Wireless access at Mississauga Libraries, Community Centres and
Arenas
Your Mississauga library card offers more than before! Wireless Mississauga the City of
Mississauga's wireless network, allows City facility visitors and library patrons the ability
to access the Internet for free.
Accessing Wireless Mississauga is easy. All you need is a laptop computer with wireless
capability and you can login with your Mississauga library card and a library PIN (the last
four digits of your telephone number). If you do not have a library card, please ask a facility
customer service staff member for information on how to access Wireless Mississauga.
Terms of Use of Wireless
Network
By logging on to this wireless network you are agreeing to be bound by the current
version of these Terms of Use. Please read these Terms of Use carefully. You will be asked to
accept or reject them before you are permitted access to this wireless network. Your access or
use of the network is conditional upon your accepting these Terms of Use.
Our Objective: One important objective of the City of Mississauga (the City) and of
the Mississauga Library Board (the Library) is to provide services to meet the life-long
informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all Mississauga citizens. In
support of this objective, the City and the Library provide access to users of all ages.
City and Library Not Liable: Neither the City nor the Library shall be responsible or
liable for any losses or damages, direct or indirect, arising from any access to or use of the
wireless network. The City and the Library provide wireless network access and use as a
privilege, not a right. Accordingly, such access or use may be terminated, restricted or
revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the City or the Library or their staff for any
reason whatsoever. Any person who accesses or uses the wireless network is personally
responsible and liable for his or her own actions and use. ACCESS AND USE OF THE INTERNET AND
EMAIL SHALL BE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Internet Content May Be Unreliable, Offensive, etc.: The Internet offers access to a
wealth of material that can be personally and professionally enriching. Be warned, however,
that it is an unregulated environment containing information and opinions that range in scope
from reliable and authoritative to harmful, controversial, extremely offensive or inflammatory.
Some information found on the Internet may not be accurate, complete, or current and may be
subject to change without notice. Reliance upon any material on the Internet shall be at your
sole risk: all such material should be verified independently before you use or rely on it.
Neither the City nor the Library is responsible or liable for the content or quality of
material retrieved and makes no warranty, express or implied, as to any material found on the
Internet. In addition, neither the City nor the Library shall be held responsible or liable for
server, hardware, or software settings, Internet transmission, monitor settings or website
design and construction that produce incomplete or inaccurate data, material and information
that maybe received and/or displayed on your Internet browser.
Parents Responsible for Supervising Their Minor Children's Internet Use: The City and
the Library recognize the concerns about the potential harm caused to minor children when they
are exposed to criminal, obscene or hate material on the Internet. Therefore, the City and the
Library use reasonable efforts to prevent access to these types of material by providing a
filtered wireless network. However, filtering is not a perfect system. Therefore, the
supervision of minor children using the Internet while in the Library is the responsibility of
their parents or guardians. As with all Library materials and services, parents and guardians
are expected to be, and shall be responsible for providing guidance and control of a minor
child’s access to and use of the wireless network, email and the Internet while at the
Library. Any restriction or prohibition of a minor's access and use of the wireless network,
email or Internet while at the Library (that is beyond the scope of these Terms of Use) shall
be the responsibility and liability of the minor child's parent or guardian.
Behaviour to Fellow Internet Users: Wireless network connectivity is located in a
public environment shared by users of all ages. Internet users must respect the privacy of
others by refraining from observing or commenting on what other users are viewing. The
behaviour of those who access or use the network must not be disruptive or threatening.
Internet users are responsible for the sites they select, visit and use.
Internet and Wireless Network Are Not Secure: You are warned that (a) the Internet is
not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information about user activities;
and (b) the wireless network is not secure and other users may be able to gain unauthorized
access to, and contaminate, interfere with or otherwise harm your hardware or software. You
shall accept responsibility for ensuring the use of current anti-virus and anti-spy-ware
products, and other protective hardware and software while accessing and using the wireless
network. Neither the City nor the Library shall be responsible or liable for the security or
privacy of your access and use of the wireless network or for any unauthorized access and/or
resultant harm to your hardware or software.
Third Party Sites: References, links, hyperlinks and advertising contained on any
City, Library or third party website are not approval, endorsements, or support of either the
City or the Library for the third party or for the third party's goods and/or services. Neither
the City nor the Library shall be responsible or liable nor is any responsibility or liability
assumed for incompatibility, loss of privacy, invasion of privacy, privacy disputes,
non-suitability, viruses, loss of service, or any other problem of any kind arising from or in
connection with the third party, the third party's website or the third party's goods and/or
services.
Compliance with Laws: Internet users are subject to federal, provincial and municipal
laws regulating Internet use including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Criminal Code
regarding obscenity, child pornography and incitement of hate and sedition. The copying or
distribution of material found on the Internet may infringe on copyright or other intellectual
property rights and neither the City nor the Library shall be responsible or liable for such
activities. Use of the wireless network for illegal or unethical purposes is prohibited and may
result in civil and/or criminal prosecution. By logging on to this network, you agree to comply
with all laws and regulations applicable to you, the City and the Library including, but not
limited to, the laws already referred to in this paragraph and all confidentiality, privacy and
security laws.
Alteration is Prohibited: Altering City, Library, or other user's data, information,
hardware or software is prohibited. Altering includes, but is not limited to, tampering, access
and/or use without authorization or permission, damaging or attempting to damage equipment,
hardware or software, interfering with network integrity or security, changing workstation
configurations, and downloading software, applications, files, pictures, videos, music
including viruses.
More Prohibited Activities: You shall not use the network to send spam or bulk or
threatening emails or to hack websites, networks, servers or computers or other devices. You
shall not contaminate any other computer, device, hardware or software with viruses, worms,
spy-ware, phishing, or in any other way.
Obey Rules: You and all other Internet users must comply with these Terms of Use and
any other rules posted in the City and the Library regarding use of this network, including
rules about time restrictions. Each of the City and the Library reserves the right, at its sole
and absolute discretion, to terminate or drop or disconnect an Internet session at any time and
for any reason whatsoever. Misuse of the Internet and/or misuse of your access and use of the
network, including, but not limited to, your failing to comply with these Terms of Use, may
result in any or all of the following: temporary or permanent expulsion from the facility, loss
of network privileges, and/or civil and/or criminal prosecution.
FAQs - Frequently Asked
Questions
What is a Wireless/Wi-Fi Network?
- A wireless network allows customers to connect their laptops or other mobile devices to the
Internet without having to plug into a network port.
What can I use wireless Internet for?
- The wireless connection at a City facility will allow you to access the Internet with all
the same access as the hardwired PCs situated at City library branches. The City
uses reasonable efforts to reduce access to criminal, obscene or hate material on the Internet
by providing a filtered wireless network.
What do I need to use wireless at a City facility?
- You will need a Wi-Fi-compliant 802.11a/b/g wireless device installed in your laptop or a
laptop with built-in Wi-Fi capability.
- Most Wi-Fi equipment will be compatible but the City cannot guarantee the compatibility of
your equipment with the wireless network.
- You will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Mozilla,
Opera.
- Set your TCP/IP properties to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'.
- It is highly recommended you have a fully charged battery in your laptop.
- You must have a valid Mississauga Library System card to login onto the wireless
network.
How do I connect to the wireless network?
Every wireless card is different but here are some general instructions:
- Open your wireless card/adapter's software. In your software you will be able to scan for
any wireless networks. Your software should present you with all the wireless connections in
the building, which in this case will be called "WirelessMississauga".
- Choose 'activate' or 'connect', depending on the manufacturer of your wireless card. Now
you are associated with the wireless network - associated is the wireless term for
connected.
- Open a web browser and you will see a City of Mississauga web page with the guidelines for
wireless usage. A login/password section is located at the bottom of the page.
- Type in your library card number in the login field and type in your PIN (last four digits
of your telephone number) in the password section. Click 'Submit'. If you correctly typed in
your library card number and PIN, you will log into the network. If the login screen returns,
carefully type in your library card number and PIN again. Check to make sure 'num lock' is not
on. If you do not have a library card, please ask facility staff for a temporary password.
My built-in Wireless Network Card will not work. How do I enable it?
- There may be a button located on the top or side of your laptop. Ensure that it has been
turned on.
Will City employees help me configure my computer?
- No, City employees are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee is given
that you will be able to make a wireless connection. City employees cannot accept any
liability for handling your equipment.
What if I don't have a library card?
- You must have a valid Mississauga Library System card to access the wireless network. If
you do not have a library card, please speak with the friendly staff at the library or facility
customer service desk for more information.
I'm a new customer who just got a new library card today. How long will it be before I
can access the wireless network?
- Your new Mississauga Library System card will be active on the wireless network the next
business day. Please speak with the friendly staff at the library or facility customer service
desk for more information.
Whenever my laptop goes into hibernation mode I get disconnected from the network. How
can I stop this from happening?
- Hibernate mode needs to be turned off when using the wireless network as it will disconnect
the wireless session. Follow the instructions below to ensure that hibernate is not active on
your laptop:
- Right click the desktop and select 'Properties' from the drop down menu.
- On the Display Properties Window select the 'Screen Saver' tab.
- Click on the Power button.
- On the Power Options Properties window, select the 'Hibernate' tab. Ensure that the 'Enable
Hibernation' box is not checked.
Is the City's wireless network secure?
- No, the wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop could be
captured by someone else using a wireless device and the appropriate software.
- The City assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop
configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the wireless network.
How can I protect my laptop from viruses and spyware?
- All customers who connect to the wireless network must take responsibility for
virus/spyware protection of their own equipment. It is recommended that customers install
antivirus software and anti-spyware software on your laptop as well as ensuring your
virus/spyware definitions are current. When downloading data/files from the Internet, and you
are unsure of the content of the files you are downloading, it is recommended that you do not
download the files onto your computer as they may contain viruses, malware, worms or other
malicious pieces of software.
What could happen if I have a virus?
- Virus protection is the responsibility of each customer. If a customer's laptop is
attempting to infect other equipment with a virus, the customer's access to the wireless
network will be removed.
Will I be able to print to a library printer?
- No, there are no printers connected to the wireless network. If you would like to print,
you must use one of the hardwired computers provided at a library branch.
Does the City provide laptops for customers to use?
- No, the City does not provide laptops for customers; they must bring their own. Library
branches have hardwired computers for Internet access available for public use.
I have a MacIntosh-based laptop. Can I use it on the wireless network?
Will I be able to connect wireless devices such as Pocket PCs, Palms, or Mobile phones to
the City's Wireless network?
- Wireless PCs, laptops and other devices such as Pocket PCs, Palms can connect to the
wireless network if they are enabled with an 802.11a/b/g wireless card.
What is 802.11a/b/g and what are the differences/advantages of each?
- 802.11 a/b/g are all different flavours/variations of Wi-Fi and are all supported in our
wireless network.
- 802.11b operates at 2.4Ghz and offers speeds up to 11Mbps.
- 802.11g is an evolution of 802.11b, still operating at 2.4Ghz but offers speeds up to
54Mbps.
- 802.11a operates at 5Ghz and offers speeds up to 54Mbps.
- 802.11b is a slightly older standard but is still widely supported. Manufacturers still
sell products for 802.11b. 802.11g evolved from 802.11b and is very similar, but with an
improvement in speed.
- 802.11a operates in a different, less-used (for now) spectrum and generally suffers from
less interference then 802.11b/g.
- Draft 802.11n devices are not supported at this time.
Here are some tips to help you use the Wireless Network:
- Set up your wireless card according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Make sure to set your TCP/IP properties to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'
(DHCP).
- If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode.
- Turn encryption (WEP) off.
- Make sure you are using the SSID name "WirelessMississauga", which is
case-sensitive.
- Make sure all anti-virus and anti-spyware software are current and definitions are
up-to-date.
- Use firewall software and make sure your operating system has the latest security
patches.
- Arrive with a charged battery and be prepared to be self-powered.
- Headphones are required for audio to avoid disturbing other customers.
Will I be disconnected when moving to another location in the building?
- Minimizing your movement is recommended; however, overlapping coverage in the building is
provided by a number of access points that are configured to allow for movement without loss of
the connection.
Can I use a fixed IP address on the Wireless network?
- No, you cannot because the IP addresses are allocated dynamically by the server.
Can I use peer to peer applications on the Wireless Network?
- Peer to Peer programs such as Bittorrents, Limewire, Kaza and Skype will not work on the
wireless network.
Can I use MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or ICQ on the Wireless Network?
- No. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ will not work on the wireless network.
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