What You Need to Begin

Hardware

Computers purchased within five years will generally have the processor speed and memory capacity to effectively use this website.

Video card (minimum of 256 colors at 800 x 600 resolution)
Mouse
Sound card
Speakers
56k modem (for dial-up Internet access)

Operating Systems

Most major single-user and multiple-user operating systems are supported.

Microsoft Windows
- Windows XP or higher
Apple Mac OS X
- 10.3 (Panther) or higher

Browsers and Settings

The Internet browser will also work in conjunction with your operating system. For Windows based users, Internet Explorer is highly recommended, but Mozilla Firefox is also an option. Macintosh users should only use Firefox at this point. Regardless of your choice in browsers, make sure your settings match those listed below.

Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher
Internet Explorer Settings
- Temporary Internet Files (Every Visit to the Page)
- Default settings for Security and Privacy
- Medium security setting for the Internet zone
- Content advisor disabled
Mozilla Firefox
- Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher
Firefox Settings
- Cookies enabled
- Cache enabled
- JavaScript enabled

Applications and Plug-ins

The following free applications and plug-ins (also known as ActiveX Controls) are required¹.

Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Adobe Reader
- Adobe Reader 7 or higher

¹An update of Flash Player in supported browsers is required in almost all cases. Multiple-user operating systems may require administrative permissions to install, update, and use the applications and plug-ins.

An option to disable the Flash Player automatic notification feature prevents repeated prompts to update to a new release. See Helpful Flash Player Links section for links to the Macromedia website. You can also check your system to see if it is configured properly

Account with Username and Password

Users must have an account to purchase tasks, self-assign tasks via an access code, or take tasks assigned by training coordinators. Users without an account may create one by clicking the "Create a new account" link on the homepage.

Username
Password

Pop-up Window Blockers

Pop-up window blockers must be disabled while using this website.

Firewall Settings

Firewall settings must allow streaming media from this website through Port 80.

Internet Connection Speeds and Data Transfer Rates

For users with dial-up modems (56k or faster), Internet connection speeds are affected by the quality of telephone lines and the variable connection speeds of modems.

Internet traffic and the number of "hops" along the Internet your current session takes to reach the data servers can affect data transfer rates. Traffic can also occur on local networks, at Internet Service Providers, and at websites.

Unsupported Internet Subscription Services

America Online, MSN, CompuServe, and WebTV use proprietary browsers that are not supported by this website. A possible solution for America Online, MSN, and CompuServe subscribers is to:

Download the latest application from the subscription service.
Use the application to connect to the Internet.
Minimize the application.
Open a supported browser (with supported plug-ins and settings).
Enter the Web address to go to the homepage.

There is no known solution for WebTV subscribers.

Helpful Flash Player Links

The following links lead to the Macromedia website.