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New Albany-Floyd County Public Library is pleased to offer wireless Internet access to our patrons. Simply bring your wireless-enabled computer or other device to the Library, turn it on, and go. There is no charge to use the service and the best part is there is no waiting for an available PC! In order to connect, your computer must have a WiFi-compatible network card installed (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n). Wireless users agree to abide by the Library's Computer And Internet Use Policy.

It is the ability to access the Internet with a portable computing device without having to plug into a wall outlet. Thus users are free to move about the library and work with their own computers, even in areas of the library where Internet PCs are not available. There are several stations setup with power available.

You need a portable computer with a standard wireless network interface (NIC) card, one that is compatible with the Wi-Fi standards called 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n.

Anyone who complies with the Library's Computer And Internet Use Policy may use the wireless Internet service. You do not need to have a library card.

The library has 6 notebook computers that are available for use inside the library. You must be 18 years of age and have a valid library card. Please contact the Circulation Department for details. The library does not supply network cards.

Some older computers do not come with wireless network cards. Local computer and electronic stores often carry add-on equipment to enable wireless networking. Consult your computer manual for specifications before purchasing equipment. The library does not support or assist users with installation or configuration of their personal computer equipment.

If you changed your computer's network configuration or perferred network to make it work in the library, remember to change it back when you are at home or at work.

If you are not familiar with computers or networking, we recommend bringing someone with you who can help you configure your computer. Staff are not trained or equipped to configure personal computers. Please see our help page for a list of common configuration settings. Public Wireless Help

Each operating system has different procedures to connect to a wireless network. If you are unsure of how to connect to a wireless network, we recommended you read the manual, consult a friend, or computer professional that can assist you. The wireless network name is "NAFC-Public-Wireless" and does not require a password or any special settings. We have compiled a wireless help page to assist in connecting to the network. Our library staff can answer non-technical questions but are prohibited from providing hands on computer support for non-library equipment.

After your computer has been properly configured it should sense the wireless network as soon as you turn it on. Most computers have a sliding switch or a button that turns the radio transmitter on and off. The radio transmitter will need to be turned on before it can sense the available wireless network. If you don't get a response for two or three minutes, please "re-boot" your computer and try again. Also keep in mind that we are located in a urban area and other wireless networks may be in range but are usually encrypted and not available for public use.

At the present time, there are no time limits except that wireless Internet is enabled only during Library hours. The Library reserves the right to disconnect any device at any time as needed to manage the wireless network and to provide equal opportunity for wireless access to all users.

Anyone with technical computer training is capable of intercepting wireless transmissions. Although unlikely, it is possible for someone to be monitoring your communications. For this reason we highly recommend you take some precautions. Most financial transactions are done utilizing encryption and therefore is fairly safe. Because your computer is participating on a public network it needs to be protected from viruses, malware, and hackers. You should have an anti-virus program installed and updated along with a personal firewall to keep hackers from communicating with your computer. The Library is not responsible for any loss of information or damage to your computer that might result from using the wireless network or other facilities of the library.

A big thanks to Lane Public Library for putting together most of the information for this page. Reproduced with permission.