As you know, the Technology Team has finished the major Firefox update on all SCLS Network PCs, moving from version 3 to version 10. Though the upgrade process was not without some challenges, all of the problems we faced helped us to understand how to make our next update (planning for Firefox 12) even better.
Here are a couple of things we learned:
Things go better when PCs are left on and logged off
We can't stress this enough: when PCs are left on and logged off during any software update, the process goes much smoother for both SCLS and our member libraries. As we attempt to rapidly increase the number of software programs installed on your staff and patron PCs, this becomes less of a recommendation and more of a requirement. For every PC shut off or "locked," SCLS Staff has to reconfigure our software update scheduler. The more PCs we can do in a given night means more time to upgrade other software products.
We think going from 10 to 12 will be even better
Many of the challenges faced were in the fundamental way Firefox handled printer configurations in version 3 when compared to version 10. Since printer configurations and profiles are key to a successful Koha staff experience, getting this right was imperative. Our initial testing is revealing that the changes experienced last time most likely do not apply going to 12. We're hoping for a better transition next time around.
Add-ons will continue to break
Library staff love Firefox add-ons! That much we did learn. However, the sad fact is that third party add-ons just can't keep up with this rapid update schedule. Every time we upgrade Firefox you should assume that one or more add-ons you have installed will not work until the developers fix their code to match the new Firefox. It's unfortunate (and us here at SCLS HQ are suffering right along with you!) but hopefully new tools like HTML 5 will give developers other ways of enhancing the Firefox experience.
How did you feel about our last upgrade? Leave your comments below or contact Jon Mark directly.