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SCLS Network PCs - On, Off, or Locked?

When SCLS sends out updates to SCLS-supported PCs on the SCLS network, we almost always do this at night. Updates at night minimize the amount of disruption to library staff and patrons during business hours.

Here's what you should know about SCLS Network PCs:

• Patron PCs should always be left powered on overnight.
  • Because their disks are locked during the day, we schedule a time every night when the disks will be unlocked and patron PCs can receive antivirus and other software updates.
• Staff PCs should always be left powered on overnight.
  • If staff PCs are powered off during an update, the update may instead run during the day when it can disrupt the library's normal workflow.
• Staff PCs should be logged off of Windows at night.
• Don't "lock the computer." When SCLS sends out software updates to library PCs, Windows must be in a state where it may be rebooted. A "locked desktop" can prevent some types of updates and reboots from succeeding.
• Don't leave documents open. Open documents can also prevent some types of updates and reboots from succeeding.
• "Locking" a staff PC's desktop during the day is fine.
• Staff PCs should be restarted ("rebooted") weekly to help prevent issues.

For more information about logging off, restarting, and locking the computer, please see this page for instructions and videos.

If you are concerned about power consumption, monitors may be turned off for any PCs at night to save power. Just be sure that your staff knows this is your library's procedure!

The Future of SCLS Network PC Updates

Beginning in 2012, SCLS Technology staff will start scheduling more frequent updates. Tech staff will continue to test the updates before they go out. With the increase in frequency this testing, by necessity, will be less rigorous than it was previously.

Because Mozilla Firefox is moving to a Rapid Release Cycle, SCLS will be releasing updates more frequently as well; however, our updates may not be in sync with or include every Mozilla update.

Updates for SCLS Network Staff PCs
When SCLS staff send out software updates to staff PCs, we will notify libraries in advance of the updates. To help facilitate updates, libraries should always leave their staff PCs on at night. We will attempt to update the staff PCs over two different nights to catch staff PCs that were powered off the first night. If staff PCs are not on for those first 2 attempts, they will receive the update the next time they are turned on--- which may be disruptive to library staff work procedures.

• 1st try: Notify libraries of update. Send out update at night.
• 2nd try: Notify libraries with PCs that did not receive update. Send out update at night.
  • Install during day: If PCs were not on for the first 2 tries, they will install the update when they are next turned on and logged in. This may interrupt library work flow, as sometimes a reboot is required and happens automatically.

Updates for SCLS Network Patron PCs
Patron PCs should always be left on at night to receive updates. Library staff should verify that helpful patrons have not shut the PCs down before closing the library.

SCLS Update Schedule

More information on scheduled SCLS software updates can be found on the "SCLS Network PC Updates" page of the SCLS Status Wiki.

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For more information about updates, contact the Help Desk: (608) 242-4710.

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