Locations

USF Libraries Laptops for Checkout

Lenovo Flex 14 laptops have been made available in Tampa and St. Petersburg libraries. When you logon, they proudly display the USF Libraries Logo in the center of the screen:

When using these machines, please note:

These units should automatically connect to the network “USF” if within range. You will know this by watching the small globe icon at the bottom right of the screen change from a world icon to a signal strength icon, before you log on.

World IconWireless Icon

A sticker has been added to the inside lid of these units to remind students that connection to the USF network is required for logon:

“Access to Network “USF” required for login. World icon must change to wireless strength icon, and display “Connected, Open””

  • If students attempt to take laptops to locations with no USF network, they will not be able to log on.
  • The units are protected by a software called DeepFreeze, that removes all settings and files each time the unit is powered off. File saves should be often, to a USB drive or to an online location.
  • The units should not sleep or be locked. The lock should be disabled, and closing the lid should not result in sleep but in powering off.
  • The units can be taken outside of the library for up to 3-hour loans, but CANNOT be taken to locations where there is no USF network access, or logins will fail. The library does not provide assistance via phone for these machines, or for after hours. Their recourse is to return the unit or use it within the library.
  • The great benefit of the configuration is that nearly any issues can be resolved by turning the unit off and then on again (unless it is a hardware failure).

Note that the software that is provided on the machines is what is supported.  Students cannot install additional software. If they want to request changes to the configuration of the laptops, this is done between semester breaks and they can submit an online form with their suggestion.
Make sure a bag is used for each checkout to protect from rain and the elements.