Help SCLS with software updates by keeping your PCs on all the time

As South Central progresses with its plan to offer software updates on a much more ambitious schedule, it's imperative that both Staff and Patron PCs are ready to accept the updates.

We've put together a web page that explains the best practices and expectations when it comes to software updates (http://www.scls.info/technology/updates/index.html), but briefly here is what we need libraries to do from now on:

• Please leave all SCLS-supported staff and patron PCs on at night.
• Please log off SCLS-supported staff PCs during off-hours.
• Please do not "lock" the PCs; the locked state prevents any updates from occurring
• Close and save all your documents between use; an open document can prevent updates and will block any rebooting needed by the update process.
• A weekly reboot can help clean out the "gunk" accumulated during the week and may improve PC speed.  We recommend that on Friday, you restart your PC, leaving it in a logged off (but still on) state for the weekend.
• Monitors can be shut off on any PC to save power without affecting software updates.  Just make sure both morning and evening staff members understand the procedure.

 We realize that this may be change in the way your library's done business over the years. However, without your help with this very important step the strong push for more rapid updates cannot happen.

Comments

[Dennis]

I'm afraid I don't understand what "lock the desktop" means. I don't know if I'm doing this or not so I don't know what steps I shouldn't be doing.

Bummer about closing documents though. I do like to leave some open for easy access...

[Kerri]

We posted some instructions (and videos) for clarification ( http://www.scls.info/technology/updates/logoff.html ) and Brian also just did a TechBits post: http://scls.typepad.com/techbits/2012/02/log-offlock-desktopreboot-pcs.html

[Dennis]

Thank you!

[Susan Kosharek]

Can you clarify "all SCLS supported PCs"?
What about the non-link PC's with Library Online? We normally shut down/shut down those each night.

Also, What about laptops we have for patrons to check out? Those are kept off until checked out and have Library Online installed.

Do we have to do anything with those?

[Kerri]

Ah... good question, Susan! We should have been more clear about that.

SCLS-supported PCs *that are on the SCLS network* should be left on. These are the PCs which get automatic updates overnight.

Your library's "non-LINK" PCs and laptops are on a non-SCLS network. To be updated, they need manual intervention by Dan or other SCLS staff. They can be turned off at night if you wish.