Kokomo-Howard County Public Library :: Wireless Internet FAQs

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot in the library?
You need a laptop or other device that conforms to standard 802.11b or 802.11g, commonly known as Wi-Fi. Newer laptops may come already wireless capable. Older laptops with a PCMCIA slot or USB port can be adapted with an external network interface card (NIC) for about $80 or less. Check with your local retailer or computer store for technical details and configuration.

Is it difficult to connect to a wireless hotspot?
No. Most laptops come automatically configured to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Use the operating system's software to configure your laptop to connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot. For more information of setting up your wireless card click here .

Is technical support available from the library staff?
Since library patrons are using their own personal computers, the library staff are not permitted to administer, troubleshoot, or configure a library patron's personal laptop, PDA or other equpiment. This is for reasons of liability and warranty issues. The library's responsibility is to make sure that the wireless network is up and running. The burden of troubleshooting or configuring a patron's personal computer lies with the owner. For more information of setting up your wireless card click here .

Where can I connect to the Library wireless hotspots?
You can connect throughout any of our locations. Signal strengths will vary based on your location within the library and your distance from an access point (antenna). Library staff members can help you find a location with a good wireless signal.

When can I use the Wi-Fi access?
Wi-Fi access is available to patrons during library business hours.

Is there a charge for using the Wi-Fi?
There is no charge to use the Library Wi-Fi.

Can I connect to the printers and other software via the wireless network?
The Wi-Fi hotspots enable patrons to use our Internet connection with their own laptop, PDA or other equipment. Software and printers are not available via the Wi-Fi connection. If you need to print, save the information to removable media and print from one of our public access computers during business hours. Black & white copies are ten cents, and color copies are twenty-five cents.

How safe is wireless access?
Wi-Fi is less secure than wired access. Wi-Fi services include over-the-air communications that may be illicitly intercepted by equipment and software designed for that purpose. Cautious users may choose not to transmit personal information such as credit card numbers or passwords while using any hotspot including the library's. The library cannot assure the safety of your data when using either our public access computers or Wi-Fi Internet access.

What if I have trouble connection to the Wi-Fi in the library?
If you have trouble connecting to our public Wi-Fi, then check our Troubleshooting Tips.



IT Department: II
Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet Frequently Asked Questions What do I need to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot in the library? You need a laptop or other device that conforms to standard 802.11b or 802.11g, commonly known as Wi-Fi. Newer laptops may come already wireless capable. Older laptops with a PCMCIA slot or USB port can be adapted with an external network interface card (NIC) for about $80 or less. Check with your local retailer or computer store for technical details and configuration. Is it difficult to connect to a wireless hotspot? No. Most laptops come automatically configured to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. Use the operating system's software to configure your laptop to connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot. For more information of setting up your wireless card click here . Is technical support available from the library staff? Since library patrons are using their own personal computers, the library staff are not permitted to administer, troubleshoot, or configure a library patron's personal laptop, PDA or other equpiment. This is for reasons of liability and warranty issues. The library's responsibility is to make sure that the wireless network is up and running. The burden of troubleshooting or configuring a patron's personal computer lies with the owner. For more information of setting up your wireless card click here . Where can I connect to the Library wireless hotspots? You can connect throughout any of our locations. Signal strengths will vary based on your location within the library and your distance from an access point (antenna). Library staff members can help you find a location with a good wireless signal. When can I use the Wi-Fi access? Wi-Fi access is available to patrons during library business hours. Is there a charge for using the Wi-Fi? There is no charge to use the Library Wi-Fi. Can I connect to the printers and other software via the wireless network? The Wi-Fi hotspots enable patrons to use our Internet connection with their own laptop, PDA or other equipment. Software and printers are not available via the Wi-Fi connection. If you need to print, save the information to removable media and print from one of our public access computers during business hours. Black & white copies are ten cents, and color copies are twenty-five cents. How safe is wireless access? Wi-Fi is less secure than wired access. Wi-Fi services include over-the-air communications that may be illicitly intercepted by equipment and software designed for that purpose. Cautious users may choose not to transmit personal information such as credit card numbers or passwords while using any hotspot including the library's. The library cannot assure the safety of your data when using either our public access computers or Wi-Fi Internet access. What if I have trouble connection to the Wi-Fi in the library? If you have trouble connecting to our public Wi-Fi, then check our Troubleshooting Tips.