Alma

Alma is the web-based interface used by staff to manage and update the library catalog. It replaced the Voyager circulation system.

C:\ Drive

This is your local computer hard drive. While applications are installed here, do not save important files (e.g., documents, spreadsheets, images) to this drive. Files stored here are not backed up and will be lost if the hard drive fails or the system is reimaged.

Desktop

The Windows desktop is the screen you see after logging in, where icons like the Recycle Bin appear. Avoid storing files here—doing so can slow login times and risk data loss. Instead, use the *Q:* or *R:* drives. Your desktop is tied to your user profile and will differ across logins.

Email Client

An email client is the software used to access your email. We use Microsoft Outlook, which can be installed locally or accessed via the web at http://wiscmail.wisc.edu. The web version requires no installation and can be accessed from any internet-connected device.

Email Server

The email server is where all email messages are stored and managed.

Forward (Library Catalog)

Originally named Forward, this is the public interface for the UW–Madison Libraries online catalog. Since its launch in May 2012, it has been referred to simply as the Library Catalog.

Network Drive

A network drive is storage space on a server accessible from your computer. Use the *Q:* or *R:* drives instead of local drives for storing important files. These drives are backed up nightly and accessible from any Tier 2 workstation.

Profile

Your Windows profile stores personal settings such as desktop background, font preferences, and screensaver. Profiles are unique to each user login.

Q:\ Drive

The *Q:* drive is your personal network storage space. Only you can access it, and it is backed up nightly. Save all important files here.

R:\ Drive

The *R:* drive contains shared folders for departments and workgroups. If you belong to a group, you’ll have access to its folder. Use this drive for collaborative file storage.

R:\Temp Drive

This is a temporary shared space on the *R:* drive for Tier 2 users. All Tier 2 users can access and modify files here. *Note:* This directory is cleared every Monday morning.

Staff LAN

The Local Area Network (LAN) used by the General Library System. It connects all Tier 2 workstations.

Tier 1

Tier 1 refers to public-use library workstations, including some used by staff. These machines do not require login credentials and only run pre-installed software. Categories include:

• Public Kiosks (e.g., KMEM4123)
• Teaching Kiosks (e.g., TCOL0111)
• Accessible Kiosks with ZoomText (e.g., AMEM0099)
• Circulation Computers (e.g., CPHY1121)

Important Notes:

• Leave Tier 1 machines powered on overnight for updates.
• Maintenance occurs daily from 5–7 a.m.
• Temporary storage is available on the *D:* and *E:* drives, which are cleared weekly or after 7 days.
• Microsoft Office and media playback software are pre-installed.

Tier 2

Tier 2 refers to staff workstations connected to the Staff LAN. These machines require a username and password to log in (e.g., SMEMxxxx).

Best Practices:

• Leave computers on overnight for updates (5 –7 a.m.).
• Log off when not in use; monitors can be turned off.

Tier 3 

Tier 3 workstations are connected to networks outside the Staff LAN. LTG does not manage these machines, so special configurations (e.g., Voyager clients, Thunderbird) must be handled by your Tier 3 administrator.