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The Tompkins County Public
Library is pleased to offer its newest service, Wireless Internet Access,
effective September 1, 2004.
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 all areas of the
library.
From where did the funds come to support wireless Internet access?
The Library was fortunate enough to receive funding from a private donor.
These funds are being used for initial startup costs including equipment,
wiring, and installation. We will need additional funding to renew and
maintain this service. If you can help, please contact the TCPL Foundation
at 607 272 4557 ext 231.
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 TCPL?
All of the wireless connections at TCPL access the Internet through a
wireless link to our ISP that sends and receives data at 2 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 who complies with the Library's Internet Access Services Rules
and Internet Usage Policy which are posted throughout the Library and
online at www.tcpl.org/internetaccess.html. A Tompkins 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.
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.tcpl.org/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?
At the present time, there are no time limits.
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.
Wireless Internet Access is a one year pilot project. We welcome
your comments. Contact Library Director Janet Steiner <jsteiner@tcpl.org>.
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 Juneau Public Libraries and Schenectady County Public
Library for providing some of their text in creating this FAQ.
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