Technologies

Circulation and catalog functions are supported through a consortial installation of Innovative Interfaces. This function supports online reserves and renewals.

FreeBSD is the Poughkeepsie Public Library Districts Network Operating System of choice. Mainly because of its steadfast reliability, excellent networking capabilities, and its ability to run any service that we deem necessary - securely, consistently, and reliably.

Donated broadband communications are used throughout the Library District to support Internet access and the online circulation and catalog system.

Hudson Valley DataNet provides us our fast and reliable dedicated Internet services via their Fiber Optic network.

Wireless Networking

You are welcome to browse the Public Catalog as well as the Internet using your own wireless (WiFi) enabled laptop computer or mobile device at the Poughkeepsie Public Library. This access is provided free in the publicly accessible areas of the Adriance Memorial Library located at 93 Market Street and at the Arlington Branch Library located at 504 Haight Avenue.

Requirements are as follows:

• • Laptop Computer or Mobile Device:
  A PC Laptop or Macintosh (ibook or powerbook) with a charged and working battery.
• • 802.11b Wireless Ethernet Device:
  This device must be installed and be operational for the Internet to be accessible. This device is commonly found as a network card, either a PCMCIA adapter or an embedded device if your laptop is so equipped.
• • TCP/IP Protocol:
  This is a requirement of the Internet.
• Limitations and Disclaimers
• • Printing is not available using the Library's wireless network; you can access a printer by using one of the public Internet computers.
• • The Library's wireless network is not secure with WEP. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software within three hundred feet. Do not enable file sharing or printer sharing. If you do so, other people may gain access to your hard drive and files, misuse your computer. Do not do any online banking or other transactions where your personal information is required
• • It is also highly recommended that your laptop have up-to-date anti virus software installed and working before going onto the Internet.
• • Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from trying to connect to the the Library's network.
• • Illegal or inappropriate use of the Internet is not permitted. If inappropriate images are displayed in view of others in the Library, the offending party will be asked to leave the building.

For our Library policies and information on Internet access, please see our Computer Use and Internet Policy.