Curtis Memorial Library offers free Walk-In-Wireless Internet access* to users with appropriately equipped wireless devices. The “WiFi Zone” has been designed to support a wide-range of 802.11b and 802.11g laptops, PDA, and other devices. When you access the Internet via any Curtis Library network, wireless or cabled, you are agreeing to abide by the Library’s Internet Use Policy.  In simple terms you agree not to interfere with or disturb other patrons (use headphones if necessary), and not to use our network to harass other people or break the law.

*Exception: The 1904 Reading Room (old library) is out-of-bounds for all electronic devices.

Limitations of WiFi:

• No printing services available at this time
• A WiFi network is less secure than a wired network (see FAQ below)
• Signal strength varies within the Library

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is it?

All public areas of the new Library building have wireless coverage. The 1904 building, however, remains a technology-free zone so it has no WiFi coverage. There are four different public access points situated at various spots in the library. Generally your computer will pick up the strongest signal, but if you sat in a different location the last time you were here your computer may default to that access point even if it’s not the strongest one for where you are now. If you are having trouble accessing the network, try connecting to one of the other access points.

Curtis Memorial Library 1  is located upstairs near the reference desk.
Curtis Memorial Library 2  is located near the youth services desk.
Curtis Memorial Library 3  is located in the back of the Morrell Mtg. Rm.
Curtis Memorial Library 4  is located near the foot of the back stairs.

How do I connect?

In most cases, a connection will be automatic and you will need to do nothing more than just open your browser and start surfing. Details of configuring your computer for wireless networking will vary depending on the specific models of laptop, operating system, and wireless network card.

How do I send mail through my laptop from the library?

Whatever you have configured for incoming mail should work correctly, however the outgoing SMTP e-mail address in your mail program must be set to mail.msln.net.  Before changing to this, note what you had configured before as you may need to reconfigure it back to send mail from your normal location.  More detailed information on configuration for various e-mail clients may be found on MSLN’s e-mail support page.

What do I need?

You need a laptop (or suitable PDA) equipped with an IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g compatible (Wi-Fi) wireless network card. Some laptops have wireless cards built-in, for most others you can purchase a compatible card to plug into your computer. Installation of the card and its associated software will vary depending on specific computer, card, and operating system.

Can the library help me configure my computer?

Library staff are not permitted to provide direct assistance configuring laptops. The Curtis Memorial Library System cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings. You are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.

Some helpful tips are included on this page. If you need additional help, reference librarians can assist you in locating local computer stores or other information resources or you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software.

Do you charge for this service?

No.

Must I register?

No. We have decided to offer access without requiring any registration; if there are problems with unrestricted access we may reconsider registration.

Does the number of people using the wireless network effect the network speed?

Yes, the larger the number of concentrated users the slower the speeds will be.

Can I download large files?

The bandwidth available for the wireless Internet connection is shared with all others in the Library. To show consideration for others’ needs, we ask that you not download excessively large files or access streaming audio/video.

Can I print from the wireless network?

No, there are no printers configured on the wireless network. To print you should either save your document and print when you get home. Alternatively you could e-mail the document to yourself, then sign-up to use one of the Library’s public access computers to open it and print it.

Is the WiFi network secure?

No, but wireless networks are not unique in that respect; on all shared networks, whether wired or wireless, users can potentially eavesdrop on each other’s data, though it is not usually likely that they will. Whenever it is appropriate and practical, you should use additional methods to secure your data. If you are transferring confidential information (passwords, credit card numbers, online banking information, health data and so on) you are strongly encouraged to use secure web sites (SSL) or other techniques (SSH, VPN) to safeguard your confidentiality. Curtis Memorial Library is not responsible for insuring the privacy of information you transfer over our network.

Due to the fundamentally insecure nature of public computer networks, the Library does not recommend the use of its terminals for online shopping, ordering merchandise, or electronic banking. The Library does not prohibit these activities, but (1) does not ensure the provision of secure connections to support them; (2) does not provide support or troubleshooting for any electronic financial transactions; and (3) is not liable for these personal financial transactions.

What about viruses and hackers? Is the information on my laptop safe from hackers while I am connected?

Connecting your computer to the Internet via our wireless network can expose your computer to the same viruses and other security risks as any other Internet connection. You are responsible for ensuring that your computer is protected against such threats: you use the library’s wireless network at your own risk. Utilizing virus protection, personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on your laptop is highly recommended.
Do you collect or log data about my session?

Curtis Memorial Library neither collects nor stores any other information about you, your computer, or the data you transfer over our network.

What if I have problems?

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.

General Settings Information for all systems

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.

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) = “any” (without quotes)
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 the name of the wireless network available at the library and click “Connect.” Please ask library staff for network name.

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.
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.

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.
Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

Outgoing mail address: mail.msln.net