Information Commons

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

I don't think this is a great idea. 8/19/2010 12:39 PM | V

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

Hi IC staff,

I appreciate that the bookpc application has been introduced to allow students fairer access to computers, but i have to say enough is enough when the idiotic program logged me off my computer forcibly, without ANY notice, two hours in a row, causing me to lose unsaved chunks off my essay both times!! Rubbing salt into wounds, the computer wasn't even booked by any other user, which should otherwise warrant at least a fair warning - not an unseemly 5 lousy minutes (sometimes not even popping up, as in my case).

Is there no alternative method of working this system? ie - warning current users 15 minutes in advance that someone else has booked the computer, ONLY when someone actually has actually booked that computer (and not making us rely on an unreliable "extend" option which may or may not pop up - at the peril of our work?)

A look into this issue would be very much appreciated, as I trust many others have or will voice their frustrations regarding this flawed system. I, for one, am an advocate in preference of not having this booking system at all.

Regards,
angry ic-er >:( 8/22/2010 6:31 PM | angry ic-er >:(

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

the site is taking forever to load. 8/23/2010 11:45 AM | John

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

the website takes forever to load almost everytime
and even though i have 3 bookings on a row on the computer it logs me off every hour which is just stupid!! and also a massive waste of time 8/23/2010 12:35 PM | ben

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

Hi John,

ITS are aware of this issue and they are fixing it at the moment. Hopefully the site will be back up and running again soon. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your patience.
8/23/2010 12:35 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

Hi Angry IC-er,

IC Staff is in the process of checking to make sure these messages do show up. So far, in 8/8 trials (spread over various computers and different times on Level 2), the messages HAVE shown up normally. The messages are set to appear 15, 5, and 1 minute before logoff, and they have checked for all 3 of these during the trials.

If the messages really aren't showing up, they can think of only 3 reasons:

1) The person is currently typing without looking at the screen. Maybe by pressing a button as the message comes up, it causes it to disappear?
2) The messages did all show up, but the person spent 15 minutes not looking at the screen.
3) The message is coming up, but for some reason the window priority for these messages is lower than some other window the person has open (causing it to open 'beneath' another window, thus not being visible).

As far as we know, the MyPC windows are top priority, and so far, every trial held has shown them opening on top of all other windows, but it's still possible that certain programs (that we haven't myself seen yet) force themselves to overlay even the MyPC messages.

We are currently investiging this issue and hopefully we would be able to shed a light on this soon. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for your patience.
8/23/2010 12:41 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” is coming soon to the Kate Edger Information Commons!

I hate this system. Its so stupid that it just doesn't make sense to move people who come to uni early morning to find a computer and then a lazy student who has been sitting on his bum whole day comes to uni at 3pm and can occupy that computer. I am totally against it. It already so hard to find a computer in IC and when you end up losing your computer to someone who can book a computer at the luxury of their home. Hoping that you guys will remove this system asap and sticking to traditional way of first come first serve. Thanks 8/23/2010 12:41 PM | Ab

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Ben,

Unfortunately, this is just the way that the booking system software is built and as the creators are an external company we are not able to change this. We have tried to make this less of an issue by giving sufficient warnings before the log off occues. Having said this, we have requested that this issue is considered, so we may receive a solution eventually.

Thank you for your feedback. 8/23/2010 12:48 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Ab,

Focus groups relating to the booking system conducted last year expressed the preference on having a booking system. We are trying to facilitate better and more fair use of the Information Commons computers through the implementation of the booking system in response to feedback from students.
8/23/2010 12:51 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

I am in agreement with AB. It probably gonna result in more unfair usage of the computers. 8/23/2010 1:57 PM | IC-user

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi,

Firstly, this is not an option for everyone: some people (eg, people with 8 am lectures) are not lazy when they don’t occupy the computers in the IC starting early in the morning. This system is far more equitable: EVERYONE has 3 booking slots (ie, 3 hours of computer usage) – why should people with lectures most of the morning be penalized? And why should those people who may have few (or no) lectures during a day be allowed to stay at a machine all day long, while those whose day is broken up by numerous lectures are unable to find a computer during the small amount of time they have available to use one?

Having that being said - We are taking your concerns on board and doing our best to supply a good study environment for everyone. 8/23/2010 2:10 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

To be blunt, the booking system is crap. Last year during the trial people complained that it logs you out even if you've booked the next hour and you still use the same booking system.

Also during the focus group, people wanted only some of the computers to be available for booking, not all of them and you agreed that was a good idea.

So why are you backtracking? 8/23/2010 6:58 PM | R

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi there IC Staff,
I seem to be in the minority here, judging by the previous comments, but I think the system is indeed more fair and very useful to have if one needs a slot and can book in advance (eg. with an impending assignment deadline). I also think it's great that you are taking the time to reply to these comments, and it really looks like you guys have a difficult task! I'd just like to say that I have used the IC computers and booking system several times since the new BookPC system has been implemented, with no technical issues, apart from the slow upload when trying to Log In. Thanks again for all your hard work! 8/23/2010 7:59 PM | Emilie

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi R,

When we ran the trial of the booking system last year we did indeed take extensive feedback through focus groups. The logging off issue was raised at this time but students told us that since this issue was not able to be removed they would rather have the booking system with this inconvenience than not at all.

Having said that, the booking system should be giving sufficient warnings so that students have time to save their work, we are currently investigating the claim that this has not been happening. We also have put a request through to MyPC to have the logging issue.

While all of level 3 is bookable, only half of level 2 and level 0 have MyPC installed so there are still PCs in KEIC available that don't have the booking software. 8/24/2010 7:46 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Emilie,

Thank you for your feedback. Always good to receive a positive feedback. :) Re: the problem of BookPC site loading slowly has been looked at and should now been resolved. Please do let us know if you encounter any problems.

8/24/2010 7:52 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi there, I think while the whole point is fairness, I think that if kept, the booking PC system shouldn't be on all the computers on Level 3, it's the only space in the commons which is silent study, where people can't talk, which is why I use it so I can concentrate on what I am doing. Also you can only book 3 hours over several days, I think the allowance is insufficient for people who have alot of work to do.

However I think the old system was better as if you have an assignment you it adds pressure to know you only have 3hrs and then your going to be logged on and have to try and find another computer somewhere else. 8/24/2010 8:20 AM | C

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hello,

I think the system is ok as far as I've used it so far, definitely better than wandering around endlessly possibly not getting a computer.

Only criticism so far, is that I was warned of having 1 minute to go mere seconds before being automatically logged off the computer. Not a massive problem as I was monitoring the time carefully so as not to lose data, but a bit annoying if you were potentially going to use the 1 minute warning as the time save your work a final time before leaving. 8/24/2010 1:04 PM | Calvin

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

The warning messages are only displayed if you are going to be logged off on the hour if you arent you get only the one min message and you are logged off in under 30 seconds
its happened to me twice now and i happened to be doing an online test which i had to forefit.
it didnt even let me renew my session though there were no bookings since it was for 10PM
its just a massive waste of time for students
and it still takes a long time to log into the MY PC website 8/24/2010 11:34 PM | ben

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi C,

During the focus groups, we asked if students would prefer to have a booking system as it is (even with the logoff at the end of the hour) or if they would prefer to have no booking at all. The general consensus was that students preferred the flawed booking system to none at all. Until we became customers of the software vendor (which we now are) we were not able to request a fix for that issue. We have now requested a fix, and they have indicated that they will attempt to implement one in the next version. However, until that time, we can only use what we have. Note that while we considered other software for the booking system as well, it had the exact same issue.

As for the number of computer bookable: they are not all bookable. All of Level 3 is, but only 50% of Level 2 and 33% of Level 0 are bookable.

Hope this clears off any confusion.
8/25/2010 9:08 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Calvin and Ben,

Thank you both for your feedback.

The logoff issue is currently being investigated by ITS. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

8/25/2010 9:11 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hey!
I'm really glad that you have bought back the booking system unlike many of the complaints I have had all of my warning windows pop up like clockwork.

The problem that I've been noticing is that there are plenty of students who have no idea how the system works. I have been helping a lot of students find the 'Book PC' page and explaining how it works.

Perhaps you could run little 5-10 min training sessions at regular intervals (perhaps at 15mins to the hour so they can log on for the next hour)until students actually know how to use the system.

I know it sounds basic, but there are quite a few students who feel nervous about asking for help in case they look stupid.

Thanks 8/25/2010 11:14 AM | Alana

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Alana,

Thank you for the positive comment and your effort in helping other students using the BookPC. We will definately take your comments on board and try to improve on it.

Kind regards, 8/25/2010 11:30 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi,

I find this system horrible! Give back the traditional system where people could use the computers for how ever long they need it. What's with the time constraints? I need to use the computer more than 3 hours. I need it for the whole day. I need it for 5 minutes. It makes no difference, but the fact that I have to book, like in the aucklandcity library, whats the point of University having computers? How much work can I get done in an hour anyway? I open my books, set everything out, open the correct websites, start writing, and bam! I'm logged out because an hour is gone. Some smart kid will take my place, I will pack up my tedious amount of books, and head over to the 'wait' area until another computer is free.

Can you find this ridiculous? I sure do.
Certainly, it seems unfair. More unfair than the kids who don't want to wait for the computer the traditional way.

Kind regards,
Unsatisfied 8/25/2010 11:36 AM | Roro

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

i like the booking system AND i was in the trial last year and liked it. but the page just took 8 minutes to load. seriously. wat 8/25/2010 3:02 PM | CRo

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hey,
I'd just like express my gratefulness for the bookpc system. I am an international student here for one semester, but since being proactive and figuring out how bookpc works by stealthily staring at other people using it, I think it’s an awesome system. I wish my home country's i.t. department implements it. Having an hour deadline also prevents me from visiting irrelevent websites. Nice job Auckland I.C. staff.
8/25/2010 4:25 PM | appreciative international

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Why did you make all of level 3 bookable but only half of levels 2 and 0? 8/25/2010 8:17 PM | R

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

at the focus group that i was a part i think we came to the conclusion that at each level a maximum of half the computers will be on this system. This wa only because we were promised booking Kiosks and a screen.
this system is so impractical i was just doing research when all my tabs and windows were closed and now im stuck with no way of getting them back
YAY more time for me to waste 8/25/2010 9:04 PM | ben

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Cro,

Glad you like the booking system. As for the slow loading of the website - The ITS is aware of this problem and looking into this. Hopefully they would be able to fix it soon. Thank you for your feedback. 8/26/2010 8:35 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Appreciative International,

Thank you for your positive comment and we do take everyone comments on board and doing our best to supply a good study environment for everyone.

8/26/2010 8:46 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Roro,

On the contrary, your time is not restricted but rather better managed. If you do not book a computer yourself then your time on that computer might be restricted if someone else has book the computer, however if you book the computer you can do so for up to 3 hours, this means that you can book 3 1 hour time slots and then once your first hour is up you can book another hour at the end of your 3 hour session, so you can have the computer for a considerable amount of time. You will be able to see what time your computer is booked for so you can just turn up at that time and not have to wait. Each session (whether booked or not) is only an hour so the most you would ever have to wait for your booking is an hour, although you can book up to 7 days in advance so if you use the system properly you should never have to wait.

Booking a computer does not give a student the right to use it as they wish, they are still bound by the rules of the information commons, so they should be using the computer for study purposes.
We ran a trial for the booking system last year and also ran focus groups to gather feedback and the majority of students were in favour of the booking system. Please appreciate that student numbers are growing and we only have so many resources, we are trying to offer a fairer way for students to get access to computers.

When used properly I think you’ll find the booking system can be very beneficial to you. Otherwise, there are still computers available on Level 2 and Level 0 that do not have the system installed if you prefer to use these (half of each level). 8/26/2010 9:21 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

I agree with Alana above... no one knows that the system exists or how to use it. They walk around the IC looking all pissed off, wondering why they can't log onto the computers. I have shown quite a few people today... so I think maybe more prominent signs with how to get into the bookpc website would be good. Have you ever thought about getting a button for the bookPC website stuck up the top right of the University of Auckland home page, you know, in the drop down menu? That would save us having to go library, IC commons, BookPC etc. And I also agree with those above who say that the website is slow. It's crazy how slow... like 10 mins to load. And other people are finding the same problem. 8/26/2010 3:17 PM | G

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi R,

We know from our focus groups last year that students approved of a booking system but did not want all computers to be included in the system at KEIC. We also know from usage statistics that the computers available for bookings on level 3 were 100% in use, particularly at end of semester and exam times, while those on other levels were not booked. Our decision to make all level 3 bookable recognises this extreme demand for computers in a quiet study space while still making only half the total computers in Kate Edger available for booking.

Please appreciate that we are responding to comments regarding the high level of usage in the information commons and a need a fairer system of access for our computers.

While there are some issues, this is a new system so some difficulties and adjustment to change are to be expected. 8/27/2010 10:18 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Ben,

Since we have express stations and bookings can be made remotely, we are monitoring the need for kiosks and will take your concerns into consideration.

We are collecting data related to the unexpected logging out issue, so that we have evidence to report to the vendor. Please do report to staff when the software logs you out unexpectedly. Please provide staff with detailed information as well.

Thank you for your feedback.
8/27/2010 10:20 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi G,

Thank you for your suggestion. We will definitely take your feedback on board regarding improving access to get into the BookPC website for students.

In addition, we are aware of the slow loading problem of the website. The ITS is currently investigating this issue and hopefully they would be able to resolve this soon. Thank you for your patience. 8/27/2010 10:30 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi, I have booked two continuous sessions on a same computer. But why I have to log out by the end of first session, even I have booked the next one. 8/27/2010 11:56 AM | Han

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Han,

Unfortunately, this is just the way that the booking system software is built and as the creators are an external company we are not able to change this. We have tried to make this less of an issue by giving sufficient warnings before the log off occues. Having said this, we have requested that this issue is considered, so we may receive a solution eventually. Focus groups relating to the booking system conducted last year expressed that although this issue is frustrating they would rather this than no booking system at all. We are trying to facilitate better and more fair use of the Information Commons computers through the implementation of the booking system in response to feedback from students. 8/27/2010 12:08 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Want seems to be the most annoying thing about the booking system, is that when you look and current and past comments (including from the focus groups), the been logged out every hour has always been an issue. IC has been aware for sometime that this was going to annoy a lot of people, yet you have done little to try to rectify this issue before implementing the system. IC needs to take some responsibility for the frustration felt by a lot of students, rather than trying to blame the problem squarely on the developers of the software. You have had a year since focus groups to request a fix from the software company, and from past experience (including working for a range of software developers) requests to fix small software issues like this are easy to do especially if the customer is a large institution (like a university) buying your software. Other than that, I actually quite like the booking system. 8/30/2010 2:50 PM | Shaun

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Shaun,

We were not able to request a fix from the developers for the problem a year ago because we were not their customers at that time. The company that produces the booking system software is only willing to perform further development on their software if it is requested by existing customers.

Thus, the only way to get a fix for it was to buy their software and become their customers. Since we now are their customers, and have requested a fix, which they have told us they will try to implement in the next revision. Unfortunately until this revision is released, we are still stuck with the logout problem.

Furthermore, we decided to go ahead with the booking system, previously knowing about the automatic logout at the end of the hour problem, for two reasons:
(1) The last question we directly asked during the focus groups was if students would prefer to have a booking system even with the logout problem rather than none at all, and the general consensus was that yes, they would like to have one even if that problem was still there.
(2) There was no other booking system software available that did not also have the same logout problem.

Andy K
8/30/2010 2:52 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

10 minutes to load, another 10 to save one booking...i love the booking system but if it's going to be this slow, turn it OFF until it works. it was not this slow last year...i have a lot of tolerance and appreciation for the ic staff, who are great, but this situation is getting more ridic by the day 9/1/2010 10:19 AM | trying to write disseration

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi,

You note:

"Please appreciate that student numbers are growing and we only have so many resources, we are trying to offer a fairer way for students to get access to computers."

However, if student numbers are growing should there not be a proportionate increase in computer numbers? It seems weird that the ratio of computers to students in the KEIC would stay the same if student numbers are continually increasing, no? After all, presumably these new students are fee-paying (thus resource/money-providing) too. In this light it seems that the ridiculous booking system (of which the majority of commenters have been voicing disappointment) is a short-term and unsatisfactory fix offered under the guise of an 'equitable' use policy.

I feel it is also somewhat problematic that Level 3 offers the only 'Silent Study' computers. I would like to suggest that consideration might be made in regard to changing the Level 2 computers to this status too; generally students like quiet when researching and essay-writing (unless of course it is a group project).

Cheers.
9/3/2010 12:55 PM | C.B.

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi C.B,

The Library and The Information Commons have been proactive in responding to student demand for computer and wireless access. The booking system is not the only initiative, as this year the Library has also :
- acquired additional laptops and netbooks for all IC locations
- additional computers were added in the General Library
- wireless for the Kate Edger IC and the General Library have also been upgraded
- we have also recently opened a new IC at Tamaki.
9/6/2010 2:42 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi there,

no- i did not receive any warning message near the end of my 2nd hour on ic2 computer, causing me to lose all my work. Please provide warning messages - or just disable the automatic logging off every 3hours.
It is totally unnecessary and the fact that I'm writing this complaint is really a waste of time - as it should not be this inefficient.

Cheers. 9/8/2010 11:55 AM | Kw

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

This booking system is annoying.

By all means, log me out if someone has in fact booked the computer. But if no one has.. Why did I have to get logged out!.. It didn't even prompt me to renew the time :S Does it not show up if I've already renewed it twice? 9/8/2010 12:34 PM | -

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

ugh did not receive 15 min warning right then

+ the new incremental time system in the booking page is cool. i like it but is it not making the page load about a billion times slower? i booked before catching the bus this morning - actually, i attempted to book, waited 15 min for the pop up box to unfreeze, browser froze, gave up, shut down everything and left with fingers crossed. can ic concentrate on fixing one problem before adding insane complications? 9/8/2010 3:08 PM | snowballing

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

get ur system ready to go without flaws before implementing...all these logging on and logging off every hour (even though you have booked for a continous 3 hours) is just ridiculous...and furthermore, no warning given before the computer logs off is just annoying.. (sometimes the warning comes up sometimes it doesn't) this is so frustrating especially when i am having a nice day and all it takes is just my assignment to be gone and all my resources gone...(i know its good to save regularly but how am i going to save every second not knowing when the computer is going to log off!!!) pls do sort out your it stuff....its good to see so many nice ic staff around here, but pls make sure the IT side is in tip-top condition..

bad-day thanks to ic comp 9/9/2010 5:04 PM | annoyed

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi annoyed,

Thanks for your post and the kind words about the IC staff.

The logging off problem has been reported to the vendors and they have been asked to provide a fix. We are also rolling out some changes in the weekend which should improve the situation with warning messages. 9/11/2010 8:38 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi guys,

wondering when the Bookpc app is on till?? It's a funny system as the same people use the computers but a lot time is wasted just shuffling around to a new computer. i dont really think the system has made it any more fairer than it was before. Especially during the day, people come (when they've got no lecs) and people go (when they do have lecs). No one stays there the whole day unless ofcourse they wag their lectures/dont have any (which is rare really). Just an observation from a lot of us who have been at Ic on and off for a long time now.

Plus the other ridiculous and annoying thing is where people book the whole bloody 3 hours and dont turn up......that is 30 mins wasted for the person who does want to use that computer but has to wait 10 mins each time. This has happened so many times.

Hope the feedback contributes in some way.

Kind Regards 9/12/2010 7:51 PM | anonymous

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

the consequence of putting all the pc in level 3 IC become booking pc is all the students that are working on research papers are going to level 2. and also, because level 2 IC is not a 'silent study space'. the noise in level 2 IC is a significant issue. Especially when after 6pm. People just eating, chatting and doing socialising things. Can you at least put half the pc in level 3 become a normal PC? 9/13/2010 10:15 AM | a frustrated research student

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Janus,
Withing the next few days, ITS will add more capacity to the CPU and more RAM to fix the problem with the slow loading of the BookPC website. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback. 9/13/2010 10:58 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

After a few weeks of transitioning to this new system I have come to overall appreciate it, e.g. it is wonderful being able to secure a computer for after morning classes in advance. However there are a few issues that have had huge implications on my ability to work effectively on research and essays etc.

1)When the system asks if I would like to extend my time it logs off with absolutely no warning when that extended time has run out - several times I have lost important information.

2)In the research process for any assignment, I tend to get lost in the world of databases and search results. Every hour I am booked in I then have to start the database search all over again and often I can never quite get back to where I was. I was wondering if it would be possible for students to individual database logons where we can each have our previous searches etc saved in one place?

3) Every hour I have to log back into the computer and redo all my settings, e.g. getting word to automatically save every minute, getting endnote to use my desired reference style etc. This is so annoying and requires me to remember to change these settings back. I am sure most of us have our own desired settings, so would it be possible for you to give us rights to store our own settings on our logon?

thanks! 9/13/2010 2:25 PM | Kristy

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Kirsty,

Thanks for the message. We are very pleased that you are finding the booking system helpful.

In answer to your questions:

1) We are working hard on resolving the problem with the lack of warnings, as that can cause incredible problems and anguish. If you have a moment when this problem occurs, please report it to the IC Helpdesk staff - the more data we have, the faster we'll be able to resolve the problem.

2)A lot of databases have an option to save your search or create a free account for saving preferences and searches. Always feel free to call upon our staff to assist you with any such questions.

3)See under 1) - the forced log off is incredibly annoying and we're trying to get the vendor to remove this feature. Unfortuantely, because of the public nature of the PCs in the Information Commons, they have to be set up to clear all settings on log off. 9/14/2010 8:14 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Exception of type 'System.OutOfMemoryException' was thrown. ?
Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt. ?

These are coming up when trying to access booking page. 9/15/2010 3:59 PM | ffffff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

booking system =fail. 9/15/2010 5:03 PM | IC_user

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

ALL the science computers the Comp sci and Bio labs etc seem to be able to do it and they are fairly pyblic too. all tabs in firefox and passwords are saved on the next computer that you log onto 9/17/2010 1:22 PM | ben

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

just spent the past 30 mins TRYING lo lon onto the booking application what a joke !
all it says is "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." 9/20/2010 3:55 PM | ben

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Is the terrible speed of login and frequent failure to login going to be a permanent feature of this system? 9/23/2010 3:29 PM | Neil

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Is there anyway you can add a timer/clock that counts down how long you have left in the 60mins? It seems pointless as there is the clock by the date in the bottom corner. However, when working with full concentration on an essay, for example, the countdown would be handy. Especially when you have come to the end of your third renewal (ie already renewed the 'booking' twice) and the system does not give you any notice of when it will automatically log you off!
Its just a suggesstion, but it would certainly have helped me not lose 150 words just then. 9/23/2010 9:33 PM | Ashleigh

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Thanks all for the above comments, and apologies once again. Special thanks for putting in the error messages - these have all been forwarded to the staff who deal with the BookPC problems. The suggestion for a timer is a very good one, and has also been passed on to the appropriate place.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to send in your comments. 9/25/2010 9:37 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Neil,

A good question - no, it's not supposed to be that bad. The BookPC database has now been shifted to a bigger server, which should hopefully resolve the matter.

(Needless to say, do let us know if it does not.) 9/25/2010 9:41 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi

Good work with the booking system. Just wondering if there is any way to stop the pc logging me off every hour even if i have three consecutive hours booked. Maybe allow you to book one three hour slot? Or one two hour slot and a one hour slot. Or just three one hour slots?? 10/1/2010 9:35 AM | Daniel

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hey Daniel,

Thank you for the kind words. We've told the vendor about this rather annoying feature and have asked them to remove it. 10/4/2010 1:41 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Just lost 4 hours of work, way to go IC. This system is badly flawed, It should not log you out without a warning especially if there is noone booked after you. I understand why it was implemented but I think it was better before. 10/7/2010 11:43 PM | Matthew Lillis

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Matthew,

The logging off without warning is a major problem, and please accept our apologies for the disaster you had, because four hours of lost material *is* a disaster.

The best we recommend, at this juncture is to 1) save as often as possible and 2) please report this to the IC Helpdesk or IC staff immediately. That way we can get precise data abou tthe occurrence and pass it on to the people who are supposed to fix it. 10/9/2010 10:45 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi I'm so fed up with the booking system as there are so many computers which are reserved for someone who doesnt show up causing more time for someone who needs it to waste time looking for another PC!! I think this system needs to be shut down and never see the light of day again!! 10/11/2010 10:15 AM | HateBOOKPC

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

This was my fb status, I thought I would post it here too in case you haven't been ranted to about it yet ;).

"Really getting pissed off with the new IC trend: Sitting at a reserved computer with all your stuff out on the desk with your head down working hoping to not get approached by the person the pc is reserved for (until the 10 mins has run out and anyone can use it). When approached by the person who has reserved the PC act all huffy and proceed to use up as much time as possible packing up your stuff." 10/14/2010 1:50 PM | kristy

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

I not too sure about the fairer thing but efficency really is not helped, every hour about 20% of computers seem ot be left empty for 10 minutes (ie 17% of the hour) of doing nothing time. Right pain in the arse waiting for the timer to countdown to zero so you can start doing something, are the folk screwing it up being notified or something. Not real keen on this system to be honest, however can't think of a better alternative at the moment.
Cheers,
josh 10/14/2010 4:26 PM | Josh

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

I've really liked the new set up of half the computers with a booking system and half without.
However, I've noticed that some students have been really creative with how they're booking and they are booking 3 hours consecutively with about 20 min gaps in between. This allows them to extend their time over the limit of 3hours. Is there any way you can prevent this?
Because now with only half of the computers available sometimes it gets difficult to find a computer available for the amount of time you need it. 10/14/2010 9:17 PM | anon

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi Kirsty,

Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, this comes under the all-too-common phenomenon of people leaving basic courtesy at the door.

If you find that someone if offensive or really impeding you from getting to your rightfully booked PC, feel free to grab one of our staff to assist. 10/18/2010 12:43 PM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

I am amazed how much ignorance can be shown by university over this issue. i was doing one assignment and pc logged me off without warning and there went what i did????????? it was not reserved for anyone as well.
how can you be doing nothing over this issue , if the company is not doing enough just take it off the computers simple as that.
no surprise university has lost its top 50 spot and now in top 200 and it will go down if they keep doing things like that.
since the issue has came forward since july you people are saying we are doing this doint that but problems still exist god knows what you people doing.
further more i am an international student paying about 25000$ per year for the study and here in uni you cant get a pc what a shame.
what the hell you people are doing man.
10/22/2010 12:48 PM | prabh avinash

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

The message issue other people have posted is still happening, I just lost approx 15 min worth of work. I had already extended twice and this time there was no message. It logged off and despite have a prompt to save the word document and me pressing yes it didn't save. There was no one lined upto use the computer, I just logged back in now. Really annoying, the system should at least pause to allow saving of open documents. The whole system seems really clunky and like a testing version. 10/23/2010 4:58 PM | josh

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

this thing is stupid. if i book a computer for two hours in a row by doing two one hour slots after the other (as one hour slots are the max), it logs me off after that hour and i have to log back on to start my second session even tho it is booked in straight after the other. This is quite fustrating. 10/23/2010 9:54 PM | Anon

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi there

I am very irate at the introduction of this new IC booking system for a number of reasons:

1. I book myself in for 2/3 hours and I have to log in and out for each one - ridiculous

2. I'm tired of being logged out/ waiting for a 'reserved' PC simply to find out that the person who made the reservation failed to show up

Seeing as there are computer labs in each faculty I do not see the point of having the IC computer labs using this system, there have always been enough pc's to go around its just a matter of where to look , I can understand students being logged off after using a computer for an excessive period of time , but why the need for this new irritating system ?
10/28/2010 3:29 PM | Kav

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

The booking system is annoying. 10/28/2010 6:18 PM | old way better.

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hey, you guys should make some sort of rule for if you book a PC and dont show up, you shouldnt be able to book a computer for another week. Or give some sort of penalty for not showing up. Countless times ive come to a computer or been on a computer which has been booked and just had to wait for 10 mins so I could log in and the person who booked it never showed up. Im not sure if someone has already written this because i couldnt be bothered reading screeds of comments but it would be good if people actually showed up to their booked slots!Apart from that the booking thing is OK.

Thanks 11/1/2010 1:40 PM | Han

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hello,
General feedback about the system:
I have been using the computers back at Kate Edgar now that I can be assured I will have a computer that I have booked in. I have found it very useful and getting my work done during my breaks. However beging logged out every hour is rather annoying, but you just learn to constantly save and save any articles that has taken you a long time to find. Overall, its better than me wasting 20mins finding a computer in my one hour breaks.

Question:
I was at uni this morning at Kate Edgar Level 2 computers attempting to book in for a computer after my exam, but after logging in, it referred me back to the log in page, each time I correctly typed in my details. I tried it in both Explorer and Firefox. Is this ment to happen due to being exam times, or was it not? 11/3/2010 10:51 PM | Lorraine

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Hi IC,
This is the most rediculours system, not only do I have to play musical chairs every hour because someone else has booked my computer(and 70% of the time they do not even show up) but even (after leaning my lesson from this happening)if I do book a computer for 3 or so hours, it signs me out so I have to sign in again- forcing me to close all the programs I have been working on and start them again once I sign in. Cant it know that the same user has it booked for several sessions so you do not have to keep signing in every hour?
This is very inefficient. 11/4/2010 12:15 PM | E

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Thanks for the comments above.

Having a penalty applied to people who do not show up is an idea that we shall certainly pass on to those who sign off the IC policies and rules, so thanks for the suggestions.

As to the perennial problem of the hourly log-off, we've told the vendor to fix it, and now we wait. In the meantime, feel free to post here again, becuase feedback counts for a lot. Again, we urge you to save your work regularly, not just becuase of the booking system, but as a matter of general caution. 11/6/2010 10:51 AM | IC Staff

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

This booking thing might be rather more useful during the busiest times (apart from the problems already voiced above about hourly logging), but now that exams are coming to an end and there are always more than enough computers available, couldn't the system be disabled?

I'm looking all around me and there are free computers everywhere, but still someone has booked this PC for later so I'm going to have to move - which is quite frustrating. I'll add my voice to the numerous who are saying that the hourly relogging is also a PITA, espeically in this low-demand season.

While there are other computer labs available (which is quite a reasonable observation by someone above) alot of these are closed during the weekends - another low-demand time when perhaps the system could be disabled.

TLDR: The booking system is far more useful in high-demand times, but just an inconvenience with no benefit when demand is low. 11/11/2010 9:41 AM | Amie

# re: “BookPC” in the Kate Edger Information Commons

Recently I have been trying to access book pc at home and it doesn't work, it get this message: The web page at https://bookpc.ic.auckland.ac.nz/ might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address. Is there a reason? 7/25/2011 10:56 PM | Tina

# f

Dear IC users: DONT TAKE A SEAT IF U ARE NOT USING A COMPUTER SO U CAN SIT NEXT TO YOUR FRIEND AND SOMEONE LIKE ME WHO IS USING A COMPUTER CANNOT SIT

thankyou 8/18/2011 2:39 PM | u