SCLS Technology News

2023 Spring Ordering Moratorium

Due to the upcoming SCLS headquarters move in May, we will be issuing an order moratorium starting Friday, March 31st, and going through Monday, July 3rd. This will mainly affect PC orders, but could also apply to other peripherals too. In most cases, if you need to order a peripheral during this window contact Craig and he’ll work out some arrangement to have items shipped directly to your library rather than coming to SCLS headquarters first and being sent out through delivery.

Please contact Craig if you have any questions.

 

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

 

Windows 11 on Staff PCs

SCLS is ready to start deploying Windows 11.  We will begin by deploying Windows 11 on new staff PCs and eligible staff PCs that come in for repair.  Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 as the end-of-life date for Windows 10, so we will eventually deploy Windows 11 to existing staff PCs as well.  This can be done over the network when the library is closed.

Windows 11 Start Menu

We will also begin developing a Windows 11 configuration for public computers in February and start deploying it as soon as possible.

Windows 11 is very similar to Windows 10 under the hood, but end users will notice differences in the taskbar, start menu, folders, Windows Explorer, Notepad and Media player.  If you would like to read about some of the new features included in Windows 11, check out these links!

• PCMag (Windows 11: Biggest Changes and New Features)
• Computerworld (Windows 11 Cheat Sheet)
• PCWorld (Windows 11’s first big update arrives: 6 new features to try)
• Windows Central (Windows 11 review: The start of a new era)

New Virtual Reality Kits

Virtual reality is new and improved for library programs this year!  We have just purchased 2 new Oculus Meta virtual reality headsets to loan to libraries. 

The Oculus Meta Quest 2 is a new VR headset that allows users to play, work out, explore, and learn in a virtual world.  The kit includes the headset, controllers and everything else you need.  A TV/projector is not included or required, however it does allow everyone in the room to watch and enjoy.

There are 2 different VR kits to choose from:  The Oculus Meta Quest 2  or the PlayStation 4.  They both can play virtual reality games and videos, however they are a little different.  They also have some different games, please check website for current list of games.

Oculus doesn't require a TV or projector (although one can be used so everyone in the room can watch, is easier to set up, and has less cables and more freedom of space.

PlayStation 4 requires a TV or projector, has lots of cables, but can be used just as a gaming console with disc games. 

 

Reservations will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be confirmed with an email from myself.  The kits can be checked out for up to 10 days, but only one kit at a time.

This equipment is intended for in-library use only and only for reservations by library staff members.

If you have any questions, you can leave them in the reservation form or send me an email at epeterson@scls.info.

 

Check availability and reserve the kits here.

 

Learn more about the Meta Quest 2.