1 Which operating system do I need?
2 Why won't my Mac work with internet relay?
3 How much memory does my computer need?
4 Will I need Java on my computer?
5 Where do I find the Java plug-in?
6 Do I need to download any files in order to use Java?
7 What do I do when I get a pop up which says ‘This site requires ActiveX control: J2SE Runtime Environment etc'?
8 My computer shows a pop up requesting the registration of a security certificate. What do I do?
9 Do I need to modify my browser?
10 Which internet browsers are supported?
11 What if my browser won't load the call or message page?
12 What are some general things I can do if I am having problems making an internet relay call?
1 Which operating system do I need?
To make a call via the NRS website you will need Windows 98 or later, or Macintosh OS X 10.4 or later.
2 Why won't my Mac work with internet relay? It has OSX 10.3 which is quite a recent operating system.
You will need a Mac OS X 10.4 or later to run Java (Java is rerquired to make a web-based internet relay call). Also note that Firefox browsers won't work with Macs and internet relay (see question 10 below).
Alternatively you can use instant messaging such as MSN on your Mac. This doesn't require Java or depend on browser settings.
3 How much memory does my computer need?
The usual minimum would be 128MB of RAM (random access memory), but 256MB is recommended. However, it is hard to establish a minimum configuration because there are so many combinations of hardware and software possible. If you experience any sort of memory or resource warning messages, or your system hard drive light continually flickers while trying to make an internet relay call, you probably do not have enough memory.
You can find out how much memory you have on a PC by going to ‘My computer' and then ‘View system information' or ‘System properties' (the process varies slightly for different operating systems).
4 Will I need Java on my computer?
Yes, if you are making an internet relay call through this website.
You will need a small piece of free software called a Java plug-in on your browser. It is likely the plug-in will already be loaded unless your computer is old. You might just be prompted to upgrade to the latest version.
If Java is not on your computer, your web browser will usually attempt to download the plug-in when it is required. However, this will depend on the security settings on your browser and computer. Check the help files on your browser to verify that Java and JavaScript are enabled.
You could also use the test here to see if Java is enabled on your computer. That site also provides support for installing and configuring Java.
Note that you don't need Java to run instant messaging applications (MSN or AOL).
5 Where do I find the Java plug-in?
Normally your browser will prompt you but if not, go to http://java.sun.com/ and follow the instructions (Get Java Technology for your Desktop).
the test to see if you have Java enabled here also provides support for installation and configuration.
To remove an outdated Java version, save your important data and close all other windows. Next, select Start > Settings > Control Panel. Select Add / Remove Programs. Locate the Java plug-in or Java Run-Time Environment in the list and select it. Click Change/Remove to remove it from your system. Restart your computer if it prompts you to.
6 Do I need to download any files in order to use Java?
If your computer does not have the necessary files, the application should automatically prompt for your permission and download the required files. The files will be downloaded from a secure website.
Alternatively you can use an instant messaging application such as MSN which doesn't require Java or depend on browser settings.
7 What do I do when I get a pop up which says ‘This site requires ActiveX control: J2SE Runtime Environment etc'?
Download it as this is the Java application that you need to run internet relay
8 My computer shows a pop up requesting the registration of a security certificate. What do I do?
This may have occurred soon after the Java download. Just choose the option that will register the certificate. No details will be required.
9 Do I need to modify my browser?
Probably not. The standard settings for most browsers allow internet relay to work straight away. Our internet relay webpage uses Java and JavaScript, so these should be enabled. Refer to the Help files on your browser on how to verify that Java and JavaScript are enabled.
If you are using instant messaging you do not require a browser.
10 Which internet browsers are supported?
Internet relay calls can be made using Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher, Netscape 6.1 and higher, Firefox 1.1 and higher, and Safari 1.0 and higher. The Macintosh Firefox browser, however, is incompatible with internet relay and we suggest using the Safari browser.
11 What if my browser won't load the call or message page?
If your browser does not load the message page, try the following:
- Check to see if your system is running the Java plug-in. If it is running the plug-in, when you get to the point where the call page should load you will see a Java coffee cup icon in your system tray (with the clock indicator).
- Make sure your Java plug-in is up to date. When you see the coffee cup icon, right-click on it and select the ‘About Java plug-in' option. A dialogue box will appear indicating the Java plug-in version. If your version is 1.4.0 or lower, you must upgrade to the latest Java plug-in.
If your computer is part of a corporate network then it is possible that the security settings of the network don't allow you to download the Java plug-in. If so, contact your network administrator. See also Making internet relay calls at work FAQs.
12 What are some general things I can do if I am having problems making an internet relay call?
Try the following in this order of priority:
1 If you are using Internet Explorer 7, restore the default settings.
Go to Tools menu/ Internet Options / Advance tab and click Restore advanced settings button.
(The changes will only take effect after you restart Internet Explorer)
2 Delete your browsing history and temporary files.
Go to Tools menu/ Internet Options / General tab. Under Browsing history click on Delete... / Click Delete all... button at the bottom of the card.
3 Make sure that Java is working properly on Internet Explorer.
Open the link: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml
It will show the version of Java and an animation. If the test does not work, please download and install latest Java version from the following link:
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
4 Install Firefox as an alternative browser.
Try this if none of the above suggestions help. I gets around any software installed with Internet Explorer or any particular Internet Explorer security options.
To get latest version of Firefox, go to:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ and follow the instructions for installing the browser. Then test the new browser by using it to make an internet relay call.
