Borrowing a Computer in Libraries or Internet Cafes

When you're wandering around campus (or around the world), sometimes you need network access for a while, but don't have a computer or cell phone with you.

Many locations such as libraries, residence halls, copy shops, and Internet cafes offer computer labs for their patrons, either for free use or for hourly fees. However, there are some additional considerations to take when you're borrowing someone else's computer.

Considerations

When you're borrowing a computer, issues to consider include:

• Whether or not the location charges fees for access
• Extra security precautions you should take with unfamiliar computers
• Possible keyboard differences (in other countries)

Fees

Some locations charge time-based fees for use of their computers; others allow free access for limited times. In many locations, the fees and/or time restrictions are clearly marked by the computer. However, if you're not certain how a fee structure works (for example, if a sign doesn't clearly indicate whether you'll be charged for an entire hour of use if you're online for ten minutes), it's advisable to find an employee and ask.

Free computer access at local libraries: Like many libraries worldwide, the Champaign and Urbana public libraries offer computers for patrons' use and do not charge fees. The time limits range from 30 minutes to an hour. In addition to web browsers, other utilities such as Microsoft Office applications are available on some library computers. You can check with the Reference Desk librarians at each library for more information.

Extra security considerations

Because these types of computers are accessed by so many different people in the course of a day, you'll want to be more careful when entering security-sensitive information at one of these locations.

• Always close your web browser and log out when you're finished. This will empty the browser's temporary cache so that the next person to use the computer won't be logged into your personal email account. (Likewise, never map a drive on a borrowed computer to your NetFiles account, because the next visitor won't need to enter your password in order to gain access to that mapped drive.)
  
  
• Be careful about entering any passwords. Computer labs and public computers are frequent targets for key loggers that will record every keystroke and report them back to the key logger's author -- including usernames and passwords. It's safest not to use public computers for any online finance or shopping transactions, and you shouldn't use the same password for an email account that you use for online finances or shopping.
  
  
• If you do enter a password on a borrowed computer, make sure that the web site you're visiting is using encryption to keep your password secure at the other end. This is indicated by a URL that begins with https:// and an icon showing a closed lock in the frame of the browser window. For more information about password encryption and web browsers, see the Making an Online Purchase security scenario.

Keyboards in other countries

If you're using a computer in another country, the keyboard may be arranged in an unfamilar way -- or it may not have Roman alphabet letters at all, and you won't be able to assume that typing the first letter of the middle row will produce an A. It's helpful to learn about the keyboards used in the area you'll be visiting, so that you'll be able to type reliably.

For more information on network access while studying or traveling abroad, including country profiles and keyboard layouts, see the Study Abroad network scenarios.