Rock Island Public Library

Rock Island’s Main Library (downtown) has Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) capability. Travelers, businesspeople, students, and residents who would like to read their e-mail or connect to the Internet can use the library as a hotspot. Users can log-in with their own computer devices, such as laptops, PDAs (handheld personal assistants), and some cell phones.

Hardware requirements: The library does not provide any wireless devices for public use. You must bring your own equipment. In order to use this wireless connection, your computer must have an add-on Wi-Fi certified radio card or come with built-in Wi-Fi capability. With your own laptop or other wireless equipment, you do not need to wait for an opening to use a public Internet computer or worry about the time limits that restrict the use of the library’s machines.

Locations in the library:  Wireless antennas are positioned throughout the main floor of the library and in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Wherever your location on the main floor or mezzanine, your laptop should be able to pick up a signal.
 

How to set up your connection:

1. Find a spot within the wireless signal range.
2. Insert the Wi-Fi card into your device.  [Examples include a laptop’s PCMCIA slot or USB port.]
3. Set your wireless LAN setting to SSID:RIFI  [Some cards will do this automatically.]
4. Wait patiently while the connection is made. This could take several minutes.
5. Launch your Internet browser and enter a URL.  [Your browser will likely be directed to the WIFI Welcome web page when you first make a complete connection. You can go anywhere on the Internet from there.]
6. Continue to your e-mail or desired web site.

The library’s wireless connection is a free service provided to our patrons by the City of Rock Island.

Where are other wireless internet locations?

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