Frequently Asked Questions - Public Internet Access Terminal
Q. Why isn't there any virus software on the terminals?
A. NSW.net has taken numerous measures to prevent tampering and damage to the machines and to local networks. Public users cannot see or write to the C drive or network drives, only the A drive. This will ensure protection from viruses. If a member of the public has downloaded files onto a floppy and wishes to use it on another library machine, the library could follow its normal procedures for the use of floppy disks on their machines. If administrators remain anxious about the threat of viruses they are free to install anti-virus software.
Q. What should I do if I load anti virus software on the terminals and it keeps on rebooting?
A. Unfortunately, it is hard to determine why this problem occurs so the quickest and easiest way to overcome this problem is to re-image the terminal.
Q. I have tried re-imaging my terminal with the NSW.net image but in the process it deletes the network and printer settings?
A. The image resets all terminals seetings back to their original state. Because all network (LAN's) are site specific, we chose not to save these particular settings. However, as normal practice, you should keep a record of your individual terminal settings (network, internet explorer, printing) so that if and when you need this information, it is readily available to you.
Q. What languages are supported on the terminals?
A. NSW.net has endeavoured to ensure access for the 30 most commonly spoken languages in NSW. For a list of these languages please view Extra Features Reinstalling.
Q. Why can't there be a charge for use of the terminals?
A. The NSW Government provided funding for the terminals as part of its connect.nsw initiative in order to ensure equity of access to information, particularly on government services, via the internet.
Q. Why shouldn't word processing and other applications be installed on the terminals?
A. The terminals are provided for internet access only. Nsw.net would find it difficult to manage a statewide distribution of terminals without some standardisation across the State. For this reason, while we will endeavour to help, we cannot guarantee or support the functionality of terminals that have had software installed that is not part of the standard disk image. Administrators are able to install applications on the machines primarily so libraries can install accessibility software, such as drivers for adaptive keyboards.
Q. How do I use Zoomtext?
A. Zoomtext comes with a built in tutorial which is accessed by an icon on the desktop. NSW.net also has some hard copies of manuals which are available upon request.
There's also a 15 page tutorial (Word, pdf) for ZoomText at: http://www.aisquared.com/support/Documentation.cfm (Current image has version 7)
Q. How are the terminals to be upgraded?
A. The disk image (or Standard Operating Environment) was redeveloped and distributed in March 2003 in response to feedback received from the libraries. The upgraded image included a number of enhancements in the form of upgraded applications and improved security. Any further upgrades to the disk image will be the result of feedback received from libraries to improve the functionality of these terminals.
Q. How can I comment on or ask questions about the NSW.net terminals?
A. Please complete the NSW.net Inquiry Form or call us on 1800 679 638.
