Computer Upgrade for Edinburgh Council Libraries

Edinburgh City Council is to spend £400,000 to replaced library computers with Windows 7.

10:50 01 February 2022

Edinburgh City Council has confirmed plans to spend £400,000 to replace "not fit for purpose" library computers with Windows 7. 

 

Computers currently being used in public libraries in Edinburgh are running on Microsoft Windows 7, an outdated software launched in 2008. Microsoft has ended product support for the operating system in 2020 but continued to provide Edinburgh City Council with extended support, a service that may no longer be available beyond July 2022. 

 

According to a council report, the computers are too old to be compatible with later versions of the OS making a complete computer overhaul necessary by the end of June. 

 

The report, which will go before members of the Culture and Communities Committee on Tuesday (February 1), states this will "greatly improve the network’s digital offer, widen its appeal for citizens by modernising the library service to better meet the needs of users (e.g. introducing wireless printing and providing more up to date software such as Microsoft Office Professional); and future proof the service".