WiFi @ NRC

Cass County Public Library now has wireless access at the following location(s).

Northern Resource Center - Donated by Ed Fleetwood, in honor of his father Claude Fleetwood.

Guidelines:

Wireless user must have a Cass County Public Library card in good standing and have signed an Acceptable Use Policy.
All library policies apply to the wireless user. (AUP, Code of Conduct, etc…)
Wireless access may not be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Missouri, or local laws. Violation of current Missouri law (Missouri Revised Statutes 573.010 and 573.060) in regards to accessing and displaying pornography and/or obscene materials will result in suspension of computer/wireless privileges. All users must abide by MoreNet's Acceptable Use Policy.

What is wireless Internet access and how do I use it at the Cass County Public Library System?

What is wireless?

Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange data between your computer and network without the need for cables.
The Cass County Public Library System offers free wireless access using the WiFi standard, IEEE 802.11b/g.

Why wireless?

Wireless allows people to bring their own portable computers to the library and get free Internet access.
The library system can offer Internet service to patrons that have an account in good standing, without the expense of installing new wiring.
With wireless users can sit anywhere they like and not just in designated computer areas.

How do I use wireless at the library?

Users need to bring their own portable computers to the library with either built-in WiFi or an installed adapter card.
Most WiFi or 802.11b/g compatible units should work at the library. Apple calls their system Airport.
The Library System's wireless network is open to all patrons with an account in good standing, and does require authentication by use of special logins and passwords.
The wireless signal may reach into the parking lot and can be used during operating hours.
Due to the variety of computer systems, library staff cannot help visitors to configure their own equipment. Please see tips and settings provided in this brochure and/or contact the manufacturer of your hardware/software.

SSID or Network Name = “NRC1"
WPA or Encryption = enabled (receive from Librarian)
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure or Access Point
Authentication = enabled (receive username and password from Librarian)
TCP/IP settings = Use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically"
Turn Wireless ON
Many laptops with built-in wireless (and some with external cards) have switches, buttons, or software that can be used to turn wireless off to save battery life. Make sure that it is turned on.

Wireless Configuration Tips

Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work.
Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at the library. Please make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.
After making changes, you may need to reboot.
Windows 98/ME/2000 needs to use a wireless client manager program, provided by the manufacturer of the wireless adapter, so please refer to the documentation and software that came with the equipment.
If using a wireless client manager, check the instructions that came with the program regarding the possibility of creating a profile to be used at the library in addition to the profiles used at home or elsewhere.
Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Look for icon in system tray at the bottom, right corner. Click on it to see a list of available networks. "NRC1" should be on the list. Select it and click "Connect" or click "Configure" and compare settings to those listed in this brochure. Also click “Advanced” and add checkmark to option for “connect to unsecured”.
MAC OS 9 - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to configure an existing wireless network and "NRC1" should be detected. Click "Go Ahead" and then "Connect Now".
MAC OS X - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to join existing AirPort network, signal should be detected for “NRC1”, and follow steps to conclusion.

TCP/IP Settings should be set to use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically".
DNS settings, if applicable, should be set to use DHCP or to obtain automatically.
Windows 98/ME settings are found through the Network section in the Control Panel. Check the Properties of TCP/IP associated with the wireless adapter.
Windows 2000 settings are found through Network and Dial Up Connections in the Control Panel. Check properties of the Local Area Network associated with the wireless adapter and check properties of TCP/IP.
Windows XP settings are found through the Network Connections in the Control Panel. Select Properties of Wireless Network Connection and check Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings.
MAC OS 9 can adjust settings through "Apple Menu>>Control Panels>>TCP/IP".
MAC OS X can adjust through "Apple Menu>>Location>>Network Preferences".

Security Issues

By their very nature, public WiFi networks are not secure.
If security is important to you, the best way to achieve this is to connect to a VPN. Many companies offer a VPN to their employees. If you do not have access to a VPN, you may want to limit your wireless network use to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
The Library filters access to pornographic and sexually explicit web sites from all computers as required by Missouri Revised Statute 182.827 and the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Other recommendations: use firewall and antivirus software, keep OS up to date, turn file sharing off, and encrypt sensitive files.

In order to print, users need to save to a floppy or USB flash drive and then login to a library computer.
Printing cost $ 0.15 per page