Software Tips
Dormont Public Library is proud to offer a state-of-the-art computer lab for our patrons. We understand that not every patron is comfortable with computers, so we've put together this collection of common questions and solutions to problems that our computer lab staff regularly encounter. If you have a question which is not on this list, please ask the lab staff.
For general computer lab rules and policies, please read our Policies page.
Don't forget, you can schedule a computer training appointment with lab staff. Just ask in the lab or call at 412-531-8754. Let us know what level of computer knowledge you have, and any topics you'd like to focus on.
- Storing Your Files
We recommend that patrons purchase a USB flash drive to store important files and information. USB flash drives are faster, have greater capacity, and are more reliable than floppy disks. Most computers manufactured since 1998 have one or more USB ports which a flash drive can be plugged into.- Unlike CDs or DVDs, no special programs are required to save data to a USB flash drive. These drives are available at a low price from most major retailers. The Library does not sell USB flash drives.
- The Library no longer sells floppy disks or recommends their use with public computers. A single USB floppy disk drive is available for patron use. Computer lab staff can assist you with transferring your files from floppy disk to a USB flash drive.
- Patrons without storage devices should use online services such as MediaFire for temporary storage. Patrons who have email accounts may also send files to themselves as attachments. (See below for information regarding email attachments.)
- Email Attachments
- Patrons who have web-accessible email accuonts (such as Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo Mail) can attach files to email messages.
- For Gmail, when composing a message, click on the "Attach a file" link below the subject line of your message. Click the "Rrowse" button, and select the file on the desktop or on your disk.
- In Hotmail, the button to attach a file is located above the message composing area.
- In Yahoo Mail, click "Attach Files" (below the subject line), click "Browse" to slect the file, "Attach Files" again to confirm, then "Continue to Message".
- You can send a message with an attachment to yourself to store a file, if you don't have a flash drive. Just type your own email address in to "To:" line of your email, then attach the file.
- Printing Documents
We recommend that patrons always use the "Print Preview" function (located in the File menu of most applications) before printing any documents. This will show you on screen exactly what your document will look like when printed.- Printing web pages without previewing first may produce unpredictable results. Many web pages have a link or button to produce a special, printable version of the web page. Print this version whenever possible.
- Complex documents such as Google Maps and Adobe PDF files may take a long time to print on the computer lab printer.
- Saving and Printing in Microsoft Word 2007
Patrons who are used to conventional Windows software may be confused by Microsoft's new interface in its Office 2007 products, including Word. Microsoft has provided tutorials for users who are unfamiliar with the new Office 2007 interface, but what if you just want to edit your paper and save the changes without having to watch a tutorial first?- Saving and printing documents is now handled through the Office Button, the white button located in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Click on this button and a menu for saving and printing documents will appear.
- Changing Line Spacing in Word 2007
- Word 2007 adds extra space between lines in new documents by default. If you prefer having a strictly single-spaced document, you can use the Line Spacing icon in the Ribbon to change this.
- Before you begin typing, click the Line Spacing icon and choose "1.0" from the drop down menu that appears. If you have already begun typing, drag over the text you want to change to select it, then click the Line Spacing icon and choose "1.0".
- Burning CDs and DVDs
The Library would like to remind our patrons that library computers are not to be used for the unauthorized duplication of copyrighted materials.- To "burn" (permanently record data onto) a CD or DVD, use the Roxio Creator application located on the desktop of all public computers. You will need a blank CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, or DVD-R disc.
- The library's version of Roxio Creator does not support burning video DVDs that will play in a home DVD player. You can burn data DVDs to store your files, and data or audio CDs.
- Select the type of disc you wish to burn (data or audio), then click the 'Add Music' or 'Add Data' button to choose the files or tracks you wish to burn.
- Click the large yellow button and insert a blank CD or DVD when prompted. Wait for the disc to be burned and verified. You can continue working in other programs while the disc is burning.
- Important! If your computer time expires while burning a disc, the process may fail and the disc will be wasted. If you have fewer than 10 minutes remaining when you begin to burn a disc, please let the computer lab staff know.
- Watching DVDs
- Patrons may only use library computers to watch DVDs that are appropriate for public viewing, as determined by Library staff. You may not watch movies rated R or NC-17 on a public computer. Patrons must wear headphones while viewing any audiovisual materials.
use the VLC Media Player to watch DVDs and other audiovisual content on library computers.- Open VLC (the orange traffic cone) and choose File -> Open Disc. Click OK. The VLC window should expand and the DVD should begin playing. You can navigate the DVD menus with the arrow keys on the keyboard, or by clicking on items with the mouse. When you are finished, just click the red X to exit VLC.