BPL Support

1. Make sure your CAPS LOCK is off.
2. Look carefully at the user name and password to be sure you are typing each character correctly.
3. If you still cannot login, take your username and password along with picture ID to a library branch for password assistance.

For general help in using WebMail, click the "Help" link on the WebMail page and then click the "Table of Contents" Link.

To learn how to use EMail, take the GCF EMail tutorial at GCF Email Basics. GCF tutorials are free but you will need to register.

1. Click "show all" to get as many emails on the web page as possible. It may take awhile but wait for them all to come in before you continue. If you are on a modem line and it is taking 'forever' to load the messages, you may want to come to a library branch to clear the box.
2. Click "Select all" to put a check mark in each box.
3. Look through the messages and remove the check mark from any messages you want to keep.
4. In the 'Move selected to:' drop box, select 'Trash' and click 'Move'
5. When you are finished with the messages you have moved to Trash, empty the Trash by clicking the word '(purge)' next to the Trash folder.

• The BPL mail server allows pop3 and imap connections. If you are using dialup, you will probably use pop3.
• You may be asked for a server name. Regardless of the wording (POP3, SMTP, etc.), the correct name for the mail server (both incoming and outgoing) is mail.beau.org.
• The domain suffix (if you should be asked) is beau.org
• Your email address is your username followed by the at sign and then beau.org. For example: your_username@beau.org

The Library's mailserver marks some messages by adding [SPAM] to the subject of the E-Mail. Most E-Mail programs will allow you to automatically send this mail to the Trash or to some other folder so that it will not appear in your INBOX.

Set the options or preferences in your E-Mail program so that pictures are not automatically displayed and programs or executables do not run automatically.

If you access the Internet on your laptop or a personal PC (via dial-up or wireless) you may want to install an Internet filter on your PC. Among the sites which offer and/or review these products are:

• Tucows Shareware Anti-Spam List
• EmailAbuse.org
• Spam Filter Review

Most E-Mail programs allow you to set up additional filters. For filtering options see the on-line help or support for the E-Mail program you are using.

• in the GCF EMail tutorial at GCF Email Basics. GCF tutorials are free but you will need to register.
• on the Internet - use a search engine such as Google to locate the information you need.
• in print or video format. The Library's Reader Services Department can help you locate these materials.

• If DeRidder telephone numbers are not long distance for you, set your computer to dial 462-9420. Please note that DeRidder numbers are now local for our patrons in the Merryville area. The old Merryville numbers are being phased out. If you are in the Merryville area, set your computer to dial 462-9420.
• If you live in the South Beauregard area and DeRidder numbers are long distance for you, set your computer to dial 725-3768 or 725-4484.
• It is best to allow your computer to pick up DNS service automatically. If this does not work, our primary DNS server is 199.80.85.1. Secondary DNS server is 209.209.193.98
• Mail can be picked up by pop3 or imap. For additional information, see the E-Mail section of these instructions.
• If you need additional help with your setup, pick up a copy of the Library's CD and Instructions at any branch of the Beauregard Parish Library. Additional information on setting up your account is available at:
  
• Internet Setup Instructions
• Dialup FAQ

1. Most modern computers are Internet ready. This means that they have the hardware and software to connect to and browse the Internet. Windows, Linux and MAC computers can use the dialup services.
2. Dialup connections require a phone line with dial tone. The phone line connects to the computer through a modem. Software to operate the modem must be installed in your computer.
3. You will need a username and password assigned by the Beauregard Parish Library. Visit any branch of the Library to apply for an account.
4. To avoid long distance charges, you need to be in a telephone area which allows you to dial one of the Library's access numbers as a local call. The numbers are: 462-9420, 725-3768 and 725-4484.

If you would like more restrictive filters, these sites list and or review parental filters.

• Tucows Shareware Parental Filters
• Internet Filter Review

• Check with your vendor. You may have support or a warranty which will help solve your problem.
• Try the BPL Dialup and Modem FAQs
• And the Internet Setup Instructions
• The Library's Reader Services Department can help you locate the books and other resources on computer dialup connections.
• Consult a computer repair technician.

1. MS Windows based operating systems are especially vulnerable. Take care to keep up with all the security updates recommended for your system. Follow the recommended security guidelines for your system.
2. Because Windows systems can give access to your files without your knowledge, we strongly advise against using Outlook Express and Internet Explorer. Install and, whenever possible, use another browser and E-Mail reader.
3. Because the mail remains on the Library's mail server, using the Library's WebMail to read E-Mail is safer than reading it on your computer.
4. Avoid downloading programs or other files from unfamiliar web sites or E-Mails unless you are very sure that they come from a secure, uninfested source.
5. Install and regularly update and use software to protect your computer from viruses, ads and other mal-ware. Make sure the software you use is from a reliable source.
6. Know how to protect your system from the most recent threats. Additional information is available at Symantec Security Response and other similar sites.
7. Consider using a MAC or Linux based system for Internet access. Dual booting PCs and laptops which allow you to use Windows for running programs and Linux for Internet access are available.

1. Log on at BPL OPAC - My Items
2. Place a check mark next to the items you wish to renew.
3. Click 'Renew Selected Items'
4. If any of the items are not eligible for renewal, return them or call the Library for additional information.

   You may also request a renewal by dialing (337)463-6217 and selecting extension 61.

1. Make sure your CAPS LOCK is off.
2. Look carefully at the user name and password to be sure you are typing each character correctly.
3. If you still cannot login, take your username and password along with picture ID to a library branch for password assistance.

1. Search the BPL OPAC to locate the item you want to reserve.
2. Click "[Reserve This Item]"
3. Enter your username and password, then click "Log On"
4. Check the branch where you plan to pick up the item. Change if desired.
5. Click "Reserve This Item"

• By email to help@beau.org
• By phone call to (337)463-6217
• Or visit any branch of the Beauregard Parish Library

• Begin at BPL's Page for the LA Library Connection Databases
• If you are in a library branch, you should not see the login page. If you do see it, press the browser's reload icon.
• If you are not in a library branch and have a Libraries Southwest card (barcode begins with 299), change the library from Beauregard to Libraries Southwest, enter your Library Card Number and click "Log In".
• If you are not in a Library Branch and have a Beauregard card (barcode begins with B), enter your Library Card Number and click "Log In"
• For help using the databases, click 'Tutorials' at the top of the page.

• Many on-line resources are listed in the BPL OPAC. Keyword searching locates items by title, subject, or description. When you find the resource you want, click the link on the OPAC record.
• On-Line resources which have not yet been listed in the OPAC are linked from On-Line Research Page

• Many E-Books are listed in the BPL OPAC. Keyword searching locates items by title, author, subject, or description. When you find the resource you want, click the link on the OPAC record.
• The Library partners with Project Gutenberg and the BAEN SciFi/Fantasy Collection to bring you fast access to thousands of E-Books. Visit the Cyber Reading Room to locate E-Books.
• Project Gutenberg now includes Audio E-Books. Find audio E-Books at Project Gutenberg Audio E-Books

• Join an Online Book.
• Check out the Library's New Arrivals (includes many items which are on order). If you have an on-line account, you can request items from the web pages.

• By email to help@beau.org
• By phone call to (337)463-6217
• Or visit any branch of the Beauregard Parish Library

• If the screen is black, try wiggling the mouse or pressing the space bar.
• If the computer is not showing a login screen, press the [CTRL], [ALT] and [BACKSPACE] keys at the same time. Then release them. A login screen should appear in a few moments. If it does not, ask library staff for assistance.

• If using a guest account, be sure to type 'guest' at the first login screen. This will bring up the second login screen where you can enter the name and password from the guest login form.
• Make sure the caps lock is off and that you are carefully entering the username and password exactly as it was issued to you.
• If the login screen shows the computer's name to be "Local Host", it has dropped off the network. You will not be able to login until this problem is corrected. Ask Library staff to assist you.
• If you see a warning regarding multiple logins, make sure that you are not logged in on another computer. If you are not, it is safe to click past the warning and log in.
• If you are getting an error message when you try to login, ask Library staff to assist you.

• Chat
• Word Processing & other office applications (use Open Office)
• Sending and receiving E-Mail through other services such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail.
• Opening documents or graphics sent by email, downloaded from the Internet or brought on portable media such as CDs.
• Viewing or editing graphics (use GIMP for editing).
• Using USB storage devices.
• Copying information to CDs.
• Playing games or running other programs.
• Listening to music.
• Accessing websites which require software in addition to the browser, i.e. Flash.
• Anything else which is not on the list of essential services.

• Most computer and Internet resources include a help section. In many cases, this includes tutorials designed to teach new users the basics of using the resource.
• The Library partners with GCF Global Learning to provide on line tutorials and classes. Tutorials include computer and Internet basics, Email, Open Office and many MS Windows programs.
• An extensive collection of books and other resources is available for checkout. Search for materials in the OPAC or ask a library staff member for assistance in locating the library materials you need.
• For more information on supported and unsupported services, see: http://library.beau.org/help/wesupport.html

• You may print up to 10 pages per day from the BPL LA Library Connection Databases or from the library website (pages from
  • http://www.library.beau.org,
  • http://www.whiteboxlinux.org or
  • http://www.beau.lib.la.us) free.
  • For all other printing, the Library charges 10 cents for each page that you print. Printing goes to the printer next to the lab desk. Please pay for your printing when you pick it up.
• Warning: If you attempt to print and it does not work, please request immediate help from library staff. If you try to send multiple copies, you may be charged for each copy.

• clear paperjams and assist with other printer maintenance problems.
• assist you in printing related to a directly supported service.
• maintain a self-help printing page where you may find assistance for other printing problems.

Open Office is available on BPL computers. If the icon is not on your desktop, select 'Office' from the 'Applications' (foot) menu. A free on-line tutorial on Open Office is available at: GCF Global Learning.

Open Office can handle many (but not all) documents and spreadsheets saved in Microsoft Office format. If you have a file which will not open, take it back to the computer where it was saved and save it in rich text (RTF) format. Most programs will save to and open files in RTF format.