WiFi: Walk In Wireless Internet Access at the Southwest Harbor Public Library.
Southwest Harbor Public Library (SWHPL) offers wireless "Wi-Fi" access to the Library's Internet service for properly equipped laptops. When you use the Internet in the Library you are accepting the library's Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Please take the time to read the policy before accessing the network.
This service does not include the ability to print from your laptop to the Library printer.
Patrons must be aware that a Wi-Fi network is less secure than a wired network (see below).
Signal strength varies within the Library.
802.11b/g - Also Known as Wi-Fi
Your laptop must conform to the "802.11b/g" standard, commonly known as "Wi-Fi". New laptops often come standard with a wireless interface. These laptops usually come automatically configured to pick up the wireless signal. Older laptops with a PCMCIA slot or USB port can be fitted with a wired/wireless network interface card (NIC) for about $80 or even less.
Although we are "wired for wireless", the entire building may not be accessible to all computers not connected by cables - the library steel shelving interferes with the wireless signal.
You Will Need:
A wireless network interface card (NIC).
A laptop configured to use the Library's Internet connection.
A charged battery - the library has some accessible electrical outlets near some tables, but not at every table or seat.
Compatible headphones if you plan to use audio.
Wi-Fi Security
The Internet is a public communications network, which means that there can be untrusted parties between you and anybody you communicate with. Wi-Fi unplugs the Internet and makes personal security risks more visible. Wi-Fi poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks. Wi-Fi users need to educate themselves about these risks, and take steps to secure their personal information. Cautious Wi-Fi users may choose not to transmit their credit card information and passwords while using any Wi-Fi "hotspot", including the Library's. The Library cannot assure the safety of your data when you use either our wired or wireless Internet access.
Wireless Technical Information
Wireless hardware and software varies as to the operating systems you may use on your laptop, so we can't give you precise instructions. In many cases, you need to do nothing to hook up (just click on Internet Explorer), but you might need to check the following in your wireless software:
The "Service Set Identifier" (SSID) should be set to "default."
Wherever your software ask for a "name" or "wireless area" or "access point name" insert "public" (all lower case!)
The "Wireless Mode" should be set to "Infrastructure" (not "ad hoc").
In Network Neighborhood Properties (right click on Network Neighborhood and click on "Properties") click on the Wireless TCP/IP adapter setting and look at its properties.
Ensure that you have checked "Obtain an IP address automatically."
If you use Windows 2000 or XP and have more than one adaptor, you may have to disable the one you are not using.
Some adaptors have a physical switch (very small) that must be turned on in order to connect to the Internet.
Most wireless software has an indicator that tells you a signal is being received. Make sure the link quality and signal strength are both at least "good". If not, move about the room to a location that has a stronger signal.
Click on Internet Explorer and the Internet should come right up!
Please note that the Library cannot assist you with your laptop, card, or configuration. The Library cannot accept the liability of handling your equipment.
Questions? Call the Library - 207-244-7065
CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL THE LIBRARY
CLICK HERE to read our INTERNET policy.
Walk In Wireless at the Southwest Harbor Public Library is provided in part through a grant from the Maine State Library.
We thank the Memorial Hall Library in Andover Massachusetts, on whose page this page is based, with permission.
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