What is Wi-Fi Internet access?

Wi-Fi is high speed wireless Internet access available throughout the library. Anyone who has a working Wi-Fi-enabled laptop or PDA can connect. Wi-Fi access users must comply with Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library's Wireless Policy which is currently being developed.

Public wireless network access (Wi-Fi) is currently available at the Main Library (in all public areas) and at all branch libraries: Angelou, Escalon, Fair Oaks, Lathrop, Linden, Manteca, Mountain House, Ripon, Thornton, Troke, Tracy, and Weston Ranch.

Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library provides wireless access as a public service free of charge subject to the terms and conditions of use as outlined below.

Is there a charge for using Wi-Fi?

There is no charge to connect to wireless access at the library.

When can I use Wi-Fi?

The Library's Wi-Fi signal is accessible from 7am until 7pm seven days a week.

How do I connect?

You will need:

1. A Wi-Fi compliant 802.11a/b/g wireless device installed in your laptop or PDA. Or a laptop with integrated Wi-Fi capability.
2. A Web Browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Netscape Navigator, Blazer, or any other web browser.)

In most cases you will not need to change the settings on your computer in order to connect to the wireless network. On a Windows PC, look at the lower right tray (to the left of the clock) for the wireless network icon. On an Apple Macintosh, the Wi-Fi icon can be found on the top Menu Bar.

Is technical support available?

Because laptops vary (Windows vs. Mac, etc.), Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library staff are not available to offer technical assistance with establishing a wireless connection from your computer. They are not allowed to handle any of your equipment.

You are responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not familiar with computers or networking, we recommend bringing someone with you who can help you configure your laptop.

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is not responsible for any changes that you make to your computer's settings and cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with our wireless connection. We recommend that users read their PC and/or Wireless manuals thoroughly.

Do I need a library card?

A library card is not required to login to the system.

Can I print my documents?

If you need to print you may email the document to yourself for printing at home. Otherwise, you need to save your document(s) to a portable device such as a USB flash drive and then use a library Internet computer with a flash drive which is connected to a printer. You need a library card to use the library computers. You may apply for a card at the Public Service Desk.

Am I allowed to use my notebook speakers?

Please access Internet applications with sound (e.g., Internet radio, movie previews) using your headphones. The Library has earphones for sale for $2.00.

Is Wireless Internet access filtered or unfiltered?

Wi-Fi access at Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is filtered.

How long does a connection last?

Your wireless connection will normally remain connected until you shut down your computer or Wi-Fi. There is no time limit or maximum length of time that you may use the Wi-Fi network. Please complete your work and be ready to leave when the library closes.

What factors can influence my connection speed and signal strength?

Many things can affect the wireless connection speed that Windows detects, as well as the customer's perceived bandwidth. There are various wireless network standards (A, B, G, etc.). Each of these standards offers different connection speeds and different range capabilities. Signal strength can be affected by the distance to the Wireless Access Point, the number of walls separating the laptop from the Access Point, and other environmental variables. Additionally, older computers (3+ years old) can have difficulty processing today's robust Internet quickly.

How to Troubleshoot the Wi-Fi Connection

Windows XP/2000 users:

1. On your desktop, go to Start>Settings>Control Panel, click Network Connection.
2. In the Network Connections box, right-click Wireless Network Connection and click Properties.
3. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties box, select Internet Protocol TCP/IP and click Properties.
4. Click the option Obtain an IP address and Obtain a DNS server address automatically.
5. Click OK-OK to exit the properties window.
6. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and right-click View Available Wireless Networks.
7. In the Choose a wireless network list you should see an available network with the name [branch name] library.
8. Select the library network and click Connect if the wireless network doesn't already say Connected.

When in doubt, restart your laptop.

Wi-Fi Support Websites

Limitations & Disclaimers

• Wireless access is provided as a public service free of charge. The service is on an "as is" basis with no guarantee and no warranty.
• The library provides access to Web-based browsing, Web-based email, and HTTP-based file downloads. HTTP and HTTPS communication through standard ports (80, 443) is supported.
• Information passing through the Library's wireless access is not secured and could be monitored, captured, or altered by others.
• It is solely the customers' responsibility to protect their information from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage, loss, theft that may occur as a result of their use of the Library's wireless access.
• Electrical outlets are limited and are sometimes not ideally located near a table or seating. Customers may not unplug any library equipment to use an outlet. It is highly recommended that customers charge their laptop before visiting the library.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times.
• Any restriction or monitoring of a minor's access to the library's wireless network is solely the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
• Wireless users requiring sound must use headphones and create no noise that might disturb other library users.
• Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance, and the library assumes no responsibility for laptop configurations, security or changes to data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.