Frequent Customer Questions
Remember, we are just a phone call away if you need help.
1) What kind of wireless card/adapter should I use?
There are several types to choose from. They must be 802.11 b or g. If you don’t already have an integrated wireless (wi-fi) card (as do most new laptops), we recommend wireless USB adapters as you can move them around for better signal.
2) I just got here. What should I do to connect?
Simple. Turn on your laptop and allow your wireless card to associate with our network and automatically receive an IP address. Then you can click Internet Explorer or your Browser and sign up via the online signup page.
3) My laptop isn’t automatically connecting.
Make sure your wireless card/adapter is on and active. Search for available networks and select the appropriate network. Press the connect button, and then click Internet Explorer or your Browser.
4) How much does it cost?
The options are Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. The Daily plan is $9.95 a day. The Weekly plan is $24.95 a week. The Monthly plan is $34.95 a month.
5) How long does a service period last?
A daily plan is for 24 consecutive hours. If you sign up for service at 11:00 AM on Monday, you service will end at 10:59 AM Tuesday. A weekly plan is for 7 consecutive days. If you sign up on Monday at 11:00 AM your service will end at 10:59 AM the following Monday. A monthly plan goes by date. If you sign up on March 7 it will close on April 7.
6) Can I use AOL with Connect Freely?
Yes. However, you must first enter your username/password via a regular browser such as Internet Explorer.
7) I keep entering my username/password but I keep going back to the login page.
Temporarily disable any antivirus and firewall programs. This should allow you to login and get to the internet. Then you can re-enable them. Make sure you are entering your username@ Connect Freely.
8) What is good signal strength, and how do I make mine better?
Windows uses a 5-bar signal meter to measure signal strength. Two bars or better will allow you to browse at very high speed. If you have low signal strength, try moving closer to a window that faces an Access Point. Also try repairing your connection by right-clicking your wireless icon and choosing ‘repair’. Access points are at several places throughout the facility. The closer you are to an Access Point or the better line of sight you have with the Access Point the better.
9) What if I lose my connection?
Radio waves can be affected by things like 2.4GHZ phones and microwaves. If you lose connection, try ‘repairing’ the connection by right-clicking on your wireless icon and selecting ‘repair’. If this doesn’t work, try restarting your computer.
10) How do I enter my username/password?
Each time you log in, please add @connectfreely after the username you chose. DO NOT enter a .com after connectfreely.
11) Is my connection secure and safe from hackers?
Your connection is no more prone to hackers than a hard-wired connection such as cable or DSL. Connect Freely doesn’t add anything for security. You can protect your computer with Anti-Virus and Firewall software.
12) Can more than one person log on with my username/password?
No. You can only use one username/password at a time.