You are invited to browse the Internet from your own wireless-enabled laptop computer at the Harnett County Public Library. Free access is provided in all public areas of the library, and at all times the library is open. 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 802.11B or higher wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop or a laptop with built-in WiFi capability

Software Requirements

• Use a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome.
• You will need to set this in your wireless configuration software.  If you have Windows XP, it is detected automatically when you ask Windows to find any available wireless networks.
• We do not use encryption, as this is an open network.
• Set up your TCP client software to obtain IP addresses automatically from a DHCP Server.
• The wireless network ID (SSID) to look for is: public
   

Connecting

• In most cases the Library Public wireless will show up in your available networks list.  The name of the various public networks may be different in each library in the county.
  • In the main library in Lillington the network name is "Public"
  • Dunn Public Library the network name is "Dunn Public"
  • Angier Public Library the network name is "Angier Public"
  • Coats Public Library the network name is "Coats Public"
  • Erwin Public Library the network name is "Erwin Public"
• For detailed information on how to connect to the library's public wifi look at this PDF file.  Wifi Instructions

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 300 feet.
• Library staff is 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.
• You will not be able to print on library printers from your wireless device.

Troubleshooting

• Is the WiFi enabled on your laptop?
  1. Some laptops have a slider switch that turns wifi on and off.
  2. Some laptops have a light to indicate if the wifi is on or not.
• Do you have a firewall?
  1. Try disabling it; if you can now log in you know your firewall is what is preventing you from accessing wi-fi.
  2. Not sure: check to see if Windows Firewall is turned on. Control panel> Windows Firewall
• Does your virus protection have a setting that may limit your access?
  1. Try disabling it; if you can now log in you know your firewall is what is preventing you from accessing wi-fi.
• There could be many different network setting that could prevent you from logging on. Staff may not be able to help you with this. Try looking for these things:
  • some laptops have a slider button or bar on the front or side edge that turns the wireless card on/off.
  • Do you see any other wireless access points? In main you should see a couple from surrounding offices. If you do not see anything then you may not have a wireless adapter in your laptop or it may not be on or active.
  • Have you used the wireless adapter anywhere else? Connected to the Internet without any wires connected to the laptop?
     

Printing 

Select Library building that you are in.  This is where you wish to print and pick up your print job.