Free Wireless Internet Access is available at all four Newport News Public Libraries - Main Street, Grissom, Pearl Bailey, and West Ave. and the Public Law Library.  

You don't need a plug or phone jack, just turn on your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device and start surfing.

To access the wireless service: 

1. Connect to Wireless SID NNPLSHOT30
2. Open your browser, accept the security certificate, and click on "Continue to this website".
3. In the guest block, enter your e-mail address
4. Check the "I accept terms of service box".
5. Click on Log in. 

Requirements

You will need a notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking.

If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment. If your notebook/laptop computer or other device does not include wireless networking, you may be able to purchase a variety of external notebook/laptop pc cards and USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment, or local technology merchants can help you find the right product for your notebook/laptop computer or other device.

Limitations and Disclaimers

We have tried to make wireless access as available as possible in our libraries, but you may encounter some "dead" spots in a library where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.

By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Library's (Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Access). This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.

The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

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

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's wireless access.

FAQ's about using the wireless network:

 Which branches have wireless connections?
A. All four branches of the Newport News Public Library System - Grissom, Main Street, Pearl Bailey, & West Ave. and the Public Law Library.

Can I print from the wireless network?
A. No

 How much will it cost me?
A. This service is provided by the Newport News Public Library free of charge for our patrons.

 How long does my wireless connection last?
A. Your connection will last three hours

 When is the wireless connection available?
A. It is available during regular library hours only

 How does it work?
A. Wireless access points located throughout the library communicate with your wireless device. You should be able to connect almost anywhere in the building. When your wireless network card senses a signal, a message may appear on your screen indicating a wireless network is available. Open your web browser. If your laptop does not have wireless built-in, you can install a WiFi-compatible network card.
The Library cannot guarantee your equipment will work with the Library's network.

 Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
A. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required.

 Is my information safe while using wireless?
A. Your information is not protected while using wireless, unless you are connected to a web page that employs encryption (stores, banks, etc.) Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal information.

 Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?
A. Wireless users agree to abide by the Library's Internet Public Use Policy & Guidelines which prohibits abusive or illegal activity while using the Library's Internet service.
 The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's wireless access.  

  Is the library's wireless network secured?
A.  No, 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.

 Can the library help me configure my computer?
A. No, everyone's computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. Below is some general configuration information, but you should contact your hardware or software provider for any additional assistance:

Wireless Card Settings: You will need a WiFi-compliant 802.11b or g wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop or a laptop with built-in WiFi capability.
Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network.

SSID (network name) = NNPLSHOT30

WEP = disable WEP encryption
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point

Windows 98

Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. For IP Address, select "Obtain an IP address automatically."
4. For DNS, select “Disable DNS.”
5. For WINS, select “Use DHCP for WINS Resolution.”

Windows 2000 & XP

Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial-up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections."
2. Right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” or “Local Area Connection” and click Properties.
3. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
4. Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and “Obtain DNS server address automatically."
5. For XP, right click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select “View Available Wireless Networks.” Select the name of the wireless network available at the library and click “Connect.”
6. In Services, ensure Wireless Zero Configuration Service is started.

Windows NT

Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.

Internet Explorer Tips:

Please note that depending on your version of software, there may be variations in the procedures.
1. From Control Panel, select Internet Options > Connections tab.
2. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to "Always dial my default connection."
3. LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.

Macintosh

Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):
1. Select: Apple Menu > Control Panel > TCP/IP.
2. Connect via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) ethernet.
3. Configure "Using DHCP Server."
4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.
5. Ensure that "Connect to last known network" is not checked.

Network Settings (OS X):
1. Select: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network button.
2. Select TCP/IP tab and Configure "Using DHCP."
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.
5. Ensure that "Connect to last known network" is not checked.