I'm having a bit of trouble with my laptop's wireless internet connection capability. It used to work fine, but here lately when I go to the library and try to connect to their network, my computer goes through the process (acquiring network address, connecting, etc.) and it says "Connected" and "High Signal Strength" but the internet connection doesn't work! I always try to connect to the Public network, but the only way I can get wireless internet now is to connect to this oddly named network that may be through someone elses computer, I'm not sure.

A library assistant said they haven't made any changes to their wireless network or anything, so it's not that...

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has any idea what the problem might be. I haven't changed any of my computer's wireless settings, and it still works on networks at home and at friend's houses.

ONE more quick question... when connecting to an unsecured wireless network (where you don't need a password or anything) is it possible for anyone else to see what you're doing online? I ask this because some of my friends have unsecured networks at their houses which I connect to every so often. I was just wondering if a neighbor or someone happened to connect, if there's any way they can view my activity.

Thanks!!!

Sarah,
Yes, on an unsecured network, others can see what you are doing and they can also access your computer unless you have a firewall installed. It sounds like at the library that you are getting on someone else's connection as opposed to the library. Have you tried different locations in the library to check for signal strength? If your wireless signal at home is good then it is probably something at the library that is a problem. As I said, try different locations. Have you tried other locations, like a Starbucks, and see if you get a signal there? Let me know.
Ken Hess

If your installation uses Windows to manage the wireless network (and most do), you can right-click on the wireless connection icon in the Taskbar down by the time display and choose "Open Network Connections".

Once that is open, choose "Refresh Wireless Network List".
Insure that you're attempting to connect with the Library's network and not anothr secured connection (as mentioned above).

You can also right click on the connection and choose "Repair" and windows will try to repair the connection.

I hope something here will help.
Dwight