Tag Archives: wireless network

Wireless goes bust

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My library was the first space on campus to go wireless, nearly three years ago. Wireless use increased dramatically over time but the existing 802.11b access points were slow and lacked full building coverage. About a month ago, our campus IT folks upgraded everything with new 802.11g WAPs that covered all floors. This is exciting not only because of better functionality for users, but also because for the first time, I can get detailed usage statistics that tell me how often and at what times the wireless network is used.

So…what’s the downside? Well, unfortunately, we have had to suspend our wireless laptop lending program due to outdated laptop equipment that we can no longer support. Too often the laptops are out of commission due to some problem or another, and we don’t have the funds to upgrade and support new laptops. This is really disappointing because I reported some time ago about the heavy (and growing) demand for this equipment. In other words, this is a high demand service that was obviously beneficial to many, yet it can’t be continued. Each year, more and more incoming students bring their own wireless-enabled devices, but still, I think we should support the many who can’t afford their own equipment.

Sittin’ on the front porch, just a swingin’

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Right now I am sittin’ on the front porch, just a swingin’…on our porch swing, with my laptop in my lap, watching the kids play outside for the first time in months. The weather is really beautiful, warm, sunny, with a nice breeze. And NO INSECTS (yet).

Michele made it through all of the various tests today. The mammogram showed that she doesn’t have a cancerous lump after all. That is great news. Now, we just need to wait for and hope that the EEG and CT Scan results will tell us what’s going on in her body that is causing these seizure-like episodes. Anyway, there is a lot to be thankful for.

How neat is it, to have the freedom of a wireless network and a wireless laptop that enables me to post to my blog, check my email, and do other things while sittin’ on the porch swing watching my kids play? As Steven Cohen of Library Stuff fame is so fond of stating, Suweeeet. (Reminds me of the woman named Stacy on “What Not to Wear” on TLC who constantly says, “Shut up!”)

Yes, we bought one

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Yes, we bought a PowerBook G4 15″ laptop while visiting Apple’s Indianapolis store this past weekend. I have had a bit of buyer’s remorse but what pushed me over the edge to decide to go ahead with the purchase was something Michele said as we were outside the store, debating what we should do. She basically said something to the effect that if we bought it, at least we would guarantee that we’d use it. That has so far turned out to be quite true. The new laptop is already in high demand! Along with the laptop, we bought an Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11b/g) and it is SO COOL to be able to move freely around the house and yet still have high speed Internet access.

A few other factors or reasons for buying this now:
- greater demand on Internet/computer access at home (Keegan wants to be online more, so does Michele)
- laptop provides needed flexibility for Michele while she’s coping with the children during the day (e.g. the iMac is located at the other end of the house from the living room)
- if I have to do work at home, which is quite often, the laptop enables me to be nearer to the rest of the family yet go upstairs to our bedroom and shut the door when absolutely necessary
- I plan to begin my PhD next fall and felt that this would be a good tool to have for that

I am really impressed with this machine’s capabilities. They are simply incredible. When I took it to work for the first time yesterday, it took me about 10 seconds, max, to get it set up to use our wireless network there, and about 10 minutes, max, to set it up to quickly and easily browse the Windows network in use at Taylor.