FAQs

You'll find everything you need to optimize your computer for use of the website or CD-ROM on the Site Requirements page, including system requirements, links to update your web browser, and links to update your plug-ins.

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Do I need an internet connection to use the CD-ROM?

No. However, there are some features on the website that could not be included on this CD-ROM. We have included links to the website wherever there are features only available on the web.

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Can I access the Website from my home and school computers?

Yes. Your subscription includes access through your Login name and Password from any computer with an internet connection—at home, school, work, or the library. Just go to the Website, and enter your Login name and Password into the corresponding fields. You may only use your Login name and Password from one computer at a time, however.

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What if I forget my website Login name and Password?

Click here to let us know, and we'll email your Login information to you. .

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How do I contact Technical Support?

Click Here to contact the technical support team for the CD-ROM and/or Website.

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How do I print materials from the CD-ROM and Website?

Most areas within the CD-ROM and Website work within frames. To print from a framed page, you must move your cursor to the part of the page you wish to print and click to select it. Then choose "Print" from the File menu. If you want to print different frames on a given page, you will need to select each section and print them individually.

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Does it matter if I am using a PC or a Macintosh?

No. The Website and CD-ROM can be used from a PC or a Macintosh as long as the computer meets the minimum site requirements.

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I can't get past the Website login page when I enter my Login name and Password. What is wrong?

The server is unable to set the necessary cookies to allow you to navigate the website. You will need to check a few things:

that the version of browser you're using is at least compatible with Netscape Navigator 4.7 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0;
that the "cookie" setting on your browser (under Tools > Internet Options > Privacy for Windows-IE users; under Edit > Preferences > Advanced for Netscape & Mac users) is set to accept cookies; and
that you don't have any programs installed which automatically refuse all cookies, such as "Cookie Cutter" or "WebFree".

If all these things check out and you are still unable to log in to the Website, Click Here to contact the technical support team.

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How can I upgrade my browser?

The Website requires Netscape Communicator 4.7 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. Macintosh CD-ROM users must run the CD-ROM in Netscape Communicator 4.7 (Macintosh users should not use Internet Explorer 5 with the CD-ROM). To upgrade your browser, run the installer on the CD-ROM or download an upgraded browser directly from Netscape or Microsoft. Go to the Site Requirements page for links to download sites.

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Why can't I eject the CD-ROM from my Macintosh hard drive?

If you get a message that your CD-ROM will not eject from your Macintosh hard drive then you should restart your computer and load the CD-ROM in Netscape 4.7 rather than Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher.

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Some screens within the Activities do not seem to be loading. In the place where I expect something to appear I only see a plug-in icon. What should I do?

One or more plug-ins are not installed correctly for your browser. Run the installer from the CD-ROM or go to the website's Site Requirements page, which will show you which plug-ins are not working. If your plug-ins are installed correctly, you will be able to see 3 animated graphics. If you do not see these graphics, run the installer from the CD-ROM or download updated plug-ins from the Site Requirements page.

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How do I turn off the narration or adjust the volume?

Adjust the volume using your computer'ssound control or speaker knobs. To turn off the sound completely, turn the volume down as far as possible or, if you have the option, select "Mute."

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I can't see the bottom of the graphics in the activities. What can I do?

Your screen is either too small or at too low a resolution. Try the following: make the browser window bigger; increase your screen resolution (it must be at least 800 x 600); hide your browser's tool bars; or, try refreshing/reloading the screen.

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I don't see the graphics on some screens. What is wrong?

You probably have an older version of one or more plug-ins installed on your computer. You can download updated plug-ins from the Site Requirements page.

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I'm using a Macintosh and my browser gives me a message that it is running low on memory. What should I do?

Try quitting any other applications you have open. If this does not work, try allocating more memory to your browser. To do this, quit your browser and locate the application on your hard disk. Click on it once and select "Get Info" from the "File" menu. In the information dialog box under Memory Requirements, increase the Preferred Size. A good starting point for Netscape Communicator 4.7 is 16384.

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I have installed QuickTime and now I get a message asking if I want to order QuickTime Pro. Do I have to buy QuickTime Pro to view the CD-ROM or Website?

No. The version of QuickTime 5.0 distributed on the CD-ROM and available through the Site Requirements page does everything that you need to run the CD-ROM and Website.

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When I try to register at the Website I get a message that I need an access code. Where do I get an access code?

Your access code is in your textbook. To access the Website, follow the instructions on the insert just inside the front cover.

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My access code doesn't work. Now what?

If you bought a used book, your access code may have been used by a previous owner. To obtain a new access code, purchase a Website subscription at your bookstore or on-line. If you purchased a new book and your access code doesn't work, Click Here to contact the technical support team.

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I installed Quicktime 5.0 on my PC and I can't view any animations. What should I do?

The QuickTime 5.0 installer for PCs has been known to make QuickTime 5.0 the preferred player for flash content (animations) even though it can not always play this content. To change your QuickTime preferences, exit your browser, click on the start menu, click on settings, then click on Control Panel. Then select QuickTime and choose Browser plug-in from the QuickTime drop down box. Click on the MIME settings button, choose miscellaneous check box to remove the check mark. Close the QuickTime control panel window and restart your browser.

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