George F. Johnson Memorial Library Wireless Network Policy

The George F. Johnson Memorial Library (GFJ) provides free broadband wireless Internet access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to individuals with laptop computers.  Users are expected to use the wireless network in a legal and responsible manner.  Violation of federal, New York State or local laws, including but not limited to the transmission of pornography or harmful material, fraud, hacking, spamming, and illegal downloading of copyrighted material is prohibited.

Wireless access at GFJ is not filtered.  However, by choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the GFJ Library Internet Policy. 

As the library is a public space, users are prohibited from using the network to access sexually graphic material as outlined in the GFJ Library Internet Policy.  Sexually graphic material is subject to the interpretation of the library staff.  Violators will be asked to cease and persistence will result in denial of network access.

As with most public wireless networks, the connection is not secure.  Any information being sent or received could be intercepted.  Wireless users should not transmit their credit card numbers, passwords or other sensitive personal information while using the GFJ wireless network.

Wireless users should have updated virus protection installed on their computer.  GFJ will not be responsible for any information that is compromised, or for any damage caused to an individual’s hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues, viruses, hacking, spamming, or other causes.  GFJ assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data file resulting from connection to the GFJ wireless network.

Library staff cannot assist in making changes to user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer.  Please refer to your owner’s manual or technical support provided by the manufacturer.  Since computer equipment is subject to repair and “downtime” the Library does not guarantee that the network will always be available.  The Library also reserves the right to curtail or discontinue wireless service at any time.

The wireless network is widely available throughout the main floor and on the exterior grounds of the library; however you may encounter some “dead” spots where reception may be compromised.  If you have trouble accessing the network or staying online please try moving to another location.  The library has a limited number of publicly accessible electrical outlets (some with surge protectors) available for use.  Please see staff at the Information Desk for assistance in locating them.  The library printers are not available via the wireless network. 

Wi-Fi Technical Tips

Getting online is quick and simple – no special encryption settings, user names or passwords are required.  Simply launch your web browser, indicate your agreement with our library's wireless policy by clicking on the "Login" button at the lower left of the page, and your computer’s home page will appear.  You can begin surfing immediately.

Hardware and Software requirements:

• You need a laptop computer or other device such as a PDA with a standard wireless network interface card (NIC) or laptop with integrated WiFi capability. Your NIC needs to be compatible with the Wi-Fi standards "802.11b" or “802.11g."
• You also need a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Mozilla Firefox.

Connecting to the Network:

If you have a newer laptop or wireless card, your computer may automatically find the wireless network.  If the connection to the network fails, you may need to change the computer settings. 

Troubleshooting

Windows 2000 & XP network settings:

1. Click on “Start”.  Go to “Setting”, and then click on “Control Panel”.
2. From the Control Panel, double-click on “Network and Dial-up Connections” or “Network and Internet Connections”.
3. Right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” or “Local Area Connection (LAN)” and click on “Properties”.
4. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties.  If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
5. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”.
6. For Windows XP, right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select “View Available Wireless Networks.”

  Windows NT network settings:

1. From the Control Panel, double click on “Network”.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and double click on “Properties”. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. Select “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server” and click on “OK”. 
4. From the Control Panel, select “Internet Options”, and then click on the “Connections” tab.  If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to “Always dial my default connection”.  LAN settings should be set to “Automatically detect settings”.  Leave the Proxy server settings blank.

Macintosh (OS 8 & 9) network settings:

1. Go to “Apple Menu” and click on “Control Panel”.  Then click on “TCP/IP”.
2. Select “Connect via” and then select “Airport” or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
3. In the “Configure” menu, select “Using DHCP Server”. 
4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Macintosh (OS X) network settings:

1. Go to the “Apple Menu” and click on “System Preferences”.  Then click on “Network”.  
2. Select the TCP/IP tab.  The settings should appear as Configure: “Using DHCP”.
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to Configure via “AirPort” or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
4. Leave the Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

Internet Explorer tips:

There may be variations in the procedures listed below depending upon your version of the software.

1. Click on “Start”.  Go to “Setting”, and then click on “Control Panel”.
2. From the Control Panel, double-click on Internet Options.  Then, click on the “Connections” tab.
3. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to “Always dial my default connection”.
4. LAN settings should be set to “Automatically detect settings”.  Leave the Proxy server settings blank.

Wi-Fi Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a wireless network?

A wireless network uses radio waves instead of wires to connect your computer to the Internet. No cables or jacks are required.  As long as you are within range of an access point, you can move your computer from place to place and still access the Internet.

What do I need?

You need a laptop computer or other device such as a PDA 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 802.11b.

Will I need a login or password to connect?

The Library’s wireless network is open to all visitors.  No special encryption settings, user names, logins or passwords are required.

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” compatible wireless network interface (NIC) card which can be purchased at local electronics and computer stores. Consult your laptop manual for specifications.

Where can I get help setting up my laptop for wireless Internet access? What if I have problems?

Everyone’s computer is different.  You are responsible for setting up your own PC and other equipment. Library staff members are not able to provide direct assistance configuring laptops.  If you are not familiar with computers or networking, we recommend that you bring someone with you who can help configure your laptop. 

I can’t get a WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.

Not all wireless network interface cards are the same.  The quality of your wireless card may be quite different from the person next to you.

Can I print from my laptop?

No. Library printers are not directly accessible from the wireless network. If you would like to print something, save the file to a floppy disk, e-mail it to yourself, or burn it to a CD.  You can print from the library desktop computers.

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?

There are no time limits.  However, GFJ reserves the right to do so in the future in order to provide equal opportunity for all.

What can interrupt my wireless connection?

A cell phone probably won’t interrupt your Internet connection, but wood, people, walls, and book stacks may interfere.

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.

GFJ 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, with proximity to the library. We recommend that you utilize virus protection, a personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on your laptop. GFJ

is not responsible for any loss of information or damage to your laptop that might result from using the wireless network.

I think I got a virus from your network.

Wireless networks do not produce viruses.  Viruses come from the Internet, often as attachments to e-mail.  We recommend that you have virus protection and a personal firewall installed on your laptop.

Portions adapted from New York State Library’s “Free Wireless Internet Access at the New York State Library.”

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