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WIRELESS HOTSPOT
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 The
Paris-Bourbon County Library offers a
Wireless Internet Access Point, or
“hotspot”
for users with
portable computers capable of receiving wireless signals. This
will allow adult users to access the Internet from
their laptop computers when within range of the access
point.
Wireless access
will be available only during normal library
hours. Printers are not available via the wireless connection.
Users are expected to follow all
of the library's policies for acceptable use when using
this connection. When you first access our network, these policies
are displayed on a "splash" screen; you must click on a button
indicating you agree to follow the policies before you proceed to
the Internet. The policies are also
available on our web site for review at any time.
Users are responsible
for making sure their computer has the correct settings and
necessary hardware. Library staff cannot assist users in
configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems. Users
should refer to their owners' manuals or other support services
offered by their computer manufacturer. The library cannot
guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's
wireless connection.
As with most public
wireless "hot spots," the library's wireless connection is
not
secure. There can be non-trustworthy third parties between the user
and anybody with whom the user communicates. Any information being
sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another
wireless user. Cautious and informed wireless users should not
transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other
sensitive personal information while using any wireless "hot spot."
The library will not
be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that
is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or
software due to such things as electrical surges, security issues or
consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access
users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal
laptop computers or wireless devices.
Laptops and other
devices should never be left unattended in the Library, even for
brief periods of time. The Library assumes no responsibility for
damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software,
data files or other personal property brought into or used at the
Library's facilities.
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Where?
Wireless users are asked to stay in the
upstairs "adult" section of the library. The wireless connection has
a relatively short range; it will probably not reach very far, if at
all, beyond the building walls. A table with surge protected
electrical outlets is provided.
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When?
Access
is allowed only during the library's normal hours of operation; the
service is NOT available when the library is closed. See the
Calendar for specific closing dates, etc.
Normal hours of operation are:
-
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 9:30am-5:30pm
-
Tuesday/Thursday -
9:30am-8:00pm
-
Saturday -
9:30am-3:00pm)
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How Do I Connect?
(While in "beta
test mode" in 2006 the library required users to provide their
computer's MAC address to be added to our network in order to make
service available. As of 1/24/07, this step is no longer required.)
Access to the
library's wireless network with broadband Internet access is now
freely available as soon as you enter the coverage area during hours
of operation.
Once your wireless card has been
installed, you will need to configure your computer to obtain our
network information automatically (using a technique called DHCP)
and inform your computer of our wireless network name (SSID).
The SSID for our public access location is
PBCL Public Wireless. (Note: we do have other
wireless networks that are for in-house use by library staff only;
if you are asked for a password, you are attempting to connect to
the wrong SSID.)
If your computer is not currently
configured for DHCP, you may make the changes as outlined:
Configuring Wireless Networking
for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
-
Click
Start -> Connect To -> Wireless Network
Connection.
-
Click
Refresh Network List on the left hand column.
-
Click “PBCL
Public Wireless”
once, then click Connect.
Configuring Wireless Networking
for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1
-
Click
Start -> Connect To -> Wireless Network
Connection.
-
Click
Properties. Click on the Wireless Networks tab.
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Check
the box “Use Windows to configure my wireless network
connection.”
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Click
Refresh in the Available Networks box.
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Click “PBCL
Public Wireless”
once, then click OK.
Instructions for PowerBooks and
iBooks
with built-in AirPort cards
-
In the
AirPort Control Strip at the bottom of the screen, click
and scroll up to "PBCL
Public Wireless." If
you do not have your Control Strip turned on, you can select
"AirPort" from the Apple Menu and select "PBCL
Public Wireless"
next to "Choose network." At this point you should see one
or more of the AirPort signal indicators. If you are seeing one or
no indicators lit, move to another location within the library.
-
Open
your TCP/IP Control Panel (Apple Menu > Control Panels > TCP/IP).
Select "AirPort" next to "Connect via." Also,
"Configure:" should be set to "Using DHCP Server."
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is needed
to use wireless access?
You need:
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a portable
computer, such as a laptop or PDA, with a charged battery.
(Electrical outlets may be used ONLY if available in the public
area where you are working.)
-
a wireless network
card that is 802.11b or 802.11g compatible.
-
Internet browser
software, such as Internet Explorer.
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the ability to
configure your computer to use DCHP for wireless access.
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How does it
work?
The library has an antenna that broadcasts a radio signal. The
radio signals are picked up by a wireless card in your
laptop/PDA. Your wireless card and computer translate the radio
waves into bits of data (1s and 0s) that your laptop/PDA can read
as information. As you surf the Internet, your laptop/PDA, with
the aid of the antenna, sends and receives radio signals and
information.
-
Is wireless
access secure?
No, the signal from the PDA or laptop is susceptible to
interception. Please exercise caution when sensitive information
is available on your computer.
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Do I have to
pay for wireless access?
No. The library is a freespot, a place that does not
charge for wireless access.
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What software
is needed?
Many Wireless Internet laptops will automatically find the
Wireless network and automatically configure the Wi-Fi network
card. Windows XP contains software in the operating system to
automatically find Wireless networks within range of the laptop. If your laptop has trouble finding the network, it could be a
problem with the network card configuration information or with
the software.
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What can I do
from this access point?
The Wi-Fi access point allows you to connect your laptop to the
Internet at broadband speeds. Through this connection you can
surf the Web, access the library catalog, and check your email.
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer Web-based email for
situations when you don’t have direct access to your ISP account. Check with your ISP to see if they have a Web-based email for
sending and receiving messages. Users are expected to follow all
Paris-Bourbon County Library’s computer use policies when using
this wireless connection.
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Are my data or
e-mail secured?
Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very
easily. The transmissions in and out of your laptop over a
wireless network can be easily captured and/or read. If your data
are not encrypted when they leave your computer they are not
secure. It is recommended that you do NOT use this Wireless
Internet for secure transactions, such as banking, investments, or
even proprietary information. More authoritative information is
available at http://www.wififreespot.com/faqs.html.
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Can the
library staff help me configure my computer?
No. You are responsible for knowing how to configure your own
equipment.
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