Anderson County Library's Wireless Internet Connection Available at Main, Pendleton, and Powdersville

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, within three hundred feet. Virus and security protection is the responsibility of the patron.  Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.  The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.

• Wireless Internet Access Defined
• Wireless Internet Requirements
• Wireless Internet Support
• Where at the Main Library is it available?
• Wireless Access at the Branches
• How to Use Wireless at the Library and Tips

Wireless Internet Access Defined

Wireless is internet access using radio frequencies as opposed to using cables. This enables library patrons to bring their own laptops to the library and use the downtown library's internet connection from most locations in the the library.

Requirements to Use Wireless Internet Access at the Anderson County Library

A laptop computer with a wireless card that supports the the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b or g).

Support for Wireless Access at the Anderson County Library

There is no staff available to assist with setting up wireless internet on your computer; you are the person responsible for setting up your own equipment. Printers are not available via the wireless connection; if you need to print, save to a floppy and use one of our public workstations to print.

Some programs, such as KaZaa and Napster, cannot be accessed because of their need for different portals and large bandwidths that the library cannot provide at this time. Virtual Private Network (VPN) and e-mail client software such as Outlook and Eudora are not accessible due to security issues.  The library does not guarantee or support wireless access with any specific software program.

Where at the Main Library is it available?

Wireless access is available at the Main Library in most of the public areas, conference rooms, and meeting rooms.

Wireless Internet access at the Branches

Wireless access is not offered at all the branches currently.  Wireless is available at the Pendleton and Powdersville Branches.  The wireless access at the branches cover the entire branch.  Pendleton Branch is an 802.11g access point.  The Powdersville Branch is an 802.11n access point.

How to Use Wireless Internet

Just bring your laptop with a wireless network card to the Main library and connect to the internet. No passwords are required, all visitors are welcome. If you cannot connect to the internet, use the following guidelines:

Wireless Card Settings:
Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network.

• SSID (network name) = "default"
• WEP = disable WEP encryption
• Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point

Windows 98
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. 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 & XP
Network Settings:

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 "default" 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.

Internet Explorer Tips:

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

From Control Panel, select Internet Options > 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 "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.

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 need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

The Anderson County Library System is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.