What is FCPL Unplugged?!

FCPL Unplugged! is the Forsyth County Public Library's wireless/wired Internet access hotspot service that allows Library patrons to gain filtered access to the Internet and the Library's networked resources using their own personal laptops or other compatible devices.

 How can I use wireless Internet at the Library?

Wireless access via FCPL Unplugged! uses the Wi-Fi Standards IEEE 802.11a and 802.11 b/g.  A wireless network card compatible with one of these standards is required. Most people can simply bring their wireless-enabled laptop or other wireless device to the Library, turn it on, connect to the network, open their Internet browser, accept the Terms and Conditions, and log in using their Library barcode and PIN.  Others may need to adjust settings per instructions and troubleshooting guidelines available under Help. For a list of pre-requisites for using FCPL Unplugged!, see the FCPL Unplugged! Requirements section of the FCPL Unplugged! home page.

How does a wireless connection work?

Wireless access points located throughout the Library branches communicate with your wireless device.  When your wireless network card senses a signal, a message appears on the screen indicating a wireless network is available.  Connect to the network via your wireless network configuration software, then open your web browser and the FCPL Unplugged! login screen should appear. The FCPL Unplugged!  Wireless Access Controller will allow you basic access to the Library Catalog and other freely available in-Library resources without the need to login. However, the Wireless Access Controller will require you to log in with a Library card barcode and PIN in order to access the Internet.  By using the FCPL Unplugged! service, you are agreeing to abide by the Terms and Conditions.

Can I connect to the Internet from my personal laptop using a network cable?

In addition to connections provided via Wireless Access Points, some wired connections to the FCPL Unplugged! service are also available at locations designated by a "Plug into FCPL Unplugged!" sign.  These wired connections to FCPL Unplugged! also require log in for Internet access.  By using the FCPL Unplugged! service, you are agreeing to abide by the Terms and Conditions.

What should I bring with me to the Library if I plan to use my personal laptop to access the Internet there?

Your library card, your laptop, and possibly headphones and/or a network patch cable.  For more details see the FCPL Unplugged! Requirements section of FCPL Unplugged! home page and the FCPL Unplugged! Help pages.

Can I send and receive email using the FCPL Unplugged! service?

The FCPL Unplugged! service does not support all Internet features. Many web mail services may be used via FCPL Unplugged!   Directions for setting up your browser to use web mail services can be found here.  However, use of email clients such as Microsoft Outlook or Eudora is not available.

Are there any other restrictions on my use of the Internet via the FCPL Unplugged! service?

By using the FCPL Unplugged! service, you are agreeing to abide by Library policies and the Terms and Conditions.   The Internet access provided by FCPL Unplugged! is filtered and will not allow the viewing of some websites that may be considered potentially harmful to minors.  Adults requiring unfiltered Internet access may use library-owned computers.

Can I search the Library catalog and special databases using the FCPL Unplugged! service?

Yes.  To search the Catalog, click on the link that appears on the FCPL Unplugged! login page or click the "Library Catalog" link at the top of this page.  The Library's menu of Online Resources is accessible via Search tab at the top of the catalog page in the Online Resources subtab.

Can I print when using the FCPL Unplugged! service?

Yes. You may print to the patron printers via the Print Release Terminals at each branch.  In order to do so, you must first install a Thin Print Client for the branch in which you are located per instructions found under the "Printing from FCPL Unplugged!" link at the top of this page. Currently not available to use with Windows 7 – 64 bit.

Is my information safe and private while using the FCPL Unplugged! service?

If your browser supports it, the FCPL Unplugged! login page will attempt to encrypt your Library barcode and PIN information when you login to the FCPL Unplugged! service.  However, once you have logged into FCPL Unplugged!, information passed through your browser is not encrypted unless you are connected to a web page that employs encryption or you have elected to use the Optional  WPA-PSK Secured Wireless Connection, which encrypts wireless communications between your wireless network card and the Wireless Access Point.  Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal information.  Additionally, when using any network connection, it is highly advisable to disable file and print sharing.  If you have file and print sharing enabled, other people may gain access to your hard drive and files or misuse your computer.  It is also strongly recommended that your laptop or other wireless device have up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software installed.

Can the Library's staff help me configure my computer to use the FCPL Unplugged! service?

No. Use of the FCPL Unplugged! service is "As Is" and "As Available" during Library hours using the configuration information provided.  Everyone's computer or other network-enabled device  is different, and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.  The Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.  If you need additional assistance, you may contact your hardware or software manufacturer.

Where do I report a possible FCPL Unplugged! service outage?

Please report possible service outages to staff at the Information Desk in the Library branch in which you are located so that technical support staff can look into possible problems.  Please note that the FCPL Unplugged! service is "As Is" and "As Available" during Library hours, and Library staff may not touch your personal laptop or other equipment.  Access problems may be specific to your network device rather than widespread and, in the event of a system-wide FCPL Unplugged! service outage, technical support may not immediately available to the Library staff.