WiFi Hermosa Beach Support

twopogs · Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Now what?!?! I installed it into my laptop using the instructions from Linxsys and the indicator on the bottom of my screen says 'excellent signal', but I cannot connect to the internet.

What is the next step? I am not computer-savvy and these boards are very confusing to me. It would be helpful if there was an 'instructions' section, rather than postings... Not complaining. I am appreciative that the city is offering this and I wish I could get it to work without bothering anyone, but please help me...

Did I buy the wrong card? Do I need to also purchase a router? If I need a router, then what am I routing? A signal? My computer seems to be receiving the signal just fine.

-Obviously clueless. Confused

All-City.Computers · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:19 pm Post subject:

Twopogs,

" ...I wish I could get it to work without bothering anyone ..."

It's great and good that you are asking questions ...

others will benefit from your courage to ask a question and reveal your "newbie" status ...

Congratulations on your courage.

" ...I installed it into my laptop using the instructions from Linxsys and the indicator on the bottom of my screen says 'excellent signal', but I cannot connect to the internet. ..."

From what you write I can tell that you must live within 100 to 200 yards of the fire station training tower or the apartments at 1100 Monterey ... if and only if the name or SSID of the wireless network you see starts with "WiFi Hermosa ..."

The "Excellent Signal" could mean that you have a great signal from your neighbors WiFi signal that is encrypted or "coded" and therefore you can't connect to it ... and you're on the border of Manhattan and Hermosa and can't possibly be seeing the WiFi Hermosa signal.

or ...

It could mean that you are on the verge of having free internet access ...

We need more information such as what is the "SSID" or name of the wireless network that you are connected to ... does it start with "Wifi Hermosa ..." and what is your approximate address.

Thanks for your courage and participation ...

twopogs · Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Thank you for your reply. I had nearly given up, but was inspired to 'try again' after reading about all the fuss about whether wifi will continue in both the Beach Reporter and the Easy Reader...

I am grateful for the concept, but frustrated at my ability to take advantage of the city's generous offering. I continue to pay $59.99 per month to Adelphia and would HAPPILY donate $100 to the cause, as requested in an e-mail sent to me recently, but only if I could get it to work. I take responsibility for my inability to access the service as my own lack of knowledge, but truly believe that I am not a minority. There should be step-by-step instructions on this website, perhaps based on the manufacturers of the wireless cards. I don't believe there are that many manufacturers-- at least the major brands would be helpful. How about a 'troubleshooting' guide or FAQs for installing.

I consider myself more computer-savvy than most, but in this case, I feel quite helpless.

I live a stone's throw from the pier and the strand. I have looked at the maps and am certain that I am within the 'range' of coverage.

Thank you again for your offering of help.