Browser support
This site has been optimized for the most widely-used browsers: Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3.
If you are using Internet Explorer 6
If you are using Internet Explorer 6, you will be able to use our site. Everything works: links, buttons, etc. But because of bugs in IE6, you will encounter a number of pages whose main column content has dropped low on the page.
To use our site in Internet Explorer 6, just scroll down till you reach the content, and everything will work normally thereafter. Or you can download IE7 or Firefox 3 below.
If you are using Opera, Safari, or Chrome, and have any difficulties with our site, you may want to add Firefox to your lineup. You'll find it comes in handy at many sites, including this one. And it's free.
If you already know what you want to do
If you're ready to download a new browser now, you can get the latest Internet Explorer or Firefox versions right here. Otherwise, read on.
Why we don't recommend Internet Explorer 6
IE6 is outdated, error-ridden, and out of compliance with modern web development standards. It misinterprets legitimate website code. Since fewer and fewer people are using IE6, and since good alternative browser options are readily available (free, and just a teenager away!), and since the IE6 bugs defy reason in ways which could cause fragile sanity to give way, we have elected not to optimize this site for IE6. But we want to make sure you are satisfied with your experience at our site. If you are experiencing browser difficulties at our site, you have three options.
Option 1: If it doesn't bother you . . .
If browser display issues don't bother you and don't interfere with your use of this site, you don't need to do anything. Just chalk it up to your browser and upgrade or switch when it suits you.
Option 2: Use Firefox 3
If your display issues are serious and you are willing to use a non-Microsoft product, then we recommend the latest version of Firefox, Firefox 3. It offers better security than Internet Explorer, and Firefox can be installed on your computer alongside of Internet Explorer in case you also wish to retain IE. (At home we have both, but our browser of choice is Firefox 3.)
Option 3: Use Internet Explorer 7 (IE7)
If your display issues are serious and you want to use a Microsoft product, then you will need to use IE7. Microsoft won't let you have two versions of Internet Explorer on your computer at the same time, so if you are currently using IE6 and it's giving you trouble, you will either need to upgrade to IE7, or else adopt Firefox.
(IE8 is now available, but as of May, 2009, it's quite new. For now, if you want IE8, click the IE7 link, above, and you can read about and obtain IE8 from the same page. We have not yet tested our site in IE8.)
Apples and PCs
If you have an Apple computer, you can install Firefox. If you have a PC (anything without that trademark apple on it!), you can use Firefox or IE.
Just what is a browser, anyway?
If all of this talk of changing browsers is leaving you wondering what a browser is, anyway, a browser is the program that gives you access to web pages and renders them on your monitor. Because not all browsers are exactly alike, the same web page can look slightly (or very) different when viewed in different browsers. This can be a non-issue or a big issue. Hence the need for a page like this one!
How do you know which browser you have? A blue "e" on your desktop represents Internet Explorer; a curled-up fox represents Firefox. If you have an Apple computer, you likely have Safari or Firefox.
How hard is it to change browsers?
It's not hard to do, and only takes about ten minutes, but it's nice to have help the first time you do it. If you are unfamiliar with download and installation procedures you may want to have a teenager on hand (or other technical expert) before you upgrade to IE7 or install Firefox.
Is this really worth doing?
Your reward for upgrading will be better internet security and a better experience with today's websites. If you have been to websites lately that don't look right or function properly, the problems may well originate with an outdated browser on your computer.
To report problems with our site
If you are having problems with our site that are not solved by using Firefox 3 or IE7, please contact us to let us know so that we can solve the problem for everyone. Thanks!