Library services, such as COAST, are compatible with the latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (MS IE) and Netscape for both Windows-based computers and Macs. The earliest browser versions supported are (for PC users) MS IE version 5.5, Service Pack 2 OR Netscape version 6.2 and (for MAC users) Netscape version 4.5.  Some of our resources may not function properly using these earliest versions.  If you are using these earliest versions and have any difficulties, please upgrade to the latest version.

Some of the research databases may be designed to work optimally with a specific browser or browser version.  You may also find that Safari and Firefox will work adequately, but we can not guarantee seamless access with alternative browsers.

If you aren't sure what browser and version you are using, please test that now.

NOTE:  Proprietary browsers offered by AOL, Prodigy, Compuserv, MSN, (and other) Internet Service Providers are NOT supported and do not work with the library's resources.  Please download, install, and use one of the supported browsers noted above. 

• To download/upgrade Netscape:  http://browser.netscape.com.
• To download/upgrade Microsoft Internet Explorer:  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.asp.
• If you need assistance with downloading and installing, please contact the Technology Helpdesk.

Browser Settings

• Javascript must be enabled.  Instructions.
• Cookies must be allowed.  Instructions.
• Cache Settings as regards cookie storage must be applied. 
• Bookmarks:  We strongly recommend against the use of bookmarks ("favorites") for accessing the library's electronic resources.  Vendors frequently make changes to URLs, use redirects at logon, and record session numbers which make the URL you may have bookmarked not function properly.  Faculty: If you wish to provide a link to a specific library research database on your personal web page or BeachBoard course, please contact the Library Web Group for further assistance.
• If you aren't sure whether your browser is ready to use Javascript and accept cookies, please test that now.

Pop-up Blockers

Pop-up blocking software needs to be disabled as pop-up windows are used in a number of our resources.  If you have installed any ad blocking software like Google Toolbar's pop up blocker, Popup Stopper, AdsGone PopUp Killer, Stopzilla, etc. that disables pop-up windows, you will need to disable it. Some applications may allow you to temporarily disable them and other programs require that you remove them. Some internet security software (e.g. Norton Internet Security) also include ad blocking software and those must be configured to allow pop-up windows. The same software that blocks pop-up ads may also interfere with BeachBoard.

If you have Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed and use Internet Explorer, you need to make a change to the pop-up blocker settings to allow pop-ups from all csulb.edu websites:
From the Internet Explorer Menu Bar:
        1.  Click Tools
        2.  Drag the mouse to Pop-up Blocker 
        3.  Select Pop-up Blocker Settings

        4.  Type * [asterisk][period].csulb[period].edu 
        5.  Press the add button 
        6.  Press the close button




Security Software / Firewall Restrictions

Many ISPs provide "spam blocking" services.  In order to assure that email messages from the Library are delivered to your email inbox, please make sure that to add @csulb.edu to your allowed senders list.

Many workplace networks operate behind a secure firewall that can prevent access to the library's electronic resources.  We recommend that you contact the technical support people at your place of business and show them what you are trying to do and what happens. You may also want them to know that:

• Authentication to use library's electronic resources is done via SSL and that to connect to the Library's ssl port port 80 is redirected to port 443.
• Once you are authenticated, our server passes your request onto our vendor using a CSULB campus IP address.

You should also check IE 5.5 to make sure that your browser is set up to use SSL. You can do this by opening the browser, clicking on Tools, dragging the mouse to Internet Options and clicking on the Advanced Tab. Make sure that under the Security section the Use SSL 2.0 box is checked. If this and having your tech people help you does not work, your last option would be to download and install Netscape 6.2x or above.

In addition, internet security software on your computer can prevent access to the library's resources (e.g. Norton Internet Security (NIS), Norton Firewall, McAfee). Try turning this software off temporarily, to check if you are then able to access the Library's resources.

 Problems with authenticating -- RefWorks / Write-N-Cite

Problem:
When trying to use Write-N-Cite, you are prompted for a "group code".
Analysis/Solution:
The Write-N-Cite utility of RefWorks will only function off site if you have downloaded Write-N-Cite to your computer and configured it according to our instructions. 

  Problems with authenticating -- Proxy Problems

Problem:  User reports receiving "403 forbidden (not authorized to view)" error message. Url which invokes this message is prefaced with http://0- and appended with coast.library.csulb.edu (Example: http://0-ehraf.Archaeology.yale.edu.coast.library.csulb.edu)
Analysis/Solution:
http://0-... is the preface for the WAM proxy system which the library ceased using in 2005-2006.
1. If url is pointing to a database, go to http://www.csulb.edu/library/eref/eref.html to launch the database using the current proxy syntax.
OR
2. Contact lib-webgroup@csulb.edu for assistance in constructing a url with current supported proxy (Ezproxy) syntax.
OR
3. Contact your subject librarian for assistance (http://www.csulb.edu/library/guide/biblio.html).
OR
4. Try removing proxy syntax and launching the resource on campus only (this may or may not work depending on whether the vendor of the database has made subsequent server changes).  Example:  edit  http://0-ehraf.Archaeology.yale.edu.coast.library.csulb.edu to http://ehrafArchaeology.yale.edu and retry.

For all other proxy problems, please contact lib-webgroup@csulb.edu for assistance.


Required Software

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5.0 or above)
• If you aren't sure what version of Adobe Acrobat Reader you have, please test that now.