Most of the Interactivate activities are Java applets and as such require a Java capable browser. Most modern web browsers are capable of running Java applets, but some browsers run Java better than others. Some browsers are not capable of running Interactivate activities adequately (or at all). Below is some information about which browsers can be used with Interactivate activities and how (if necessary; it's probably not) to configure your browser to run the activities properly.

Browsers that are known to run the activities

We test all the Interactivate activities on the following browsers. The activities may run on other browsers as well.

Microsoft Windows browsers:

• Netscape 4.x and 6.x
• Internet Explorer 4.x, 5.x, and 6.0

• Netscape 4.x
• Internet Explorer 5.x

• Netscape 6.x
• Internet Explorer 5.x

• Netscape 4.78

Browsers that you should avoid

The Interactivate activities will not run on Netscape 3.x or Internet Explorer 3.x under Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS. Also, Netscape 6.0, 6.1, and 6.2 under Macintosh OS 8.x and 9.x have a known bug that causes activities with more than one drop-down menu to function incorrectly. Many activities will still run corrctly under Macintosh Netscape 6.x, but if you have access to another browser it is probably best to use that browser until Netscape fixes the bug.

If you have a Java-capable browser but the activities will not load, you may need to enable Java in your browser. The method for doing this differs from browser to browser.

Netscape under Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS, or Linux
Under the "Edit" menu click "Preferences." A dialog box will appear. In the left-hand pane, select "Advanced." In the right-hand pane, make sure the box beside the words "Enable Java" is checked.

Internet Explorer 4.x under Microsoft Windows
Under the "View" menu click "Internet Options". A dialog box will appear. Select the "Security" tab. Under "Set the security level for this zone" select "Custom" and click the "Settings" button. Another dialog box will pop up. Scroll down to the Java section. If "Disable Java" is selected, select "Medium safety" instead. Click "OK" in both dialog boxes.

Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x under Microsoft Windows
Under the "Tools" menu click "Internet Options". A dialog box will appear. Select the "Security" tab. Under "Security level for this zone" click the "Custom Level" button. Another dialog box will pop up. Scroll down to the Microsoft VM section. If "Disable Java" is selected, select "Medium safety" instead. Click "OK" in both dialog boxes.

Internet Explorer 4.x and 5.x under Macintosh OS
Under the "Edit" menu click "Preferences." A dialog box will appear. In the left-hand pane, if the triangle beside "Web Browser" is pointing right, click the triangle so it points down. Select "Java" in the left-hand pane. Then, in the right-hand pane, make sure the box beside the words "Enable Java" is checked.

How to get your browser to run Java 1.1 applets

Some of the Interactivate activities require Java 1.1. This is a new version of Java which is stabler and allows us to create better activities. It is supported by almost all browsers, but in a few cases you will have to install additional software. These cases are described below.

If you want to test your browser to see if it will run Java 1.1, click here. If the applet appears, your browser is Java 1.1-ready. If it does not, read on.

Netscape 4.x under Macintosh OS 8.x or 9.x
You need to install a plugin to allow your browser to run Java 1.1. Read this page to learn how.

Internet Explorer 4.x and 5.x under Macintosh OS 8.x or 9.x
You may need to update your version of Macintosh Runtime for Java (MRJ) and/or change your browser settings. Read this page to learn how.

Netscape 3.x, 4.0, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, and 4.04 under Microsoft Windows
Netscape versions 4.05 and higher have Java 1.1 support built in. If possible, you should upgrade to one of these newer browsers. If you must run an earlier version of Netscape, you need to install the Java plugin for Java 1.1 support. Read this page to learn how.

Note: even with this plugin, Netscape 3.x is incapable of running some Interactivate activities properly. If you are using Netscape 3.x, we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser.

Internet Explorer under Microsoft Windows XP
This section applies to Windows XP only, not other versions of Windows. To use Java 1.1 in Internet Explorer under Windows XP, you must install the Java plugin. To get it, go to this page, click the "Download" link on the top right, and follow the instructions.