Spark PC is the name for the computers made available in the Library for your use. There are Spark PCs for general Internet surfing, email and word processing on Levels 2, 3 and 4of the Library. Each PC is equipped with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint application software; as well as features to contact the Helpdesk , temporarily suspend your session, and extend your PC session.

Spark PCs in the Research Room on Level 5 have similar applications but are meant for more serious research.

• Spark PC Login

• Using the Spark PC

• Scanning

• Printing

• Wireless LAN Access  Network Access Points

Spark PC Login

If you are a student using a Spark PC in the Library for the first time, enter your student number (eg: admission number) and then your TP password .

For full-time students, if you have forgotten your password, you may approach the CyberCentre for help. For part-time students, please approach the Customer Service Counter on Level 2 to have your password reset.

External members are issued with a default password which must be changed for added security. Please find instructions on how to do so here

Your account will be locked if there are too many invalid attempts.

If your account has been locked, go to the Library Customer Service Counter at Level 2 for help.

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Using the Spark PC

You are strongly encouraged to make an advance booking to ensure availability of a PC for your use. You are allowed a total of 5 hours usage per day for all PCs (except scanner PCs).

“I want to make an advance booking” option allows you to make an advance booking, i.e. to reserve a PC for use at a later time/date. You can make 1 advance booking at any one time, up to 7 days in advance.

You are strongly encouraged to make an advance booking to ensure availability of a PC for your use.

Booked PC will be reserved for 10 minutes, after which it will be released to other users.

If you have booked a PC but fail to turn up within 10 minutes from the start time, your booking will be released and a violation will be recorded against you. Once you have accumulated 3 violations, you will be barred from using the system for 7 days.

Hence, if you are unable to consume your booking, please cancel your booking in advance.

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Printing

There is a printer each on Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 (LRC), Level 5 (Research Room) which is linked to the Spark PCs.

You can send your print job to the printer located on the same floor as the Spark PC that you are using. Each print job is charged to your cashcard which you have to insert at the cashcard reader next to the printer.

Scanning

Colour scanning up to A4 size is available from PC or Mac scanners at the LRC on Level 4. Use of the scanner is usually on a first-come-first-served basis, although they can be booked in advance.

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Network Access Points

Library Patrons (staff and students only) may connect their laptops/notebooks to the free access LAN points to access the Intranet (Student) and/or Internet. There are points located at selected reading carrels on Level 2 to 8 as well as the project rooms and study rooms. Patrons will need to use their own UTP/LAN cables.

Wireless LAN Access

There is at least one Access Point (wireless base station) on every floor in the Library building. You can access Internet practically anywhere in the Library. However, signal strength may vary from one location to another. Basically the further you are from the nearest Access Point, the weaker the signal strength.

Have questions on Wireless LAN access? Find answers from the FAQs here

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