- What do all the acronyms mean?
- AP - Access Point ISP - Internet Service Provider SSID - Service Set IDentifier VPN - Virtual Private Networking WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy WI-FI - Wireless Fidelity WISP - Wireless Internet Service Provider WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
- Which Aurora Public Library branches have free wireless?
- Currently, all of our branches offer free wireless access.
- I can't get Windows XP to connect with your wireless.
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Two very common problems are:
- On some XP laptops with both wireless and wired (Ethernet) connectivity, vendors ship with the "Network Bridge" turned on. You may need to Delete this (under Control Panel, Network Connections).
- Numerous problems have been reported with Windows XP Service Pack 1 that are resolved by Service Pack 2.
- I can't use your wireless with Windows 2000.
- A machine with an integrated wireless card and running Windows 2000 might stop to work after installing SP3. Microsoft Knowledge Base article 327947 states that Windows 2000 SP3 turns off PCMCIA-to-PCI IRQ routing, which causes problems for integrated Lucent/Orinoco wireless adapters. You need to follow the instructions in the Microsoft Support document to re-enable the card.
- I have problems connecting with Internet Explorer
In some cases, the proxy server setting is present in your browser. On a public network like the Library network, it's important that you turn off proxy servers. The wireless network cannot allow unauthenticated connections to external proxy servers for security reasons.
To check proxy setting, go under Internet Options, Connections tab, verify that the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings are set to "Never dial a connection"
Under Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck each of the following: "Automatic Detect Settings", "Use Automatic Configuration Script", and "Use a Proxy Server for your LAN"
- Will my Macintosh work with wireless in the Library?
- Yes, as long as it supports the 802.11b or 802.11a wireless standard.
- What kind of wireless card do I need?
- You need an 11Mbps 802.11b or 802.11a Wireless Network Card. Many new laptop computers have wireless built in them so you will want to check with your laptop manufacturer for your options.
- Do I need special software or drivers to connect?
- While you won't need special software, up-to-date drivers have remedied many connection problems. The drivers included with the card may be several generations old. Updates are usually available on the vendor's website.
- Do I need to Update Windows for wireless?
- You don't need to update Windows specifically for wireless but it is always a good idea to keep your software fully patched and up to date. You need to make sure that Windows remains safe when you are on the wireless network (or any internet connected networks). Microsoft recommends that you install all the "service packs" for your version of Windows; for example, Windows XP Service Pack 1 had several problems with wireless that Service Pack 2 resolved. Visit http://update.microsoft.com for more information. Make sure that you have anti-virus software and that personal firewall software is running on your machine.
- I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
- Unfortunately, the library does not have laptop computers for loan. You may access the Internet from public computers located throughout the library.
- Can I print web pages or files from my laptop using the Library's printer?
- No, the wireless network is not connected to the library's public printers.
- How long does my wireless connection last while I'm in one of your libraries?
- We have not yet implemented any sort of time limit; however, we reserve the right to do so at a later date.
- I own a Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Nortel, or SMC a/b/g wireless card and am having throughput (slow connection) problems.
- Check with the manufacturers for resolution. Some cards are more problematic than others, but upgrades are regularly available for the more popular cards.
- Do all PDA's support wireless?
- While not all PDA's support wireless, several manufacturers have adopted the 802.11b standard.
- What kinds of things can interrupt my connection?
- Wireless connections use radio waves. Those things that can cause radio interference can also interfere with your wireless connection. The major offenders are those things containing water: wood, people, fish tanks and walls all can cause the signal to be interrupted or lessened. If you experience a connection problem try moving to a different part of the room or within sight of the Wireless Access Point.
- I think I got a virus from your wireless hotspot.
- Hotspots do not produce viruses. Viruses come from the Internet, often as e-mail attachments. It is strongly recommended that all users have virus protection and a personal firewall installed on their laptops.
External Link Disclaimer
The Aurora Public Library provides links to external Websites as a convenience to our customers and for informational purposes only.
These links do not constitute an endorsement or favoring by the Library or by the City of Aurora of any of the products, services or opinions represented by the external Websites.
Use of any information contained in these Websites is voluntary on the part of the individual accessing them. While we do our best to select sites that will be most useful for our customers, the Aurora Public Library bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of external Websites or for that of subsequent links.
Users should contact the external Website with questions or concerns regarding its content.