Library Card Needed for Computer Signup

The library has installed software that will allow you to sign yourself up for an Internet computer with your library card.  You will be able to reserve a computer up to 60 minutes each day and use valuable cardholder online databases.  You can also reserve and renew library materials online anytime.

• Find out more on how to get your library card.
• Find out more about computer reservation.

Computers, Software & Printing

Computers are available for public use at the Escondido Main Library and the East Valley Branch.   Computers are available through on-site reservations and on a first come, first served basis.  Homework computers are also available for children and teen students after school.

Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2003 software, Internet Explorer, in addition to research databases and assorted children's and reference programs are available on the library's computers. 

Printers are also available for $0.15/b&w page.

See the library's Internet Policies.

WiFi (Wireless) Access

The library provides free Internet access points for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals. 

Limitations

• No printing services are available.

• Library staff cannot help you with connectivity problems.

• A WiFi network is less secure than a wired network (see below).

• Signal strength may vary within/without the library.

• The library provides access to Web-based email only.  For Outlook or other email services, you must connect with your own Internet provider.   

What is WiFi ?  

Your laptop must conform to the "802.11b and 802.11g" standards, commonly known as "WiFi."  New laptops often come standard with a wireless interface. These laptops usually come automatically configured to pick up the wireless signal. Older laptops with a PCMCIA slot or USB port can be fitted with a wired/wireless network interface card (NIC) for about $80 or even less.

Where and When You Can Pick Up the Wireless Signal

The entire Main Library building, the arcade between the Main Library and the Mathes Center building, the Literacy Annex and the East Valley Branch Library are now wireless accessible.  The wireless access is available during the hours the Library is open to the public.

What You Will Need

• A laptop or PDA with wireless capability, configured to use the library's Internet connection (see below).

• Charged battery. The library also has some accessible electrical outlets near some tables, but not all. If you find an outlet, use it. But be prepared to be self-powered.

• Headphones if you plan to use audio files. The library has a few headphones for loan at the Media Desk but these are often in use by those using the library's computers.

How Safe is WiFi? - Security Concerns      

The Internet is a public communications network, which means that there can be untrusted parties between you and anybody you communicate with. Wireless poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks.  WiFi users need to educate themselves about these risks and take steps to secure their personal information, such as virus and hacking protection. Cautious WiFi users may choose not to transmit such sensitive data as their social security number, credit card information and passwords while using any WiFi "hotspot", including the Library's.

The library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.  All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices. 

Wireless Technical Information

Wireless hardware and software varies as to the operating systems you may use on your laptop, so we can't give you precise instructions. In many cases, you need to do nothing to hook up (just click on Internet Explorer), but you might need to check the following in your wireless software:

• The "Service Set Identifier" (SSID) should be set to "any".

• The "Wireless Mode" should be set to "Infrastructure" (not "ad hoc").

• In Network Neighborhood Properties (right click on Network Neighborhood and click on "Properties") click on the Wireless TCP/IP adapter setting and look at its properties.  Ensure that you have checked "Obtain an IP address automatically." 

• If you use Windows 2000 or XP and have more than one adaptor, you may have to disable the one you are not using.

• Some adaptors have a physical switch (very small) that must be turned on in order to connect to the Internet.

• Most wireless software has an indicator that tells you a signal is being received.  Make sure the link quality and signal strength are both at least "good". If not, move about the room to a location that has a stronger signal.

• Click on your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) and the Internet should come right up!

See the library's Wireless Access Policies.