Free Wireless Computing at the Library

Free access is provided in all the San Diego Public Library locations. WiFi is available at all times the libraries are open. We invite you to bring your laptop to one of our locations and access the Internet.

To access the Internet, simply launch your Web browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately.

Hardware Requirements

• You will need a WiFi-compliant 802.11a/b/g wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop or a laptop with built-in WiFi capability.
• Set your wireless network adapter's Network Identifier (also known as SSID or Network Name) to sdpl.

Software Requirements

• Use a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape.
• Set your TCP client software to obtain addresses automatically. Install and configure TCP/IP software by opening the Network icon in the Control Panel. Under Protocol settings, add TCP/IP. Set the IP address to obtain an IP address automatically. Leave all other fields blank.
• Restart the laptop for the changes to take effect.

Security Issues

When using any network connection, including the wireless Public Network, do not enable file sharing or print sharing. If you do so, other people may gain access to your hard drive and files, or misuse your computer. It is also highly recommended that your laptop has up-to-date antivirus software installed.

Troubleshooting Windows NT, XP, and Windows 2000 Systems

• Go to Start, Run and type: CMD. Click OK. A command prompt window will appear.
• Type the following in the command prompt window:
  
  o ipconfig/all - Displays the full configuration information
  o ipconfig/release - Releases the IP address
  o ipconfig/renew - Renews the IP address
  

Troubleshooting Windows 95 and Windows 98 Systems

• Go to Start, Run and type: WINIPCFG. Click OK. The IP configuration window will appear.
• Click on the More Info button.
• If you are having an IP conflict, click on the Release All button to release the current IP and then click on the Renew All button.

Troubleshooting Apple Macintosh Powerbooks or iBooks

• Your laptop must have the MacTCP Control Panel installed. This control panel comes with recent versions of the system software and should be pre-installed.
• If you have other MacTCP configurations that you would like to save, MacTCP Switcher is a useful utility for storing several set-ups.
• To configure your MacTCP, choose to Connect via Ethernet. Configure using DHCP server, AirPort Preferred Network: sdpl.

Limitations and Disclaimers

The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.

Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.

Prohibited Activities

Illegal or inappropriate use of the Internet is not permitted. If inappropriate images are displayed in view of others in the Library, the offending party will be asked to leave the building.

For our Library policies and information on Internet access, see our Internet Access Services information.