There are two categories of goAskem users - assessment creators and assessment respondents.  The requirements for both user categories are the same.

Hardware

Users must have a computer (desktop PC, Mac, network computer, or other) capable of running a common Internet browser such as Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer.  Users must also have a "live" Internet connection in order to access goAskem services.

Software

Users must have an Internet browser as mentioned above.  In addition, the browser must be configured to accept "Cookies".  "Cookies" are a safe, secure and lightweight device invented by Netscape to relieve Internet users from having to validate their identity to websites with every page view.

Cookies are supported by most browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

To configure Netscape browsers to accept Cookies, request information on "Cookies" from the on-line help.

For Netscape Communicator 4.7, you can select "Preferences" from the "Edit" menu.  In the Preferences dialog box, click the "Advanced" category at the lower left.  Netscape on-line help states: "In most cases, 'Accept all cookies' is the best choice."

To configure Microsoft Internet Explorer to accept Cookies, request information on "Cookies" from the on-line help.

For Internet Explorer Version 5.0, you can select "Internet Options" from the "Tools" menu.  In the Internet Options dialog, select the "Security" tab.  From that view, click the button labeled "Customize Level".

JavaScript In Use

Some JavaScript is used in goAskem web pages.   This dramatically reduces browser-to-webserver communication overhead during the test creation phase.  The use of JavaScript usually does not require you to adjust your browser settings.

Java^TM Applets Not Required

At this time, the goAskem service does not use Java applets.  Java applets are small, secure programs that a website can download to your computer to run in the context of your web browser session.  You do not need to configure your web browser to accept Java applets in order to use goAskem.  We have elected not to use Applets to avoid downloading delays and problems with incompatible Java Virtual Machine versions on your computer.  With our election, you do not need to worry about any of this!

As an aside, the goAskem service is built largely upon server-side Java servlets and Java server pages.  This architecture places few requirements on your browser configuration.  However, as stated above, we have elected to require support for cookies.

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc., Palo Alto, California.