Laptops and Wireless

eduroam

Wireless zones are located throughout the library and your device should automatically pick up a signal to the eduroam network. The eduroam wireless service in the Drill Hall is provided by JANET.

Using your own laptop

To connect, you will need your university IT account, or an IT account from another participating eduroam institution. Please ensure your laptop has current anti-virus software and the latest security updates before connecting. For details of how to connect, please pick up a guide in the library or download one of the guides below.

To use this service you must abide by:

Mobile Devices

For more information on connecting your wireless mobile device to the eduroam network, please visit our Mobile Devices page.

Getting help

If you are having problems connecting to eduroam, please visit the Student Support Zone, located in the corridor next to the Group Zone.

Kent IT Clinic

For help and advice on general issues such as anti-virus protection, software updates and hardware faults the Kent IT Clinic located in the University of Kent Medway Building offer students and staff a laptop consultancy service at competitive prices. Members of the IT Clinic will be present in the library between 11-1pm on the first Monday of every month. Watch out for them near the sofa area.

Full details of their service and opening hours can be found on their website. This service is available to all staff and students affliated with any of the Universities at Medway institutions.

Student Netbook and Laptop Loan Scheme

There are 80 netbooks and 10 laptops available for use anywhere within the library. Just pick one up from a trolley and find a spot to work in the library. Please do not attempt to remove from the building as they are only for use within the library. Please remember to plug in the netbook when you return it. A BattStats monitor is located on each trolley which allows you to check how much battery life is in each netbook, prior to selection.

What is the loan scheme?

  • Anyone affiliated with the University of Greenwich, University of Kent (including Mid-Kent college) and Canterbury Christ Church can borrow a laptop or netbook for use within the library. No pre-booking or issuing - just pick one up from one of the trolleys located in each zone and start using it.

Where can I borrow one from?

  • Trolleys are located throughout the library within each zone. Don't forget: when you've finished using it to return it back to one of the trolleys and plug in for charging ready for the next person.

Where can I use them?

  • Anywhere in the library including the new group study rooms and the Archibald Hay Mess. We would ask that you refrain from using them on the mezzanine above reception as they can trigger the alarm. The loan scheme will operate whenever the library is open, including evenings and weekends.

Can I use them outside of the Drill Hall?

  • No, please do not attempt to remove from the building. They are electronically tagged and will set off an alarm if you leave the building.

What can I use them for?

  • Log in as normal using your usual username and password. The machines are pre-configured to connect to the wireless network giving you access to the internet, your network drive/home folder and MS Office applications. Do not save any work on the netbook, all work should be saved to your network drive or USB key.

Can I print?

  • Yes, all printing will be sent to printer BW13 located near the Archibald Hay Mess. The usual printing rates apply. Please note that colour printing is not available.

What is the difference between using a netbook and a laptop?

  • Netbooks are smaller, very light and portable and have a battery life of around 6-8 hours. Laptops are larger and slightly faster than the netbooks but consequently have a much shorter battery life of around 2-3 hours. All feature the same internet access, applications and printing facility.

What should I do if I discover a fault?

  • Please report any faults or problems to a member of staff.

Conditions of use.

  • Laptops and netbooks must be returned to the trolley after use and plugged in to the charging cable. Charging cables must not be removed.
  • Do not leave laptops and netbooks unattended and do not attempt to remove from the library.
  • Anti-virus software is installed and automatically updated. However, the library cannot be held responsible for any virus infection which spreads to a user's USB key. You are advised to check such devices when reattaching to another computer.
  • Users are required to abide by the regulations for computer use issued by their home institution which should be read in conjunction with the library rules and regulations.