The Santa Fe Public Library now has wireless Internet access available to patrons at the Southside Library. The following FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) should assist you in utilizing this free service.
Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between your computer and the Internet.
No cables are required.
Why wireless?
Wireless allows library users to bring their own computers to the library and to get Internet access.
Library users can use their wireless laptop computers or PDAs to get Internet access in most areas of the library. You are not limited to the normal computer areas of the library.
How do I use wireless at the library?
The Santa Fe Public Library System uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g). These standards provide up to 54 megabits/second connection speed. Speed will vary by location and number of users.
You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library and it will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to install a WiFi network card. The Library does not provide wireless cards.
Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the library can make no guarantees as to compatibility of your equipment with the library's network.
Printers are not available to wireless users in the library at this time.
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.
When I access your remote databases, will I have to provide a Library Card?
Yes - for purposes of accessing our databases, you will be treated as if you are outside the library, and will have to sign in to your library account.
Since I'm using my own equipment, do the general rules about computer use still apply to me?
Yes - you still cannot disrupt other patrons as described in the Santa Fe Public Library Policy on Internet Use and Rules Governing Conduct of Patrons. Any activities deemed illegal apply to you whether or not you are on a Library-owned computer or your own computer. Furthermore, security hardware and software will disconnect you temporarily or permanently from the entire wireless network if you attempt to circumvent standard procedures and protocols, or attempt to access or manipulate equipment to which you are not authorized to connect. Any illegal activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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.
The Santa Fe Public Library System cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.
If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software. The Library Staff cannot provide any help beyond this FAQ page.
What about virus protection and security?
It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide anti-virus protection, and to configure their laptop/PDA settings to provide the appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and the internet itself. The Santa Fe Public 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. Wireless users assume all risks in this regard.
What hours is wireless access available?
Wireless access is available all hours the respective branch is open.
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) = "any" or scan for the closest/strongest access point: any SSID "PAT-#" with a number in the # position ("PAT-1", "PAT-2", etc) (without quotes)
WEP = disable WEP encryption
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point - NOT "Ad-Hoc"
Windows 98 - Network Settings:
From Control Panel, select Network.
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.
For IP Address, select "Obtain an IP address automatically."
For DNS, select "Disable DNS."
For WINS, select "Use DHCP for WINS Resolution."
Windows 2000 & XP - Network Settings:
From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial-up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections."
Right-click on "Wireless Network Connection" or "Local Area Connection" and click Properties.
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.
Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically."
For XP, right click on "Wireless Network Connection" and select "View Available Wireless Networks." Select the name of the wireless network available at your location in the library (PAT-1, PAT-2, etc) and click "Connect."
Windows NT - Network Settings:
From Control Panel, select Network.
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.
Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.
Connect via "AirPort" or other wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet.
Configure "Using DHCP Server."
Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.
Macintosh - Network Settings OS X:
Select: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network button.
Select TCP/IP tab and Configure "Using DHCP."
Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet.
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:
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.
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.
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