WiFi-Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is wireless?
  2. How do I use the service?
  3. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
  4. Can the library help me configure my computer?
  5. What about virus protection and security?
  6. Can I print while using wireless?
  7. Is wireless available at the branches?
  8. Windows 2000 & XP - Network Settings

FAQ



  • What is wireless?
    • Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between your computer and the Internet. No cables are required.


  • How do I use the service?
    • If you have a laptop computer with a wireless interface card,you can use the wireless network at the library.(On newer laptops there is a button that switches your wireless card on)
    • Our network name is "shrlapnet"


  • Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
    • No, the library's patron wireless network is open to all visitors.
    • No special encryption settings, user names, nor passwords are required.


  • Can the library help me configure my computer?
    • No - everyone's computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.

  • What about virus protection and security?
    • It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide anti-virus protection.The library cannot and will not take responsibility for damages incurred for incorrect, insufficient or incomplete security settings; or lack of adequate or up-to-date virus protection.


  • Can I print while using wireless?
    • Printing is not available. You may save your work to disk or e-mail the files to yourself.


  • Is wireless available at the branches?
    • Wireless is available at all branches.


    Windows 2000 & XP - Network Settings:

    Our Network Name is shrlapnet


    1. From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial-up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections."
    2. Right-click on "Wireless Network Connection" or "Local Area Connection" and click Properties.
    3. 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.
    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 Networks." Select the name of the wireless network available, our network name is "shrlapnet" and click "Connect."

    Windows NT - Network Settings:

    1. From Control Panel, select Network.
    2. Locate the 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.
    3. Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.

    back to top

    Macintosh - Network Settings OS 8 & 9:

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

    Macintosh - 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 need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet.
    4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

    Internet Explorer tips

    Please note that depending on your version of software, there may be variations in the procedures:

    1. From Control Panel, select Internet Options > Connections tab.
    2. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to "Always dial my default connection."
    3. LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.

    Miscellaneous

    • If your operating system or particular device is not mentioned above, in general, you should set your network options to "DHCP" for IP address assignment, and "Any" for network or SSID name.
    • If your wireless network card software has the option to scan for the strongest signal that is usually preferable.