be a Miami University ID that will be kept at the desk while the computer is checked out.
At checkout, you will be asked to review and sign a Laptop Check List and Loan Agreement. This will state what laptop and accessories you have and that the laptop was in working order when you received it. Circulation staff will turn on the laptop to confirm that it works.
What about Privacy Issues?
We strongly advise borrowers: DO NOT SAVE INFORMATION TO A LAPTOP'S HARD DRIVE. Subsequent borrowers can view any files saved to a hard drive. A laptop's hard drive is typically erased/re-imaged only at the end of each day When finished with your laptop, delete any information/files you did not want others to see.
What if I lose the laptop or it gets stolen?
You, the laptop users, are responsible for the laptop and all accessories checked out at the Circulation Desk. If the equipment is lost or stolen, you will be charged the replacement cost as listed on the loan agreement form.
Laptop users are STRONGLY encouraged to keep the laptop with them at all times and to never leave them unattended.
Can I access my e-mail using the laptops?
To protect your privacy, Eudora has NOT been installed on the laptops. Instead you are encouraged to use the University's new web email system.
How do I print files?
Laptops are configured to print to the printers, located in the middle of the 1st floor of King Library or to the printer in the reference area on the 2nd floor of Brill Science Library.
How do I save files?
You may want to save files on your Universal Disc Space (UDS) or send the files to your email account. The Windows laptops have floppy disk drives-- you may save files to one of your floppies (not availible from the Libraries). Do not save files or leave information on the hard drive. Hard drives are periodically deleted and re-imaged. The Libraries can not be responsible for information left on a hard drive and subsequently deleted.
How do I access my Universal Disk Space (UDS)?
For Windows laptops, do the following:
Windows Laptops should log into UDS automatically
To access your Universal Disk Space:
- Double-click on the M Drive icon.
- Double-click on the folder which corresponds to the first letter of your last name. For example, Tammy Smith would select the folder UDS-S. If more than one folder displays again, double-click on the folder corresponding to the first letter of your last name.
For Macintosh laptops, do the following:
- Double-click on the M Drive icon.
- Double-click on tehe folder which corresponds to the first letter of your last name. For example, Tammy Smith would select the folder UDS-S. If more than one folder displays again, double-click on the folder corresponding to the first letter of your last name.
- The Novell Login window appears. Delete whatever is in the Name field and type in your Unique ID.
- Click Log In.
- An icon will appear on the desktop labeled MUSERVERX.USERS. Click on this icon.
- In the window that appears, click on the folder associated with the first letter of your last name.
- A folder appears labeled with your Unique ID. Click on the folder to access your Universal Disk Space.