Computer center gives free public access to Internet

Residents and visitors enjoy the Port Aransas Computer Center. The Port Aransas Computer Center, at 430 N. Alister St., is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free public access to computers and the Internet.

The computer center has made a number of recent upgrades that are improving service for visitors.

Visitors are finding new machines and a technically advanced wireless capability that provides Internet access for users inside the center and for folks using their laptop computers in their cars in the center's parking lot.

The center recently purchased a new server, and state-of-theart software is being installed. After testing, the new server will replace two outdated servers with old software.

The computer center has split its Internet services, with one branch dedicated to wireless access and the other to desktops. The changes will help provide more bandwidth so more users can easily view Internet video.

The computer center has Office 2003 Professional on all machines and plans to update at least some to Office 2007.

All computers are linked to a Dell laser printer. Wireless users can use the printer too.

Several experienced computer center board members offer individual instruction and set-up help for laptop users. For a $10 (one hour) or $15 (2 hour) contribution, the board member will work with the laptop user in the center to go over Windows Vista, the usual operating system on a new machine, and help the user understand how to use it.

The computer center is fi- nanced by user donations. All of the staff consists of volunteers who do all of the technical heavy lifting for visitors.

Check the weekly editions of the South Jetty for information about classes offered, including Windows XP, digital photography and on using the Internet.

Visitors may bring in their printer ink cartridges, laser cartridges and old cell phones for use in the center's recycling program.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours may, however, vary depending on volunteer availability.