You will experience the best results on this site by using Netscape Navigator 3.0 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, or later versions of either browser.
However, we have tried to maximize the content of this site to be viewed on most any browser including older versions of Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, as well as the proprietary browsers originally included with the major online service providers including America Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy. (AOL users note: The new AOL 4.0 ships with Internet Explorer 3.0 as its native browser.)
The features of the major browsers are quite similar; however, some browsers do not fully support all elements of this site including animation, sound and certain scripted functions that make elements on the page light up or begin to move. You may need to upgrade your browser software to take full advantage of this site; but, if we've done our job well, you will be able to enjoy our site even without these extra features.
"Hardware" refers to your actual computer (CPU, monitor, etc.) or Internet appliance (i.e. WebTV, Sega box, etc.). The most important thing to remember is that the hardware configuration you are using to "surf the net" will affect what you see and hear on our site.
MODEM SPEED
Of primary importance is the speed of your modem. You should experience acceptable download times with modems at speeds of 14.4kbps or better — obviously, the faster the better. The speed at which you are able to view our site is also affected by your Internet service provider connection and, in many cases, the time of day can affect download times significantly.
MONITOR RESOLUTION
Another important element is the resolution of the screen you are using to view this site. Computer monitor displays set at, or above, 256 colors will show you the graphics on our site properly. Setting your display for 16.7 million color resolution will provide optimum results. (Monochrome monitors will not show color no matter how hard you hit them or how many times you log on to the net — and, yes, the question has come up!)
INTERNET APPLIANCES
For those of you using an Internet appliance such as a WebTV box, the picture quality will depend on the television you are using as a monitor and on the make of the appliance you are using to browse the web. Each has its own proprietary technology to translate digital images to the analog television signal you can view on the tube. While you should have no difficulty with picture quality on this site, keep in mind that "results may vary."
SOUND CARDS
In order to hear sound on this site, you should not need any additional plug-ins if you are using the Netscape Navigator 3.0, or better, browser. Internet Explorer browsers may require an ActiveX plug-in and there may be additional plug-in requirements for other browsers to play the sound on this site for you. In addition, you will need a sound card and speakers connected to your computer. Sound files will not play through the small internal speakers that, on most computers, only utter the annoying "beeps" and "squeaks" that — much like a teenage sibling — gleefully point out our mistakes to the rest of the world!
