Wireless Internet Access at the Adams County Library System

What is wireless Internet access and how do I use it at the Adams County Library System?

What is wireless?

• Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between computers

Why wireless?

• Wireless allows library users to bring their own computers to the library to get internet access
• Library users can use their wireless devices to get Internet access anywhere in the library, and are not limited to the normal computer areas of the library.

How do I use wireless at the library?

• The Adams County Library System uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g).
• You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library, and it will need to have a WiFi network card.
• Most WiFi equipment will be compatible.  However, the library system makes no guarantee of compatibility on devices
• Wireless access is available at all County Branches.
• Printers are not part of the wireless access program.

Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?

• The library’s network is open to all visitors.
• No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
• All users are required to comply with the Library’s Internet Policy
• For network security reasons, certain types of wireless communication must be blocked.
• The library highly recommends that you use and maintain virus protection, personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on your devices.

Can the library help me configure my computer?

• The library cannot provide technical support for the multitude of different configurations.
• Helpful tips are included on this page.
• The Adams County Library System cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer settings.
• The library has books about PC hardware and software.
• If reference librarians cannot answer your question, they can help you locate local computer stores or other places that might be able to help.
• Reference and Circulation staff are not trained or equipped to configure personal computers for users.

General information for all systems:

Wireless Card Settings:

• SSID (network name) = “ACLS-BRANCH” (without quotes)
• IE: ACLS-Gettysburg, ACLS-NO, ACLS-EB, ACLS-FAIRFIELD, ACLS-LITT, ACLS-AR
• WEP = disabled
• Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure or Access Point

Windows 98

Network Settings:

1. From the Control Panel, select Network
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol, and select properties.  If more than one TCP/IP protocol exists, select the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. For IP Address, select “Obtain an IP address automatically
4. For DNS, select Disable DNS
5. For WINS, select Use DHCP for WINS resolution

Windows 2000 and XP:

Network Settings:

1. From the Control Panel, select “Network and Dial-up connections” or Network and Internet Connections”
2. Right click the “Wireless Network Connection” or “Local Area Connection” and click Properties
3. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and click Properties.
4. Select “Obtain an IP Address Automatically” and “Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically”
5. For XP, right click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select “View Available Wireless Connections”. Select ACLS-BRANCH and click Connect

Macintosh

Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):

1. Select Apple Menu -> Control Panel -> TCP/IP
2. Connect via “AirPort” or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
3. Configure “Using DHCP Server”
4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Network Settings (OS X):

1. Select Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Network button
2. Select TCP/IP tab and configure “Using DHCP”
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may configure via “AirPort” or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search domains blank.