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Free Wireless Internet Access
At the Des Moines Public Library
You are invited to explore our wireless Internet network using your own wireless-enabled laptop computer. Free access is provided in all public areas in the library. Simply launch your web browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately.
Windows XP | Macintosh
What do I need to connect my laptop to the wireless Internet in the library?
- You will need a WiFi-compliant, IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop
- Use a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. (Disable any proxy settings)
- Set your TCP client software to obtain addresses automatically from a server:
- 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)
To connect to a wireless network using Windows XP:
Right-click the network connection icon in the notification area, and then click
View Available Wireless Network
Select View Available Wireless Networks from the pop up menu
In Connect to Wireless Network, under Available Networks, click the wireless network name cdmpublic. If given the option - check the box that states, “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure.”
Generic Information for non Windows XP users
When a wireless network is detected, a dialog box may appear from your wireless manufacturer's software icon on the Windows task bar and report that there are one or more wireless networks available. (The image below will vary depending on your wireless manufacturer's software)
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:
- ipconfig/all: Displays the full configuration information
- ipconfig/release: Releases the IP address
- 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 the More Info button
- If you are having an IP conflict, click the Release All button to release the current IP and then click the Renew All button
Troubleshooting a Macintosh
Based on the status of the Airport icon on your menu bar, try these steps:
 Airport is turned off. Click the Airport icon and choose Turn Airport On.
 Airport is turned on, but does not have a connection to the wireless network. Click the Airport icon, and choose the network cdmpublic.
 Airport is turned on, and has a good connection to the wireless network. This will be similar to what the icon looks like when it is connected to the network, although the bars at the top may be gray.
If you still cannot access the internet, please follow these steps:
1. Click the Apple on the menu bar. 
2. Choose System Preferences...
3. Click the Network icon.
4. Double click Airport.
5. Click on the pop up menu next to "Configure IPv4" and click Using DHCP.
6. Click Apply Now in the bottom right corner of the window.
Limitations and Disclaimers
- The library's wireless network is not secure or filtered. Information sent from or to your laptop can 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 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
- Printing is not available from your personal laptop via the wireless network. If printing is desired you may wish to transfer documents to a web-based personal email account and then sign up for one of the library’s public Internet computers and print via the library’s print management system.
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