Willard Library has wireless Internet access available to our patrons. The following FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) should assist you in utilizing this service.

What is wireless?

• 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 places on every floor. You are not limited to the normal computer areas of the library. The stongest signal can be obtained in the media area of the second floor.

How do I use wireless at the library?

• 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.
  

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?

• No - for purposes of accessing our databases, you will be treated as if you are on a Patron workstation, and will not have to provide a Library Card.

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.

• Willard Public 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 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. Willard 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.

Hours of Operation

• Wireless access is available all hours the library is open.

NOTE: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer. It is best to try to use the Internet before attempting any of the changes suggested on this page.

General 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) = willard

• WEP = disable WEP encryption

• Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point - NOT "Ad-Hoc"

Operating System-specific Settings:

Windows XP

1. Go to Control Panel, and then select Network and InternetConnections

2. Right-click Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection and click Properties

3. Locate Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and access Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter

4. Select Obtainan IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically

5. Click OK twice to return to Network and Internet Connections

6. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks. Select the name of the library's wireless network, willard, and click connect.

Windows Vista

Note: This presumes that you have the appropriate permissions on your laptop to set up a wireless connection. You may need to consult documentation on enabling your administrator account using Vista.

1. Access the Connect to a network dialog box. You can do this from several location:
   • Click on Start,and then Connect to from the Windows Vista desktop

   • From the Manage wireless connections dialog box

   • From the Connect/Disconnectcontext menu option of a wireless network adapter in the Network Connectionsfolder

2. Once you open the Connect to a network dialog box, you should see the willard network listed. Highlight the library network and choose Connect.

3. After you connect to the library's wireless network, a dialog box will display informing that you are connecting to an unsecured wireless network. Click Connect Anyway to proceed with theconnection to the library's wireless service.

4. Once Vista has connected to the library's wireless network a dialog box will display telling you it has successfully connected to willard. Before closing the dialog box you will see a check box option labeled Save this network. This option will allow you to save this wireless network and even connect to it automatically every time you visit the library. This option is only recommended for experienced users of public wireless networks.

5. If this is your first time connecting to this wireless network or you choose to save your settings, Vista may display a dialog box asking you how you would like Vista to treat this new network. Clicking Public location for the library's wireless service is recommended.

6. After you select how Vista should treat the library's wireless service, you should see a dialog box telling you that the settings have been successfully set. At this point you can click Close and open your web browser to begin browsing the World Wide Web.

Macintosh OS 8 & 9:

1. Select: Apple Menu > ControlPanel > 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 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.

• Some laptops may have a utiltiy that handles the wireless connections. Please refer to the instructions that came with your laptop and/or your wireless card for further information.