Software on library computers

Library computers currently have the following:

• Windows 10
• Microsoft Edge 
• Microsoft Office 2019 - Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Ease of access settings:

• All computers available for public use at the libraries can be adjusted using the 'Ease of Access' centre to adjust settings like text size, cursor colour/size, contrast, on-screen narrator (headphones required) and on-screen keyboard.
• To change the settings use the WINDOWS START key, select SETTINGS and then EASE OF ACCESS.
• Settings will revert to the usual default settings once you have logged off from the computers.

You can read more about this feature on the Microsoft Windows support section.

Accessing PCs in libraries

• The library PCs will present you with a login screen.
• Enter your library membership number from the barcode on your library card.
• Then enter your library PIN and you will be taken to the home screen.

• PCs are available to use during advertised library opening hours.
• Access to PCs ends 15 minutes before each library's advertised closing time.
• There is no need to book, but you may have to wait for a short time during busy periods.

Charges for using library computers

• There are currently no charges for using the computers at libraries but resources may be limited.
• Computers are offered on a first come first served basis with an initial free session lasting one hour.
• You do not need to be a member of the library to use the computers, but it is free to join the library.

Using library PCs

Every effort is made to ensure that all equipment is virus-free, but we cannot guarantee this.

Our facilities are self-help and staff will assist when possible but cannot provide training or advice, or undertake research for you. You may find these options helpful:

• Several of the Milton Keynes City Council libraries offer basic IT help sessions through our IT buddies. If you're interested in booking a session you can email us for more information.
• User guides (see below)
• Silver Surfers help (see below)
• Computer courses are run by Community Learning MK (CLMK)
• Online library services (eLibrary)

Parental consent is required for children under 16 years to use library computers.

Get Safe Online offers free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow you to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.

Saving files on library computers

• You can download files to your own storage devices.
• Files cannot be permanently stored on library PCs but they can be temporarily stored on the X drive and then attached to an email.
• Files saved on the X drive will be deleted automatically at the end of your session.

Printing

Printing is available at all libraries except Woughton Library through Kuario Wi-Fi printing and is chargeable.

Printing charges are:

• A4 black and white - 25p per sheet
• A4 colour - 80p per sheet
• A3 black and white - 35p per sheet
• A3 colour - £1.40 per sheet

Scanning

• The Milton Keynes libraries have a self-service A4 scanner connected to one of the public PCs.
• Kingston Library and Westcroft Library do NOT have public computers and do not offer scanning services via computers but you can scan using the printers - see the Kuario Wi-Fi printing page for details.
• Scanning is NOT available at Woughton Library.

Self-service scanning

• Scanning is free.
• You may need to queue to use the scanner at busy times.

Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi is available at all Milton Keynes libraries.
• To connect to the Wi-Fi select the 'MKC Public Wi-Fi' network on your device.
• Read and accept the terms and conditions of access.

Woughton Library also offers free Wi-Fi and you will need to ask staff for the login details when you visit.

Read the full terms and conditions for accessing the Wi-Fi at Milton Keynes City Council libraries.

IT help guides

There are a few guides available that may answer some of your questions.

• Digital Unite is an organisation that helps people to have good digital skills. They offer help and support to IT volunteers and they produce a variety of guides which you may find useful.
• Creating an email address - instructions to help you set up an email account on the Digital Unite email help web page.
• Online safety - Britannica offers an eSafety Guide for Students to help you stay safe online.

Silver Surfers

Are you just starting to use the Internet? Here are some interesting and useful websites recommended by the Milton Keynes libraries.                 

Milton Keynes Central Library is a UK online partner.

• BBC
• BBC adults learning page
• BBC iPlayer
• Ability Net - enabling disabled people to use digital technology
• Digital Unite - computer training for over 50s
• GOV.UK - government services
• Microsoft Digital Literacy
• Money Saving Tips
• Money Off Vouchers and other bargains
• My Supermarket
• Google search engine
• NHS UK
• Train times and fares
• Vision2Learn - Online Courses and Learning
• YouTube

There are also guides available from Online Centres Network which offer guidance for tutors wanting to help older people improve their digital skills.

• Helping older people to use the Internet
• Using games to teach tablet skills

Online training, help and guidance

• GOV.UK – government services and information including HMRC, child benefit and submitting self-assessment tax returns.
• National Cyber Security Centre - government site with guidance and resources to keep you safe online.
• NHS choices – find your local GP or get information through an A-Z of Health.
• Citizens Advice Bureau – advice and information on resolving legal, financial and other problems or situations.
• Digital Skills Service with Milton Keynes Citizens Advice as part of the UK Online Centres Network.
• Federation of Small Businesses – business and legal advice for the self-employed and owners of small businesses.
• Money advice service – free and impartial money advice, set up by government.
• Get Safe Online – information about online safety.
• Learn My Way – online courses offering help for computer basics, Internet banking or shopping and job searching.
• Digital Unite – online guides, courses and computer tutors.
• Age UK – dedicated to supporting people in later life.
• Excel Easy – free fully illustrated Microsoft Excel tutorial with over 300 examples.
• OpenLearn - free learning from The Open University.