|
The Broome County Public
Library is pleased to offer Wireless Internet Access.
What is Wireless Internet Access?
Wireless Internet Access allows you to access the Internet
from your laptop computer without plugging it into a wall outlet or a
floor box to gain a connection. This allows you to use the Internet in most
areas of the library.
What do I need?
You need a laptop computer with a
standard wireless network interface card (NIC). Your NIC needs to be
compatible with the Wi-Fi standards "802.11b" or 802.11g."
*
What do these terms mean?
- Wi-Fi - stands for
WIreless-FIdelity. This is a logo from the Wi-Fi Alliance that certifies
that Ethernet devices comply with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard. In
the early 2000s, Wi-Fi/802.11 became widely used ("Wi-Fi").
- 802.11b - wireless
standard that transmits data at up to 11 Mbps (megabits per second),
approximately the same speed as most office networks today and can reach
up to 300 feet if there are no obstructions.
- 802.11g - newer
wireless standard that works with 802.11b equipment. It can transmit
data up to five times faster (55 Mbps) and is designed to use the same
wireless transmitters and receivers as 802.11 b.
What speed is the wireless connection at BCPL?
All of the wireless connections at BCPL access
the Internet through a wireless link to our ISP that sends and receives
data at 1.5 mbs in each direction. The response time you see on your laptop
also depends upon how large the web page or file is, the speed of the
website's connection to the Internet and how many other wireless users are
transmitting data at the same time.
Who can use wireless Internet access? Do I need a library card?
Anyone with a laptop using a wireless adapter. A Broome County Public Library card is
not required.
May my child bring in their laptop?
Yes.
Does my child need a signed parental permission form to use their own laptop?
No. Our wireless Internet access is open to
patrons of all ages; parents or guardians of children under the age of 17
are responsible for supervising and guaranteeing their child's proper and
safe use of the Internet.
Does the Library provide laptops or NIC cards?
No, you must bring your own equipment.
Please bring a fully charged battery. Public electric outlets may not be available.
Where Can I Get a Wi-Fi Card?
Many new laptops come with Wi-Fi as a
standard feature. Older laptops can be outfitted with an 802.11b or
802.11g wireless network interface (NIC) card at local electronics and
computer stores or by purchasing online. Consult your laptop manual for
specifications.
Where can I get help setting up my laptop for wireless Internet access? What if I have problems?
You are the
person responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not
familiar with computers or networking, we recommend bringing someone with
you who can help configure your laptop. Library staff members are not
permitted to provide direct assistance configuring laptops. See set-up
directions at www.bclibrary.info/wireless setup.html.
Can I print from my laptop?
No, printers are not directly accessible via the wireless network. If you need to print, save
to a floppy, email it to yourself, or burn it to a CD, then you can use
one of our public workstations to print.
How can I tell whether the wireless network is working?
After your laptop has been
properly configured it should sense the wireless network as soon as you
turn it on. If you don't get a response for two or three minutes, please
"reboot" your laptop and try again. "Rebooting" means shutting off
electrical power to the laptop using the recommended method and then
turning it back on again.
How long does my wireless connection last?
All wireless users have no time limit.
My computer works in the Library but now won't work at home or work. Do you
know why?
If you changed your laptop's network configuration to
make it work in the Library, remember to change it back when you are at
home or at work.
My software programs won't work in the library.
The library does not guarantee or support wireless access
with any specific software program.
Is the information on my laptop safe from hackers while I am connected?
The Library's
wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop
can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate
software, within three hundred feet. We recommend that you utilize virus
protection, personal firewall, and other measures to protect the
information on your laptop. The library is not responsible for any loss of
information or damage to your laptop that might result from using the
wireless network.
Works Cited:
"Wi-Fi." TechEncyclopedia. 11
August 2004 http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/defineterm?term=wi-fi.
"Wireless Internet Access at the Schenectady County Public
Library: Frequently Asked Questions." Schenectady County Public Library.
10 August 2004 <http://www.scpl.org/resources/wireless/index.html>.
"Wireless Internet Access at
the Juneau Public Libraries." Juneau Public Libraries. 9 August 2004
<http://www.juneau.lib.ak.us/library/wireless.htm>.
Thank you to the Tompkins County Public Library, the Juneau Public
Libraries and Schenectady County Public Library for providing some of their text in creating this FAQ.
|
