1. What are the minimum system requirements for accessing ReferenceUSA?

   Operating System:

   1. Microsoft Windows 95 or greater
   2. Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 or greater
   3. Macintosh 7.5.2 or greater

Modem: 28.8K or greater

Browsers:

• Internet Explorer 4.5 or greater
• Netscape Navigator 4.5 or greater

ReferenceUSA is optimized for viewing on a screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 or better and with at least 256 colors.

1. Which Internet browser is the best to use, and what setting will I need to access ReferenceUSA?

   We recommend using either Netscape Navigator 4.5 or greater or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 or greater. The current versions of these browsers may be downloaded from their respective Web sites if you wish to upgrade.

   Users who are not using one of the minimum browser(s) listed above may find that some or all of the pages within ReferenceUSA will not display properly. This is due to the browser differences and is especially common if the browser(s) are still in a beta development period. In addition, all browsers should be "Java" and frames enabled, with caching turned on.

   If you are accessing ReferenceUSA remotely, YOU CANNOT BOOKMARK REFERENCEUSA. (Remote access is any access from home or another location offsite where ReferenceUSA is presented as a link on the subscribing organization's Web site.) Typically, remote access to ReferenceUSA is offered via a secured host that authenticates/validates users prior to forwarding them to ReferenceUSA. Accessing ReferenceUSA via a bookmark that you have created sidesteps the authentication process and breaches security.

2. Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6.0(XP) Browser (Cookie) Configuration Setting Modification Instructions
   

   If you are using the Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0(XP) browser and are receiving a username/password prompt when attempting to access ReferenceUSA.com remotely, you may need to modify your default browser cookie handling configuration settings to resolve this issue. The steps to accomplish this are outlined below for your convenience.

   1. Open a new Microsoft Internet Explorer browser session.
   2. Click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Internet Options.
   3. When the Internet Options window appears click on the Privacy tab, then the Advanced. button.
   4. When the Advanced Privacy Settings window appears, place a check in the checkbox next to 'Override automatic cookie handling'.

   5. Click OK on the Advanced Privacy Settings window and Internet Options window to close.

3. Will a firewall block access to ReferenceUSA?

To access ReferenceUSA the site needs to see where the user has been referred from. An enabled firewall will block this referrer which, will prevent you from using this database.

How to pass referrer information to specific Web pages:

Situation:
You want to allow Norton Internet Security (NIS) or Norton Personal Firewall (NPF) to pass referrer information to a specific Web page.

Solution:
If you want to allow referrer information to pass to a particular Web page, you must create a rule for it.

NOTE: For instructions on passing referrer information with Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall 2003, see the document How to pass referrer information to specific Web pages in Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall 2003.

To create a rule:
1. Open the list of Web sites:
a. Open NIS or NPF.
b. Click Options.
c. Click Internet Security or Personal Firewall. This step is not always needed.
d. Click Advanced Options.
e. Click the Web tab.

2. Add a new Web site:
a. Click Add Site. A new site/domain box appears.
b. Enter the name of the site that you want to receive the referrer information and click OK. That site name appears in the left frame of the Advanced Options window.

3. Configure the new Web site:
a. Click the name of the new site.
b. Click the Privacy tab.
c. Check the "Use these rules for..." box.
d. Change the Referrer from "Block" to "Permit." Your screen should look something like this:

4. Other Internet Browsers (i.e. America On Line [AOL], CompuServe [CS], etc.)

   If you are using a proprietary browser such as CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc, you may experience sporadic errors and/or access issues with ReferenceUSA.

   *Example: If you are attempting to access ReferenceUSA remotely and are receiving a username/password challenge page when you should not be, it is very likely that the proprietary browser is causing this.

   It is highly recommended that users accessing ReferenceUSA via a proprietary browsers use a new, unmodified browser (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer) obtained directly from the manufacturer free of charge.

   The necessary steps for accomplishing this are outlined below:

   1. *If the only Internet browser installed on your pc is the proprietary browser that accompanied your Internet service (i.e. CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc), you will need to download an unmodified browser directly from the manufacturer (*these browsers are offered free of charge).
      1. *Example: Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Microsoft Internet Explorer download page is:
         http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
   2. Once the browser is downloaded and installed, it is recommended that you retain the default manufacturers configuration settings, which will be enabled upon installation.
   3. Log onto the Internet using your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
   4. Once you have logged onto the Internet, open another new browser window (*with the recently installed Microsoft Internet Explorer if applicable).
   5. To accomplish this, Click on the Start menu.
   6. Scroll up to and select Programs.
   7. Scroll over and select (*by left mouse clicking on) the Internet Explorer icon.
   8. A new Internet browser session/window will now be established in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser window.
   9. Direct your browser to the appropriate address/web page of the subscribing organization and select the link to ReferenceUSA.
   10. You should now be able to access ReferenceUSA successfully.

    

5. Why can't I print or download data?

   You may receive the following error message when attempting to print or download records/data remotely from ReferenceUSA: "You have reached your print/download allocation for this session. You may continue using ReferenceUSA but you will not be able to print/download data. To print/download additional data you must restart your browser session."

   This message will appear when the number of records allotted for remote/external access has been met. You may continue using ReferenceUSA, however if you wish to print/download additional records, you will need to establish a new browser session.