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Q. What is WiFi?
A. Wi-Fi is a Method to get Internet access, Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity
and is used to define any of the wireless technology in the IEEE 802.11
specification - including (but not necessarily limited to) the wireless
protocols 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.
Q. How Can I Use WiFi?
A. You must be using a computer or PDA that
has Wi-Fi connectivity already working. Most portable computers can add Wi-Fi using an adapter (network card) that plugs into a PC card slot or USB
port. If your
laptop does not have a wireless network interface card, you will need to
purchase a compatible card and follow the manufacturer's instructions to
install it on your laptop. This typically involves installing the network
card driver and a client utility program. This program will allow you to
configure the settings for your network connection.
Q. Which branches have
wireless network?
A. All the Portsmouth Public Library Locations
have wireless connectivity.
Q. How much does it cost to
use the WiFi network?
A. The internet connection is free for the Portsmouth Public Library Patrons
using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops or PDA's.
Q. What are the restrictions
for internet use?
A. You must abide by the
Library's Internet use
policy.
Q. Can I print from the
Wireless Network?
A. Printing is not available. If you need to print, please save your work to
disk or email files to yourself, then sign up and login to a Library public
computer
and send print jobs to a printer.
Q. Where should I be to pick up a
stronger signal?
A. Within the Library, a wireless access point is located near the Reference
Desk. The signal will be strongest inside the building.
Q. Will I need any special
settings or passwords to connect?
A. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.
Your only requirement is to have a laptop with built in wireless or
compatible network card. Our network supports IEEE 802.11b/g. (The
most common wireless devices)
Q. Is my information safe while
using wireless?
A. Your information is not protected while using wireless, unless you
are connected to a web page that employs encryption (stores, banks, etc.)
Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal
information
Q. Can I search the Library
Catalog and special databases using wireless?
A. Yes. To search the Catalog, click on "Library Catalog" from the
Portsmouth Public Library home page
www.portsmouthpubliclibrary.org.
Q. Can the library staff help me
configure my computer?
A. Unfortunately everyone's computer is different and you are
responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. The
Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's
settings. If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the
hardware or software manufacturer.
Q. Are electrical outlets
available to recharge my laptop battery?
A. A limited number of electrical outlets are available in
the Library. Only unoccupied electrical outlets may be used. You may not
unplug any Library equipment to use the electrical outlet.
Q. May I leave my laptop
unattended while using other Library services?
A. The Library cannot provide security for your laptop or
other equipment. Please do not leave valuables unattended.
Q. I can't get a
WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.
A. Not all Wireless cards are the same. The quality of
your card versus your neighbor's can be quite different.
Q.
Will my Macintosh work with wireless in the Library?
A. Yes, as long
as it supports 802.11b or 802.11g wireless.
Q. I don't have a
laptop computer. How can I use the network?
A.
Unfortunately, the library does not have laptop computers for loan. You may
access the network from computer stations located in other sections of the
library.
Q.
I think I got a virus
from your Hotspot (another name for WiFi).
A. Hotspots do not produce viruses. They come from the Internet,
often as attachments to e-mail. It is strongly recommend that all users have
virus protection and a personal firewall installed on their Laptops.
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