Wood Crest HOA News

The new public use KIOSK computer is now available for your use.  This machine is intended to help those who do not have a computer to be able to visit the woodcresthoa.com website.  It is limited to only a few websites but we will add more as needed.

The machine is located in the security office window.  There is a keyboard and mouse there for you to use it.

Have fun with it and send us any suggestions you may have.

Title: Interenet Help Meeting
Location: Clubhouse
Description: Come get help connecting to the wifi network, visiting the new hoa website, bring your laptop.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2009-06-11
End Time: 20:00

This is an ongoing series to help you get connected to the wireless internet.  Come and ask questions, bring your laptop, or just check out what the internet is all about.

I try to have this meeting every two weeks so now is your chance.

Connection to the internet costs $20/month and is charged through your HOA bill.

You can also pay your HOA bill online here

Just a reminder to all who wish to attend that we will be having our regular scheduled board meeting this Thursday June 4th 6:30 at the clubhouse.  All are welcome to come contribute and enjoy.  We will be talking about coming projects, current problems.

This meeting is held the first Thursday of every month at 6:30.  We are always looking for good ideas and volunteers.

1. Request an authentication for your unit by either contacting Lil or filling out the form.  You will receive a paper that has a user name and password and instructions to connect your computer to the network.
2. Connect your computer to the network by connecting to the “WoodcrestWLAN” Network.  It will ask you for an authentication key which is “WoodcrestHOA5″ (This is case sensitive meaning the capital letters have to be capital, no quotes
3. Next open a web browser and log into  http://www.woodcresthoa.com/wlan/.  It will ask you for your user name and password.  These were given to you in step 1.  Your user name and password are both case sensitive.
4. You will be shown a screen which requires your MAC address.  If you are on the Wood Crest Wireless Network your MAC address should be filled in automatically.  All you have to do is accept the agreement and wait for five minutes until your computer has been successfully validated.

If you are using Microsoft Vista, you may have problems connecting to the network at all.  This is due to a violation of protocol by Microsoft and can be fixed by either having the network administrator help you or by following these instructions.

June 2009 Newsletter

General Questions

• Q. Why do we want to make a large community wireless network?
  A. Making a large community network has helped not only with the security issues that some have voiced concerns about by installing network security cameras, but also allow all the residents to connect to the internet for a small monthly fee.
• Q. When is this going to happen?
  A. Internet is available now.  Simply sign up by filling out the request form.
• Q. How can I help?
  A. If you have networking experience please contact Bryce Hill the HOA President. If you would like to learn about networking you can also contact him here.

Cost

• Q. Are my HOA Fees going to go up because of this?
  A. Only if you subscribe. The questionaire showed that many people did not want or need internet so the availability will be by subscription only.
• Q. How Much will individual subscriptions cost? (Explained in previous question)
  A. Internet connections will cost $20 per unit with a price break if more than 50 units subscribe.
• Q. I don’t want internet! – Why should I care?
  A. Funds from this project will help place more security cameras, which helps making your home a safer place to live. Additionally this will increase your property value because of the availability of low cost – high speed internet access.

Technical Questions

• Q. How fast is the internet connection going to be?
  A. This is dependent upon the number of people who participate. The minimum will be a 3 Mbps dedicated connection which will serve up to 25 units. With 26 or more subscriptions the rate will jump to 5 Mbps and if more than 45 units sign up the speed will be increased to 10 Mbps
• Q. I need a static IP for my server or work etc. Can I get one through this?
  A. Yes. We anticipate that many individuals may want an IP address for their uses. There might be an additional cost for this but it is unclear how much at this time.
• Q. How do I connect to the network?
  A. If you have a computer with a wireless card already built in you can connect now by filling out the form here. If your computer does not have a wireless card you can buy one or rent one from the HOA.  The fee for that device is $100 and is refunded when the unit is returned in working order.
• Q. My home is networked through a router. Can I still use that?
  A. Yes. You can connect your router to a network bridge and redistribute it to as many devices as you would like.  The device the HOA rents out works as a network bridge.
• Q. How many devices can I connect to the network?
  A. We have no set limit on number of devices. If all are required to subscribe there will be no additional fee.
  We do ask that you do not share your connection credentials with your neighbors to insure better quality and cheaper price of the internet. If you share and it is found out about you will be disconnected immediately.
• Q. If the power goes out will I still have internet?
  A. Yes. We currently have all vital devices on an emergency backup which can withstand about 10 minutes of outage. If your computer is on an emergency backup or a battery you should still be able to connect to the internet.
• Q. I’m not very tech savvy. Will the HOA provide tech support?
  A. No. The most the HOA can promise is to give out detailed instructions on how to connect to the network. You will have to rely on friends or professional tech support to do more than that.  Regular help sessions will be advertised, but they will be determined by the network administrator.
• Q. I have a device that is Ethernet (cable) only. Can I connect still?
  A. Yes. You can connect using an ethernet to WIFI bridge. The HOA will be providing these for a $100 deposit. You can also buy your own device if you feel it necessary.

VOIP

• Q. What is VOIP?
  A. VOIP is a technology that allows you to connect your telephone to the internet rather than the local service provider. In most cases the quality, cost and features are much better than conventional telephone lines. One of the cheapest providers is Magic Jack This only cost about $20 per year with an initial $40 fee. There are many other providers that offer many products. If you are interested we suggest doing a Google search on VOIP providers
• Q. Will this network support VOIP?
  A. Yes. VOIP uses very little bandwidth. In the long run everyone with a landline could save money by switching to the provided internet and using a VOIP provider.
• Q. Do I need a computer for VOIP?
  A. No. Magic Jack is a special case which requires a computer to be on all the time. Other services such as Vonage or Lingo cost more than Magic Jack but provide an Ethernet (cable based) capable phone system.

Still have questions?

• Q. I still have questions what do I do?
  A. You can send a message to our network administrator.

Wood Crest now has wireless internet available.  In order to connect you must

• Have a computer with a wifi adapter
• Request an account to authenticate your computer
• Pay an additional $20/month on your HOA bill
• Be current in your HOA fees

To connect fill out the request form here.

If you are using Microsoft Vista you will need to perform some additional operations to be able to connect.

For general questions read our FAQ

For problems or additional questions fill out this form to contact our network administrator.

For additional help our network administrator will be holding connection help sessions on a regular basis.  Contact the network administrator to receive updates on when the next help and information session will be.

You can make an online payment of your Wood Crest HOA dues through smartstreet.

There are three ways to pay

1. Credit card ($9.95 additional fee)
2. e-check (no fee)
3. Recurring payment from checking account (no fee)

Click on “Pay Assessments” in the upper left corner. Select “Wood Crest Owners Association, Salt Lake City, UT” as your association.  Your unit number serves as your homeowner account. If you have any questions you may contact Lil at DCM.

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