Laptop Connections in the University Library

Kathy Wheeler, May 2008

The University Library has Ethernet connections for patrons to connect to the Internet using their own laptops. The methodology is almost identical to that in the dormitories, so if you can connect there, you should not have any difficulty at the Library. We have added wireless access to all floors.

If you have problems connecting, try the following fixes. If you still cannot get your laptop to connect, leave your name and number with the Reference Librarian. Someone from Library Systems will call you to set up an appointment during their regular business hours 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.

Printing

For security reasons, the laptop connections cannot access the Library’s print system. USA students may save their work on a disc or a flash drive and then use their TRACcard to print from one of the workstations in Room 128, the University Library's Academic Research Center.

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Wireless Connections

Locations

  • All floors of the library have wireless access

Common Problems with Wireless Access

  1. If you are using wireless access, your wireless card may be using the A standard; the Library's setup will only work with cards that use the B or the G standard.
  2. If there is more than one choice of networks to which to connect, the one you use in the University Library is called OPEN.
  3. If you are using wireless access but your connection is still slow, there may be too many books blocking the frequency. Don't sit at a table that's behind a lot of bookstacks.
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Ethernet Connections

Basic Requirements

Your laptop or other device must have:

  • An Ethernet port (not just a modem port)
  • The proper TCP/IP Ethernet drivers to support DHCP, also known as Dynamic Addressing. These drivers should be on your Systems Operating CD that came with your computer.
  • When you connect with your laptop already on, be sure to reboot to establish your connection.

Locations

  • 1st Floor North: all of the group study rooms; 6 individual tables in PETAL/IMC.
  • 2nd Floor North: one group study room -- Room 240A; 7 individual tables.
  • 3rd Floor North: wireless access; all of the group study rooms. 7 individual tables.
  • 3rd Floor South: wireless access.
  • 4th Floor North: wireless access; all of the group study rooms. 8 individual tables.
  • 4th Floor South: wireless access.
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Common Problems with Ethernet Connections

  1. You may not have an Ethernet port in your laptop – if the cord at the table is too large for your computer connection, you have a modem port. You need to get an Ethernet port installed in order to use the University Library’s connections.
  2. Your laptop may be setup to use a specific ip. To change this:
    • Go to Start, Control Panel, Network & Internet Connections
    • From Pick a Control Panel Icon, choose Network Connections
    • Right click on your Local Area Connection and choose Properties
    • Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties
    • Choose Obtain an IP Address Automatically
    • Click on OK, then click on OK again
    • You may need to restart your computer in order for this change to take effect.
  3. If you are using Windows XP, your computer may be setup to use a domain – you need to belong to a workgroup instead. To change this:
    • Go to Start, Control Panel, System
    • Click Change, next to "To rename this computer or join a domain, click Change"
    • Choose Workgroup – name it whatever you want to – My Computer or your last name.
    • Click OK twice
  4. You may not have the proper drivers installed to support DHCP. Check your computer or consult a computer technician about this.
  5. Firewall software: if you have firewall software on your laptop, it will probably block your use of our laptop connections because you are already behind a firewall. Disable the software while you are in the library. Remember to enable the software after you leave the library.
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  6. Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall is enabled: Disable this. To do this:
    • Click on Start, Control Panel, Network Connections
    • Highlight LAN Connection and right click on it
    • Choose the Advanced tab and uncheck the box next to "Protect my computer by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet."
    • Remember to Enable this again after you leave the library.
  7. If you have an Internet Connection Bridge set up, you may need to remove it.

Restrictions

USA Student Computer Use Policy is outlined on pages 24-26, of the University’s Faculty/Staff Guide to Computing Services, and the latest edition is on file at the Reference Desk and on the University’s web site at http://www.southalabama.edu/csc/policies/.

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