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Wireless Internet FAQ
What Is Wireless Internet or WiFi?
What Is a WiFi FreeSpot or HotSpot?
What do I need to use the Wireless Internet Access connection at the Library?
How do I connect to the Library FreeSpot?
What if I need Help connecting?
What can I do at the Library FreeSpot?
Is my data and email secure at the Library FreeSpot?
What about power and batteries?
What Is Wireless Internet or WiFi?
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity or Wireless Fast Internet and allows you to connect to the Internet at a high speed without any wires. In Fact, the Library WiFi connection is over fifty times faster than a modem connection.
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What Is a WiFi FreeSpot or HotSpot?
Wireless internet accesses in public areas are called "HotSpots" and “FreeSpots”. Lots of places now offer wireless high speed Internet access, including Airports, Hotels, Coffee Shops, RV Parks, Laundromats, Internet Cafes and Restaurants. These locations are called “HotSpots”. Locations that do not charge for WiFi, like the Roanoke County Public Library, are called “FreeSpots”.
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What do I need to use the Wireless Internet Access connection at the library?
You will need to bring a wireless/WiFi enabled laptop or other device like a Pocket PC, or a handheld PDA to the library. The library does not loan or supply PDA’s or laptops. Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for wireless and some may come equipped with a wireless adapter card. If your laptop or PDA does not have wireless built in, you can purchase an adapter card under a hundred dollars. Most hotspots are equipped with 802.11b access points. (See www.wi-fi.com for more information about 802.11b). The IEEE 802.11b is the most commonly used type of WiFi and the Library FreeSpot offers the 802.11b type access. When purchasing an adapter card for your laptop be sure to read the manufacturers specs for compatibility and installation information.
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How do I connect to the Library FreeSpot?
We are striving to make the connection process as easy as possible at the library. The idea is to automatically configure your laptop for connection. But, as you can imagine, with lots of different vendors selling access points and cards there could be specific configuration instructions specific to your hardware and device. We do offer some hints that should work with your laptop or PDA but again, you need to consult with your Vendor for detailed support.
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Some General Guidelines For Setting Up Your Wireless Device:
- Be sure to set your TCP/IP properties to "Obtain and IP address automatically" (DHCP).
- Make sure your computer is not configured to automatically use a dial-up connection.
- If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode.
- Use the SSID name “RKECOLIB” or try choosing "any".
- Turn encryption (WEP) off.
- Make sure your battery is fully charged. The library does not have many wall plugs available for use by patrons.
- If you're using Windows XP it should automatically sniff out and setup access to the HQ/419 FreeSpot.
What if I need Help connecting?
By and large, do not expect detailed technical help from the staff at the library. We are librarians, pages or volunteers, not tech support people. Most computer manufacturers have toll free tech support numbers and they will have the knowledge to help you with connection issues. Since you are using a hotspot that offers free access you won't find any toll free tech support number to call from the library (that's one reason why we are able to offer the access for free). It may help to familiarize yourself with the instructions for your wireless card beforehand or bring them with you.
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What can I do at the Library FreeSpot?
The Library WiFi wireless broadband FreeSpot connection allows you to do anything you can do from any of the other library’s Internet public access PCs. You can surf the Web, you can check your email but in sending email may be easier if you use web-based email rather than your email program, Outlook Express, Eudora, etc. check with your ISP to see if you have web-based email, you can connect to your Company’s network (be sure to use a secure VPN connection), you can play online games, you can conduct research, and you can IM with your friends.
Note: Some online databases that are only available in the library may not be available through the wireless connection.
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Is my data and email secure at the Library FreeSpot?
Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very easily. The Library FreeSpot wireless internet access was designed for ease of use, and thus is not encrypted or password protected. You have the responsibility to make sure that your data is kept secure and that you use secure methods for any sensitive material. Just like our regular public access PCs, we take no responsibility for any information that is compromised by the use of the Internet. See the Roanoke County Public Library Internet Policy for more information. Important Note: make sure that your computer does not have file sharing active to give you a more secure environment. In Windows - click on network settings in the Control Panel, then find and uncheck file and print sharing. Other users on the Internet may be able to access your files if you do.
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What about Power and Batteries?
The library has a very limited number of power receptacles which can be used for you to plug in your laptop or wireless device. Please note: These outlets do not offer surge protection. The library does not keep batteries or battery chargers. You should make sure your device or laptop is fully charged before using the Wireless connection.
Note: Roanoke County Public Library is not responsible for any harm, loss of data or loss of device / laptop within the library.
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