USB Devices on JPL Computers
What is a USB device?
USB devices come in many forms:
- Flash/jump drives (also called thumb drives, USB keys or memory sticks) are becoming the most frequently used portable memory storage devices.
- Cell phones may also plug into USB ports for use across the Internet. In accordance with the Library's Code of Conduct, "Use of electronic communication devices, such as cell phones and walkie-talkies" is not permitted. This includes use of the library's public computers for such purposes.
- Digital cameras and mp3 players also use USB ports. Connecting these or other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended.
How to Use an USB Device
JPL public computers run on the Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating system. Make sure the drive purchased requires no device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows 2000/XP.
Plug the device into any public computer with a USB port. An icon with a green arrow should appear in
the lower right corner of the screen. Save files to the "Removable Disk (E:\)" (different brand USB drives may have a different name - ONLY SAVE TO THE 'E:\' DRIVE) which will show up as an option when “Save As…” is selected.
Do not unplug a flash/jump drive without first stopping it! To stop the drive, click the icon with the green arrow in the lower right corner of the screen. A pop-up window will appear saying something like "STOP USB MASS STORAGE DEVICE”. Click on this message to stop the drive. The pop-up window will return, indicating it is safe to remove the device. If a window saying that "Device Active and Cannot Be Removed" appears, wait a few minutes and try again.
Warning!!
The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss or destruction of any personal device (or files or materials on such devices) connected to a JPL computer by customers.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the design of the USB ports on JPL computers, some oversized thumb drives may not fit onto the faceplate of the PC. DO NOT attempt to force your thumb drive into the socket, or you may damage your drive and/or the USB socket.
Librares with accessible USB drives and CD-ROM drives
(Please note: This list is updated periodically so be sure to check frequently as to whether your local library has this feature enabled.)
Argyle, Beaches, Graham, Highlands, Main, Mandarin, Maxville, Murray Hill, Pablo Creek, Regency Square, San Marco, Southeast, South Mandarin, University Park, Webb Wesconnett, West, Willowbranch