Wi-Fi welcomes GCC students back

When students return to classes on Monday, August 30, they may not immediately notice a new opportunity available to them. Genesee Community College has introduced wireless computer technology.

The new "Wi-Fi" technology enables computer users to access the internet, e-mail accounts and many other computer services without being plugged into a data port, wall outlet, or tethered to a desk and a hard drive. Using battery powered personal laptops or handheld devices that are equipped with a wireless network adapter (a standard feature on most new units), users can now access the World Wide Web, e-mail, and other internet services anywhere in the college's cafeteria, the Alfred O'Connell Library, or in the Conable Technology Building near The BEST Center. Without cables, jacks, wires, plugs, or modems - users will have full mobility while surfing the net or responding to their e-mail.

In addition, students residing at College Village, the residence life community located adjacent to the Batavia campus, will also have wireless computer access throughout the seven apartment-style buildings. The high speed wireless access to the internet is included in the rent paid by student residents and is contracted by Time-Warner with "Roadrunner" business class service. WI-Fi is short for wireless fidelity, and transmits data using radio frequencies rather than cables or wires. At this point, there is no practical limit to the number of users who can use the wireless computer access at any given time.

•College officials say the college cannot provide wireless support services for individual personal laptop and handheld devices, but Genesee's Computer Services department recommends the following to help ensure a positive experience using wireless connectivity, on or off campus:

•All users should maintain up-to-date virus protection software.

•Avoid private financial transactions, such as connecting with a bank or placing online orders using a credit card for payment unless your system uses encryption software. Wireless messages travel through airspace and can be intercepted by others.

•All wireless network adapters have driver software and must be properly installed and turned on before access is available.

•Any trouble shooting problems should be addressed by the wireless device vendor or the computer manufacturers.