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Using a Library Computer

April 06, 2014 06:21PM
I'm new to mystery shopping and I'm really looking forward to getting started. Unfortunately my computer is too old and slow. I won't be getting another one for two to three months.

A thread here mentioned using a computer at the library. It seems like this would work but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Has anyone used a library computer to submit reports? Did you run into any problems? Thanks for any advice!
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April 06, 2014 06:50PM
I have not done so. However, there have been posts from folks who have, especially when they had power failures or problems with their own computers.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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April 06, 2014 07:07PM
I have used the computer at the library in a pinch when my neighborhood's internet was out. I had no problems submitting my shops VA the computer in the library, and I had no difficulty logging in and checking my e-mail or checking for and accepting other shops.

I did have difficulty getting a turn on the computer. In my city, the library computers are available to anyone. I was asked to show my drivers license as identification and then got on the "list" for the next available computer. There is a big demand here and use is limited to to one hour (and then you go back on the list and wait for another turn). Depending on the time of day or night, the wait might be two hours or more. Although I had no difficulties, it wasn't worth it to me to sit and wait to use a computer. In addition, the library computers here are side by side on a table with no dividers. It was noisy with no privacy. Maybe your library has more computers and fewer computer users.
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April 07, 2014 12:22AM
Thanks walesmaven and AustinMom.
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April 07, 2014 02:17AM
At our library we usually have to take turns based on kids playing games or watching endless music videos. Once the adult gets on the computer we get dirty looks and sighs from the little "darlings" wanting us to hurry up so they can get back to play time.

As for submitting the reports it's ok unless the report involves photos, here we cannot upload any photos to the library computer to add to a report.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain
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April 09, 2014 03:03AM
I use my work library computer all the time. When I am at home on the computer I tend to get lack-a-daiscal and lazy and fall a sleep. The Library is open until midnite so that gives me a few hours to complete a shop and get it out of the way before going home.

The public library has computers also where you have to sign up to use them. They are 2 hour limit a day. You don't need a DL, but you do need a library card. If there are any colleges in your town check to see if the have a public computer room. Or even the high school. Everybody doesn't have a tablet yet.

I find going to the library also, makes me focus more on getting ther report done, cause I know I only have a limited time of useage.
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April 14, 2014 09:07PM
Cettie that was my main concern, being able to upload photos. I'm not technology oriented. It seems like there must be a way. I'll have to go do some experimenting one day.

sojo917 that's a very good point. My concentration is definitely better at the library. (Assuming all the kids using the computers aren't a distraction.) It seems like that might be a good option to complete one shop before beginning another without having to go home.

My city built two fancy new libraries when there was absolutely nothing wrong with the three older ones that they closed. They got rid of many of the books and now they have row after row of computers. It's sad. I wish they were open more hours on the weekend. That could be a problem.
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April 14, 2014 09:11PM
I recall using the library while having some printer issues. It seems they allowed me to use a thumb drive. If you are uploading directly from the device they may allow you to just connect it to the computer.

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
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April 17, 2014 12:57AM
I've had no problem using the library. I've used it when I had breaks between shops too far from home.

I'm able to upload photos from my phone or camera.

Also if I have my laptop with me, I find the wifi at libraries faster than at coffee shops.

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer
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April 20, 2014 03:35PM
IMO, I would not attach any device of mine to a public computer for security reasons. Who's to say the computer's not infected with something and by attaching your drive or camera etc., you might get that bug and unknowingly, infect your home computer.
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May 23, 2014 04:30PM
You can also get a "newer" laptop by going to Computer Renaissance or another refurbish computer place that is reputable. The Computer Renaissance here buys the computers from my full-time job's company, reimages them, adds more memory, etc. and then sells them for around $200. While they are not up to latest standards for a lot of gaming applications, they are just fine for email and web-based stuff that we do for shopping or you would do for school. Also, you aren't out as much money as a brand new one if it is stolen, broken, accidently left in hot car, etc.

Shopping across Indiana but mostly around Indianapolis.
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May 23, 2014 09:06PM
When I started mystery shopping I used library computers. Sometimes still use them to print out materials.
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June 19, 2014 08:14PM
I use the library all the time for doing mystery shops, I do a rough draft on my phone then email it to my self then stop in at the library after my shop. I find this really helps if I am doing more then one shop a day as I can complete my report before focusing my mind on the next one. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a time limit at most library so you have to make sure that you save before your time runs out.
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June 19, 2014 08:32PM
Temaire Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use the library all the time for doing mystery
> shops, I do a rough draft on my phone then email
> it to my self then stop in at the library after my
> shop. I find this really helps if I am doing more
> then one shop a day as I can complete my report
> before focusing my mind on the next one. One thing
> to keep in mind is that there is a time limit at
> most library so you have to make sure that you
> save before your time runs out.

Be sure to logout of the computer when you are done for security reasons! Remember that your SSN or EIN is in the profile of most of the shopping companies.

Shopping across Indiana but mostly around Indianapolis.
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August 03, 2014 02:11PM
What I would do is instead of trying to save up money to get a brand new computer to do shops on is go to a reputable computer refurbisher. In my area, a large retailer of refurbished computers is Computer Renaissance. I know that they get their computers from my full time job's workplace which is a large company in our area. They fix them up, upgrade operating systems, put more memory in them, etc. and sell them for about $200. This is a lot less than a brand new laptop and it works just fine for mystery shopping (since most of our needs involve getting to the internet). Also, if you accidentally leave it in a hot car (this fries the system board usually and totals the computer out), then you aren't out as much money. They also put a warranty on them so you can bring them back if you need help.

Shopping across Indiana but mostly around Indianapolis.
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