Technical Help
If you are having technical problems with the site these frequently asked questions should be able to help. Choose from the links below to find the questions and answers relevant to your problem.
- Which browsers can I use to access the website?
- What if I don't have one of the recommended browsers?
- Do I need a browser that supports Cascading Style Sheets?
- Which screen resolution is best for viewing the website?
- What document formats are used across the website?
- What are PDF files and how can I view them?
- What are Word (.doc) files and how can I view them?
- Does the website use Cookies?
- Does the website use pop-up windows?
- Does the website use JavaScript?
- I am trying to access an external website but keep receiving error messages. Can you help?
- As a beginner, where can I get information about using the Internet?
Browsers
Which browsers can I use to access the website?
The Caring with Confidence website has been tested on a wide range of web browsers. The type and version of browser changes depending on the type of operating system that you are using:
OS: Microsoft Windows
- MS Internet Explorer (IE) 6 and above
- Mozilla Firefox 2.0 and above
- Opera 9.51
- Safari 3.1.2
OS: Mac
- Safari 3.1.2
What if I don't have one of the recommended browsers?
This website has been designed to support as wide a variety of browser and operating system combinations as possible. Browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 and Netscape Navigator 4 or those from other suppliers will allow the user to access the site and use the pages but might not display the site as designed, nor provide the user with the best experience of using the website. Most browser suppliers will allow you to upgrade for free, either because they don't charge for their browser or because you have bought a previous version. To upgrade your browser go to the supplier's website and follow the instructions provided.
Do I need a browser that supports Cascading Style Sheets?
The website uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS2). Some browsers, particularly earlier versions, either do not or only partially support this standard. These browsers might not display the text and graphics properly.
Screen resolution
Which screen resolution is best for viewing the website?
The minimum display settings for the pages are 1024x768 and 32-bit colour. For information on adjusting the display resolution try the help files in your operating system or consult the manufacturer's website.
Document formats
What document formats are used across the website?
The following document formats are used throughout the site:
- Adobe Acrobat - .PDF
- Microsoft Word - .doc
- PowerPoint - .ppt
- Zip - .zip
What are PDF files and how can I view them?
The PDF file format is a common internet file type. (PDF stands for Portable Document Format.) It's used for electronic distribution because it faithfully preserves the look of the original document and it can be used across many different types of computers and browsers. It is commonly used for Government publications, leaflets and forms. In order to view PDF files a small plug-in program is required. A free version of such a program can be downloaded from the Adobe website.
Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
What are Word (.doc) files and how can I view them?
Word files are created using Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft Office suite. To read these files you will need to use a computer that has Word installed, or an alternative word processing package such as Sun Star Office.
Cookies
Does the website use Cookies?
We make limited use of cookies on this site. We use both session ID cookies and persistent cookies.
We use session cookies to make it easier for you to navigate our site. A session ID cookie expires when you close your browser.
A persistent cookie remains on your hard drive for up to one year. The only uses we make of persistent cookies is when you increase the size of the text displayed on the site. You can remove persistent cookies by following directions provided in your Internet browser's "help" file.
You can set your computer not to accept cookies. If you do that, you may still use our site, but there may be some minor limitations on your ability to use some parts of it.
Pop-up windows?
Does the website use pop-up windows?
The site uses pop-up windows for some content area links (for example, links to external websites open in a new window). In all cases the pop-up windows require user interaction to be activated and will not be prevented by Pop-up Blocker software. The site does not make use of automatic Pop-ups (i.e. those that will open without user interaction).
JavaScript
Does the website use JavaScript?
The Caring with Confidence website makes use of JavaScript to control navigation and page loading and browsing but has been designed so that pages can be viewed using an alternative should JavaScript be disabled.
External Websites
I am trying to access an external website but keep receiving error messages. Can you help?
We cannot guarantee the operation of other organisations' websites. There are many reasons why such a website might be unavailable from server-side problems like addressing and scripting to browser issues. Sometimes there is no other option than to wait and try later. If, however, you continue to have problems linking to a site please let us know by sending an email to the Helpdesk team.
Information for new Internet users
As a beginner, where can I get information about using the Internet?
We do not provide basic information about computers, networks and the Internet. However, if you are new to this subject a good place to start is the BBC WebWise site. For advice on how to use the internet, visit a UK online centre. These have been set up to help everyone in the UK who wants to learn how to access to the Internet.
Last updated: 8 August 08