This is the beginning of a collaborative effort to build a comprehensive New Users Guide. One of the hardest things for "us experts" to do is know what you need to get things working.

Please take a second and write down the information that you need to get started. As we answer your questions please take a second to come back and update the page with new thoughts on what your next steps in gaining knowledge are.

If you all take a second to write down your questions, we will take the time to answer them. Hopefully everyone will benefit from this process and the end result. -- AdamShand

The New Users Guide

Table Of Contents

TableOfContents

How To Connect To A Node

So you have a wireless card and are itching to use it, how do you actually connect to a node? Well it's really pretty simple.

1. Make sure that your computer is ready to connect to an AccessPoint (same as it would be to use the wireless at home or work)..

2. Set your ["ESSID"] to www.personaltelco.net or "Any" (depending on your drivers it may need to be "ANY" or "any").

3. Come within range of the node. You can find out where they are using the [http://maps.personaltelco.net/ node maps], once your in the general area a WirelessSniffer or some WarDriving software will help you determine where the best location is. Typically this isn't needed though.

4. Make sure that your computer connects to the wireless network (just like it would anywhere else) and that it got an IP address correctly (it should get one via DHCP).
   • On Windows this can be done by Clicking 'Start' then 'Run' and typing 'winipcfg'. Be sure to select your wireless card in the drop-down box.
   • On Linux you really should know how to do this so, 'man ifconfig'
5. Open a web browser and try and go somewhere (you will be forced to our web page).
6. Read the terms and conditions, if you accept them click "I Agree ..." to continue and get access.

The main difference from using a PersonalTelco node from any other wireless AccessPoint you may have used at home or at work is that we run CaptivePortal software called NoCatAuth. NoCatAuth uses your web browser to authenticate to the node. Once you open your browser and try and go somewhere the portal "captures" your session and forces you to our web page where we display the terms and conditions of use and show who is sponsoring the node.

If you have any problems using or connecting to the node please read the NodeFaq and if that doesn't help you might want to post to the MailingList. Be sure you let the list know where you were trying to connect, what your setup is (browser, OS card type), and even when it was if that's possible.

How To Setup A Node

Sample Node Setups - Cookbook recipes

Or what to do until you know enough to change it to what you really want.

For a Windows Person

For a Linux Person

For a Mac Person

Hardware

• See HardwareRecommendations.

The Simple Table of Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down Ratings

What Access Point Should I Buy

What external antenna should I buy for a Linksys WAP11? -- JeffBeadles When asked, someone suggested a http://www.superpass.com/SPDG14OP.html.

What PCMCIA Card Should I Buy

What PCI Card Should I Buy

Software

What Is NoCatAuth

Do I put a firewall and NoCAT on one computer? -- LonnieWormley

What Is MetaNet

Network Configurations

How do you set up DHCP? -- LonnieWormley

How many network cards do I need in my server? -- LonnieWormley

Do I need a switch or a hub or both? -- LonnieWormley

Security

I'm running a linux-based firewall. How can I include a public, wireless node and 1) keep the rest of my home machines safe from the wireless surfers, and 2) still offer some firewall protection to the wireless folks connecting via my node? -- DavidSmith

[CategoryDocumentation]