This is a page for editing the copy for a trifold handout to have available at and near our nodes (eg, at Heaven and PsychoNautical). I'll hammer something out today and then open it for review. -PatrickSullivan
Okay, round one of editing by me. Hope I didn't fsck anything up too badly. -- AdamShand
Free Wireless Internet Access?
You are within range of a Personal Telco Community Wireless Node! This means that if you have a laptop equipped with a WiFi 802.11b card, you can surf the internet from this location using bandwidth donated by a local business or individual.
What Do I Need To Get Online?
You need a laptop or handheld computer and an 802.11b compatible wireless card. Some popular brands are Lucent, Cisco, Zcomax, Linksys, D-Link and Intel and they are typically available at your local computer store for under $100 with the software you need to get online. Some newer laptops, especially the Apple iBooks, come with 802.11b ('Airport') cards already installed. If the node is in a business location sometimes the owner of the node may have cards to lend out. If you want to buy your own card it's worth checking out our web site for reviews before you buy a card as they do vary in quality.
Do I Have To Be Some Kind Of Hacker To Do This Stuff?
Using a node is meant to be as easy as possible. Sometimes setting up your laptop with the proper wireless configuration can be complicated, but there are plenty of people around to help if you run into trouble. If you do need more help our mailing list is a good place to ask questions.
Using Personal Telco Nodes
To use a Personal Telco node, simply set your computer to get an IP address automatically, get within range of the node and make sure your ESSID is set to www.personaltelco.net and then open a web browser. When you go to a web page, you will be redirected to our login page where you need to agree to the Personal Telco acceptable use policy. Once you agree and click Login, you will be redirected back to the page you originally requested. You should only have to do this once.
Why Can't I Send E-Mail? - Personal Telco nodes block outgoing email to protect the node owner from the repercussions of people using the node to send spam. If you need to send email you might try mail2web.com or mollymail.com which give you a web based interface to your normal mail account.
This Is Great, I'm Moving In! - Please remember to support the businesses that support us by hosting a node. Buy a coffee or snack, don't hog the bandwidth and give up a table if there are other paying customers around. By being polite and following simple common sense guidelines results in the creation of good will and will lead to the creation of more nodes.
What Is Personal Telco?
Personal Telco is the largest community wireless network in Oregon and one of the largest in North America. We have dozens of 802.11b nodes setup to share internet access with friends, neighbors and visitors. The range is typically limited to about a 1000 feet but with directional antennas, inter-connected community networks may soon provide a viable alternative to wired networks.
More Information
Web Site: http://www.personaltelco.net
Coverage Maps: http://maps.personaltelco.net/
Mailing Lists: http://lists.personaltelco.net/
FAQs: http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Monthly Meeting: http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/MonthlyMeeting
Setup a Node: http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/GettingStarted
This Node Generously Provided By:
(write or stamp node sponsor here)