Toolkit: Technology Recommendations
Recommendations for Purchase by Client Services Staff
Last updated: April 13, 2010.
Regarding: computer hardware, operating system and other software, wireless and other network equipment
Computer (Towers) Recommendation:
Minimum requirements:
Intel Pentium Dual Core or AMD equivalent processor (at least 2 GHz speed)
Minimum 2 GB of memory (RAM)
Minimum 80 GB HD
DVD RW/CD RW
Memory card reader - Optional
Floppy Drive - Optional
We recommend using well established brands and companies, such as Dell, Lenovo or HP, that have proven track records for good products and services. The few hundred dollars you may save by buying an unusual bargain brand computer can be quickly offset by the extra amount of time needed to service it.
If you work with an old keyboard or barcode scanner connected by PS/2 ports, we suggest purchasing a tower that has PS/2 AND USB ports. We also recommend buying computers that have at least one serial and parallel port to provide options when connecting peripherals. Some vendors still offer parallel, serial and PS/2 ports which are required by older keyboards, mice, scanners and printers. If this is not possible, then keep in mind you may need to purchase new USB printers and scanners in addition to the computer itself.
Operating Systems/Software Recommendations
Strong Recommendation
Windows 7 Professional has been tested with all of our products and services and seems to be working quite well with no known issues at this time. Most vendors are now including Windows 7, however, Vista and XP are still supported by YRL. Unless there is a specific need to run the 64bit version of either XP or Vista, for compatibility reasons, we do recommend staying with the 32 bit version. In most (if not all) cases 32 bit is fine. If you have questions about this or any other recommendations, please do not hesitate to call us.
Monitor
The monitor you choose is up to you. Most monitors will work with any tower or laptop.
Flat screen monitors – 19 “ or bigger is recommended. However, if you have space limitation, 17” LCD monitor would be fine.
Printer
HP printers are what we like best and have the most experience supporting. The most common printer in libraries in the YRL region is the HP Laserjet in the $400-$500 price range. There are monochrome printers that will suffice for most light to medium printing duties. Please ensure that the vendor indicates that the printer is "network ready" - meaning it can be connected to your libraries network for use by any of the computers on your libraries network.
Receipt Printers
STAR TSP100 (with USB connection) - This printer is the ONLY receipt printer that we recommended for use with Polaris. This model will print holds slip and call slip receipts. Other models have been proven to work, however, this model by Star works most seamlessly as compared to the others.
Barcode Scanners
Symbol LS4278 – This model has worked well and has been very popular for our hotspare loaner service. It is a wireless laser scanner (Bluetooth) with cradle supports for vertical or horizontal placements.
IT3800 Scanner - This scanner comes highly recommended from one of our suppliers. Legacy Library Services is a good place to start for this type of purchase.
Patron and Staff Wireless Access
We have successfully tested and have been using a new wireless system that allows a patron to use your wirless connection by simply entering in their TRAC barcode number and PIN. After connecting to the wireless signal (Library Wireless), the patron will be presented with a portal page in which to enter in their information. This also requires much less intervention from staff for things such as encryption keys.
We have been installing this new system into our libraries in YRL since last fall and they have been working well. We will be scheduling the remaining libraries for their installations in the coming months.
Recommender/Installer Assistance
If you would like to purchase a new workstation, review your network setup or get recommendations for design and/or purchases, please feel free to call and talk to one of the Desktop and Network Administrators at YRL – or place a request for a recommendation through the online helpdesk at ‘helpdesk@yrl.ab.ca’ for more assistance.
If you purchase a computer tower, we can assist by installing and configuring your computer at YRL HQ if you drop it off, or have it delivered here first. We may also arrange with you to come out and install your equipment on site.