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Everything you need to set your web browser
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most commonly asked browser questions.
How can I read eBooks that are in .chm format?
Compiled HTML files (.chm) are Commonly used for eBooks. You must have an ebook reader to view these files. You can get a free CHM reader plugin for Firefox from the Mozilla addons site: CHM Reader
Why can't I reach my favorite website?
It may be down. Sometimes, it is enough to search for the site in Google and then click on the link. For some anti-virus sites, if your computer becomes infected by a virus, many of them stop your pc from being able to visit the top anti-virus sites! It is also possible that you have a browser hijacker which will redirect your searches to a rogue search engine. Sometimes they do not do this every time, but only sometimes so that it is not worth fixing for beginning users.
If you suspect that a browser hijacker has taken over some of your browser's functionality, download one of the free Spyware scanning and removal packages such as:
Why do images look bad on my computer?
Check your screen resolution. You might wish to change the settings. Visit our page on screen size.
Why can't I play games on web pages?
You might need to install the proper plugin. Many game sites require shockwave or Flash plugins. See what plugins your computer has by visiting our plugins page which will automatically run a report for you.
A website says I have spyware, is it true?
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet!
There are a number of rogue sites out there that try to trick people into downloading their worthless applications by using unethical marketing methods. Very often it will look like some kind of flashing warning that is designed to scare you.
Worse, many of these rogue sites then actually get you to install their spyware! Use one of the three reputable anti-spyware packages we linked to above - here they are again:
Visit a reputable anti-virus site or use well known anti-virus packages. Never install some unknown product from a website that is trying to scare you! Some reputable anti-virus packages:
Why can I only have one browser window at a time?
This is probably because you have an older browser. You should update your browser to the latest version - not just to get the latest features, but also to fix a lot of security holes that put your computer at risk. Visit our download page for links to the latest browsers.
How do I fix a "no XLB binding for browser" error?
This error can occur with Mozilla (any version), Thunderbird, Firefox (any version), and Netscape 6.x or higher browsers when a bad user interface theme is installed. Here's what to do:
- Restart your computer. DON'T start your web browser. If it starts by itself, exit it completely.
- Select "Search" from the start menu.
- Select "All files and folders."
- Click "More advanced options."
- Select "Search hidden files and folders."
- Search for: "FireFox"
- Open the FireFox folder.
- Open the "Profiles" folder within it.
- Open the "Default" folder within that, or your profile name if you are using separate profiles for separate users.
- Open the folder within that which has a name ending in .slt. Only one folder will have such a name.
- Delete the folder "chrome" within that folder.
- Now, restart your browser.
That's it. Whew!
Which is the fastest web browser?
A benchmarking study has been done and Opera has been the fastest MAJOR browser for both a cold start as well as a warm start. The most comprehensive information on this subject can be found here: The fastest browsers.
Is it safe to install Firefox?
Yes, and you should as it comes with the most features and has the most comprehensive selection of addons. It is widely supported and worth a try!
Can I still use Internet Explorer after I install Firefox?
Yes you can. You can choose your "default browser" when you install Firefox, but can always switch it back to Internet Explorer or any other browser later if you should change your mind. See our page on setting your default browser.
How do I know what proxy server I am supposed to use?
You do not need to use a proxy server, however sometimes your ISP or corporate network administrator may request that you do it to save on bandwidth and/or speed transfers of data. You can use proxies to surf anonymously and/or show up on forums as from another country or city. You can read more about how to do it on our page with plugins and addons. Click here to read about ProxySwitch.
How can I configure my web browser to accept or reject cookies?
There are a number of ways to do this. For Firefox, there are a number of add-ons that will handle cookies for you, such as cookie culler.
Better yet, is to install a more comprehensive plugin such as Developers tools which allow you to do more things with your cookies, such as deleting session cookies, path cookies or all cookies. There are developers' toolkits for most browsers and the plugin is very easy to install.
Firefox Developers' Toolkit
Do I need Java and JavaScript?
To get much more functionality out of your web experience it is good to have both installed in your computer. This page relies upon much JavaScript to analyze and set your web browser. There can be risks if you begin visiting unreputable websites, but as time goes by and anti-virus and anti-spyware software improves, the dangers are receding.
Should I update Java?
You should always update your plugins and browser accessories whenever possible. Very often, security holes are being plugged as new vulnerabilities are discovered.
How do I change my home page?
Visit our homepage to do it automatically and easily.
Why doesn't View Source work in Internet Explorer?
Some developers try to hide their source code by using a javascript to disable a right click. It is simple enough to get around this by downloading the entire page and changing the extension from .html or .htm to .txt. Then simply open it in your text editor such as MS Notepad.
Why do I see a blue QuickTime question mark instead of Flash movies?
The movies you are trying to watch need Apple's Quicktime installed. You can download it here: Quicktime.
I found a cool web page but I lost it. How do I get back to it?
Search your history. You can click "CTRL H" to open your browsing history. You can also find it via your browser's menu. Firefox actually has a "History" tab, but Internet Explorer has hidden it as shown below. You can use these same controls to delete your browsing history, or manually delete any history items you would not like to show. See more below about how to search, delete and edit your browsing history.
How do I view my browsing history?
By pressing the key combination "CTRL H" your history panel will open up. You can also do it via the menu - Firefox actually has a "History" menu item right on the main menu of the browser.
Internet Explorer hid their history here:
Click on "View", then "Explorer Bars", then History.
In Firefox you can click on the history menu item and a dialog will open like the one below. Then you can view and even delete your history items. To select all of them, simply click on one and then click "CTRL A". This will select ALL of the history items and then you can simply press "delete" and youre entire history is deleted.
Be advised that authorities with access to your ISP's records as well as your corporate network administrator will not be fooled by this as they have other records of your browsing history that cannot be deleted.
How do I delete my history?
You can do it manually by pressing "CTRL H" to open the history bar and then delete items manually. In new versions of Internet Explorer, you can do it from the address bar. See above for instructions.
How do I delete my address bar history?
You can begin typing the address you would like to delete, then when you see it in the drop-down list, hover the mouse over it and click the "delete" button.
Where can I get free Spyware detection and removal tools?
Our three favorites are all free to download and use. They all detect, remove and protect you from malware and spyware programs.
These ARE NOT anti-virus programs, but are excellent and FREE:
What are some good anti-virus programs?
Dr. Solomon's anti-virus has recently beat out its main competitor - Norton anti-virus in a show down.
You can read more about it at PC World.
Kaspersky is famous for its superior internet security and antivirus software. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0 includes integrated antispyware, the highest detection rates in the industry, and hourly updates. Kaspersky continues to beat security giants like Symantec and McAfee.
Norton AntiVirus from Symantec has the advanced antivirus and spyware removal protection you need to shield your computer from today's evolving internet threats. Discover the key technologies and features of Norton anti spyware and antivirus software today
