Using Your Laptop in the Libraries

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Wireless access • Cabled network access • Data jacks & power outlets • Printing • Research & Computer Help

Users must agree to abide by all aspects of the UA Library's Acceptable Use Policy.

Wireless access

Availability: The two primary wireless networks available on campus are UA WiFi and UA Public. UA WiFi is open only to current UA students and employees, while UA Public is open to anyone without any special logins or registration. Advantages of using UA WiFi include:

• greater security - UA WiFi is encrypted; UA Public is not.
• greater capability - you can use personal email clients such as Outlook and Thunderbird, or Secure Shell to access other campus servers , and you are authenticated for many other campus services such as library databases
• more likely to connect - greater bandwidth and more ports available on UA WiFi

Locations - Wireless is available across campus [view coverage map] including these locations:

• Main Library & Information Commons
• ILC
• Outdoors along mall, from Old Main to Campbell
• Science-Engineering Library
• Fine Arts Library (Music Bldg)
• Center for Creative Photography Library

 

What you need:

• A laptop equipped with a wireless card. For UA WiFi, you need an 802.11a/b/g wireless card that can handle WPA security.   Most newer wireless cards support WPA security. Some configuration is necessary for Windows XP and Mac computers to use UA WiFi - see below under Help for instructions.
  (Laptops with wireless capability and configured to use UA WiFi are also available for loan to current UA students - See Laptop Loan Services.)
  
• To access UA WiFi, you must have a valid UA NetID and you must go to https://netid.arizona.edu/wireless_reg.php and login from your laptop each time. (This step applies each time you use a Library loaner laptop as well.) OSCR suggests first connecting to UA Public to login at this site, then switching over to the UA WiFi network by clicking on the wireless network button in the taskbar in the lower right corner, or on the Airport menu on Macs.

Help for using Wireless:

Instructions: UA WiFi Help (OSCR) , The UA Wireless Network (CCIT)

OSCR UAWiFi configuration instructions:

PCs: [Windows Vista] or [Windows XP]

Mac: [OS X]

OSCR Online Help forum threads: UAPublic vs. UAWiFi ; Windows Vista

For more computer help: the 24/7 IT Support Center is available 24 hours a day, either on location at the MLK Building Room 207 (9am-11pm daily), or remotely by phone at 626-TECH (621-8324) or online.

Cabled network access via data jacks

Availability: Current UA students and employees

Locations: See Data jacks & power outlets below

What you need:

• A Laptop with a 10BaseT Ethernet card and Ethernet cable. Some configuration may be needed to access the campus network via DHCP - see below under Help for instructions.
  (Laptops already registered and configured for the campus network are also available for loan to current UA students - See Laptop Loan Services. Ethernet cables are available for limited checkout at library circulation desks or the Information Commons Help Desk.)

• Registration: You must register your ethernet card's hardware, or MAC, address (not to be confused with Macintosh computers), either through Student Link or at http://dhcp.arizona.edu/ using your NetID login. (According to this page, it shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes for registrations to be activated.)

Help for using cabled connections:

• Finding your ethernet adapter address - go to http://ccit.web.arizona.edu/index.php?id=1974.

• Configuring your computer to use DHCP (from UA Residential Computing)
  

Data jacks & power outlets

The Library has installed over 150 data lines in the Main and Science-Engineering Libraries allowing library users to connect their personal laptop computers directly to the internet. These connections can be found in most group study rooms, private study carrels, and public areas. They are clearly marked.

• Main Library, Floors 3 - 5, and Science-Engineering Library:
  Internet jacks are clearly marked with orange signs above or near each jack.
• Information Commons (1st Floor of the Main Library/ILC): Internet jacks are located throughout the area, on tabletops in black and purple tabletop domes coupled with electrical outlets. In group study rooms the jacks and electrical outlets may be located in the walls.

 

 

Printing

Personal laptops:

You cannot print from your personal laptop to the Library's print stations.

Library Loaner Laptops:

Our Loaner Laptops can print to the Pharos printers in Main, Science and Fine Arts Libraries. You will need your Catcard (and money on the chip) to print at library printer stations.
Click on File - Print, then select an appropriate printer from the print dialog box closest to your location.

 

Research & Computer Help

Available during all hours of the Information Commons. Ask A Librarian!