Yes, especially with Gmail. Sure, maybe not everyone uses Dropbox and maybe things like Java are a luxury. But if a computer can't properly run Gmail then something is very wrong. I tried downloading Chrome last time but wasn't able to, Jayson seems to know a lot about computers, maybe he can update them for us

Really??? You think the lounge agents should be updating system software on the public computers in the MLL?

No way that's gonna happen. The lounge attendants are rotated frequently, for some of them - their computing skills may barely meet what some of us would consider to be basic computer skills - at best. Updating MLL computers is just not part of their job duties and I doubt some would even be able to be adequately trained to update such a customized OS build.

Finally, I don't even think computers in the MLL are managed by Air Canada IT - their configuration is just way too secure (relatively speaking) to be something AC IT would have done! In fact, I doubt AC IT has anyone left working there who could manage such a configuration.

I suspect the configuration and management of the MLL computers has been outsourced - just like the rest of AC IT - to some firm that was responsible to configure and install them - probably as a one time deal with no recurring maintenance other than for hardware failures. I also suspect that whomever at AC negotiated the contract with the system supplier was probably a weak contract negotiator, I bet the contract has no (or very weak) previsions about keeping the systems and its installed software updated on a regular basis.

I won't say that I haven't poked around a little, but to do what would be necessary to bring the systems up to date would also involve violating sections 342.1 and 430 (1.1) of the Canadian Criminal Code - something I see no need to do just to check e-mail

That's one of the reasons why I maintain my own services (mail, web, file storage, etc), I know my systems will always be usable by any browser or system, I even use an old 16-bit browser as part of my QC testing - just to be sure my systems are accessible from pretty much any system - from anywhere.

OP's issue could end up being a moot point. Based on the rate of disappearance of machines in the YYC MLL over the past few months, looks as though there may not be any hardware at all in the business centres before long.

It's not theft if one is trying to recoup the cost of scam charges.

I suppose scamcharges are a form of petty theft.

"Free market" evangelists notwithstanding.

Indeed the MLL computers/network/printers are managed by AC IT.

I was recently in the YYC lounge and their printer was broken - asked at the front desk regarding it, and was responded they don't look after technical issues and then led me to a guy in a back office (behind the buffet area) who confirmed the printing/networking issues but that there was nothing they could do about it.

He had been complaining about these intermittent issues for some time. I asked if I could print on his computer, but he said his printer doesn't work either!

Word of caution those transiting YYC, print your documents ahead of time.

I think this has more to do with ongoing computer/networking issues they have specifically in YYC - see my post above.

Folks several posts have been removed for not only being off topic but were personal comments not permitted under FT TOS as noted here. Please refrain from personal attacks or comments and if you disagree with another member, challenge the opinion or idea - not the person. You may challenge others' points of view and opinions, but do so respectfully and thoughtfully.

Thanks,

tcook052
Air Canada Forum Moderator

Was in YVR, of the all of machines there, only 1 was used, everyone one else in the lounge had their own laptop or tablet out. Personally, my preference is that they get rid of most of the desktops and add a few printing stations where you can plug your own laptop to for printing/scanning/faxing.