Saving bookmarks for non-T&FHS work on FamilySearch Computers
Our stake wants to operate an Employment Services Center from the FamilySearch Center during hours when the FamilySearch Center is not open. This involves the use of the FamilySearch computers, printer, etc. Our stake president has already spoken with FamilySearch Support and was told they could not add any applications or save any documents to the FamilySearch Center computers. So now I've been asked about whether it is ok if they save links, such as in a Bookmarks folder, for the websites and cloud applications that they will use. I would appreciate receiving guidance on this.
項留言
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It depends on which operating system you have. If you have older computers that won't be upgraded to Windows 11, you likely have already been converted to (or will be) to Google Chrome Flex. That operating system completely reinstalls itself every time you boot up - nothing is saved from prior sessions. And as is currently the case, computers are to be shut down at the end of the day whenever the FSC is open (that would apply to use by those involved in employment services.
The information given to you by FS Support about not adding any applications or saving links is not a "rule" imposed by FamilySearch, particularly if you are already on Chrome Flex operating system - that is an inherent part of that operating system. But if you're still using Windows (10 or 11), remember that those computers are not owned by your stake - they are controlled by FamilySearch, and were provided to the FSC specifically for FamilySearch use (i.e. finding our ancestors and submitting ordinances for completion in the temples).
We've been on Chrome Flex for perhaps 5-6 months. Thus, some of the software we used previously, such as the Excel spreadsheet or Microsoft Word, or the LibreOffice suite of software, were great - but they won't work on Chrome Flex. Instead, the Google suite of applications is supported and to be used. It was never intended that bookmarks for non-family history related web sites to be set up on web browsers, and I don't believe that's changed. A FamilySearch Center is just that - a facility specifically for research and education pertaining to family history research.
I also suspect that the final say in whether an employment assistance operation can be set up during non-FSC operating hours, will be left up to your stake president. But he should be advised of the limitations on the use of the computers for non-FamilySearch purposes, and the fact that if patrons (Church members or not) bring their own laptops into the Center, those computers are only to be connected to the internet through the building's Liahona WiFi network - they are never to be cable-connected to the network like the official FamilySearch Computers are connected, for security reasons.
I'm just a fairly experienced FSC director who attends the 1st and 3rd Wednesday meetings designed for FSC directors and staff each month, as well as for stake tech specialists. So all of the above should be considered as to the source (me). But if you speak with any of the more experienced technical support people at FamilySearch Support, you'll likely get these same answers. Hope this at least helps clarify.
—Chris Schmink
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Thanks, Chris. Everything that you have said is consistent with what I understand as well. I was just seeking confirmation of that. I appreciate the time you took to provide a response.
Faye
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