WEB GOODIES

It is no secret that Java enabled sites are best viewed with a 'Gatesware' product (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer). Netscape is still weak on this. But performance is also measured on features. The script language support may differ with each vendor. If you are looking for sources on Java, then check the Links. More information on Java vs. JavaScripts is explained by D. Goodman.

Cookies, the Internet recipe:

Cookies, read what Microsoft has to say. Convenient but sometimes need to be tweaked (Windowsmagazine has its own view). Cookies are also explained by P. Bonner at CNET.

More information related to Cookies is published on the FAQ pages.

Certificates and old Browser versions:

Old versions of Netscape (Navigator) and Internet Explorer may not support the security certificates. The only way to fix it, is upgrading to a version, preferably those released after 1999. Each certification authority will apply their own policy.

More information on the validity period is explained by Netscape.

Netscape 6 for Macintosh:

Please refer to the iMAC Bondi page.

Netscape's Webmail and 'Gatesware' for MAC:

Internet Explorer for MAC versions prior to release 5.02 did not support access to Netscape's Webmail. Finally, this is fixed with Microsoft latest MAC version.

Netscape Messenger Welcome Page:

How to get rid of the 'Welcome to Netscape Messenger Page'.

More information is available on The Netscape Unofficial FAQ.

MAC and Internet Explorer 4.x to 5.x:

If you get garbled web pages then disable the Text Encoding Converter extension (version 1.4.x). The same may apply for Outlook Express if it does not install correctly. More info on this subject, you may get from MacFixIt.

HotMail and Internet Explorer 4.x:

If you have problems signing in on HotMail with Expolorer 4.x then you better upgrade to version 5.x. The security certificates may no longer be supported. The picture below shows the kind of message you may get if the certificate has become invalid:

Proxy settings for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express/Entourage:

The proxy settings may work fine for Web access but may conflict with your mail client. This is the case when you use Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. Since they share the same settings, you may need to disable (i.e. untag) 'Use Web Proxy for all' in the Internet Explorer preferences.

PC's and Internet security:

Instant and permanent Internet access can be fun but insecure. xDSL and cable connenctions may be easy to set up with DHCP. However, disable your bindings to local resource sharing over routable protocols, such as TCP/IP. Check your TCP/IP protocol bindings and disable file and printer sharing. Be aware that some default settings do not consider the security holes that may be created. More information related to LANs is published on the 'ADSL' pages. Anti-virus and Mail security are explained in separate sections.

MSN Messenger Service:

Just like AOL Instant Messenger, this chat programme will install automatically. It is a tedious job to get rid of it. MSN Service will tell you what the known issues are. Much more tweaks are available from MSN Messenger addons, emoticons, secrets plus more

The better alternative is to use an OpenSource client, such as GAIM.

Wanadoo accounts and MSN Messenger Service:

Recently, Wanadoo has released its own chat software (Wanadoo Messager - in France). Novice users may not be aware that this does not interact with MSN Messenger. Users must apply for a MSN .NET Passport for their Wanadoo email and chat account. Check out the MSN Messenger help pages and .Net Passport pages.

Home page extension *.htm or *.html:

Before you publish, verify which extension is selected or supported by the web server. Some servers will only look for an 'html' extension of your 'index.htm' file. The automatic updates by your publishing software should be matching the extension. Both extensions for your home page may reside on the server (i.e. in your home page directory). This may create some confusion and should be avoided if possible. While some providers let you choose the start page, others will default to index.html or index.htm.

URL with username and password:

Tired of entering your username and password everytime you log on to a secured web site? Try this syntax in your URL: http://username:password@url

username: must be replaced with your user-id to log into the site

password: must be replaced with your password to log into the site

url: must be replaced by the url (i.e. page) that will ask for the authentication

Note that this will not work with all authentication methods (does not work with Hotmail).

Warning: use this method only if no other users have access to your bookmarks!

Web Publishing Wizard for CompuServe:

CompuServe classic related topics are now published on the 'CompuServe' dedicated support pages.

Trellix Web:

Trellix Web related topics are now published on the 'Trellix' dedicated support pages.

Web site promotion and Search Engines:

Before you submit your web site to a search engine, make sure that your pages include the META Tags for best placement. An example of what your page should include is shown below:

<HTML>

<HEAD>

</HEAD>

This information should be customized for every page on your site. Most of the HTML editor Tools should include the options to fill in this information. So does Trellix Web, when you select the page properties, just fill in all the fields and the Meta Tags will be automatically generated. More information about Web site promotion is available at selfpromotion.com ; this site publishes all the 'do's and don'ts' about search engine friendly pages. Check also the collection of spam-free strategies and tools for web page promotion by beondsubmit.com.