1. I'm an AOL member; how can I use the Internet Explorer?
The America Online software comes with a "light" version of the Internet Explorer web browser. This browser may have problems accessing all the features of the site. For best performance with our sites, we highly recommend using the latest IE browser. The good news is that you can use both AOL and IE together! Here's how:

2. What is "Java" and why do I need it?
Be sure that Java and JavaScript are enabled in your browser's preferences. Some of our features require that Java be enabled on your browser. Most browsers have this option enabled, but it could have been inadvertently turned off. To check your Java settings, go to your browser's "Preferences" and ensure that the "Java" and "JavaScript" functions are enabled. (If you are using Netscape, select Preferences from the Edit menu, then click on Advanced).

3. How do I clear my disk cache?
As you surf the web, your browser stores "copies" of web pages on your hard drive in order to speed up your surfing. When you re-visit a site, your browser loads the old copy from the disk cache instead of downloading a fresh page from the Internet. If you experience problems with photos, video, message boards or chat rooms, try clearing your disk cache in order to force your browser to download a fresh page. Here's how to clear your cache:

If you are using a current Internet Explorer browser:

> Select the View, Internet Options menu item.
> Click on General (Temporary Internet Files).
> Click on Delete Files.
> Click on OK.

If you are using a current Netscape browser:

> Select the Edit, Preferences menu item.
> Click on + by Advanced.
> Click on Cache.
> Click on Clear Memory and Clear Disk.
> Click on OK.

If you are using a current AOL browser:

> Click on the My AOL icon on the tool bar.
> Click on Preferences.
> Click on the WWW button
> Click on the Advanced tab.
> Click on Purge Cache.
> Click on Yes.
> Click on OK.
> Click on OK.
> Close the Preferences window.

1. How do I download and save photos?
Saving photos to your hard drive is very simple. If you are using Windows, just RIGHT-click on the picture, and select "Save Image As..." from the drop-down menu. If you're using a Mac, click and HOLD the mouse down on the picture, then choose "Save Image" from the drop-down menu. You can later open the picture using an image viewer or editor.

1. When I click on the videos on the site nothing happens, all I get is the same page. What should I do?
This is most often caused by Popup Blockers. You need to turn off all popup blockers or add our site to the exceptions list. This varies depending on the software. Please contact the software provider for more information.

1. Can I use a download accelerator?
We do not allow the use of download accelerators at this time. Please turn them off when trying to view our videos. Please contact the software provider for more information.

Q 03:: How do I turn on my Cookies?
Please click here for more information on cookies and how to turn then on.

1. Do all browsers work with your videos?
Yes, unless otherwise stated our live shows and videos work with most all browsers. However, as technology advances some of the older browsers may not be able to keep up, thus limiting your surfing experience. You may be required to install plug-ins into your browser to see some content. View our plug-in help section for more info. To get the most out of your membership and your overall Internet experience, it is recommended that you download and install the latest version of Internet Explorer. You can get the latest version of Internet Explorer free of charge on the Microsoft website. Click Here to go there now.

1. What is a Plug-In?
An internet Plug-In is an application built into a web browser or added to a browser to enable it to interact with a special file type, such as a movie, sound file, Word document, etc.

1. How do I install Plug-Ins?
Unfortunately there is no one standard for streaming video over the Internet. Sometimes your browser will tell you that you do not have the correct plug-in to view the video. Here is a list of video plug-ins and the links to where you can download them. Don't be afraid! These applications install very easily and will greatly enhance your viewing experience. Once you download the plug-in, run the installer, and follow the directions. You will probably then need to restart your computer or at least your browser after installation.

1. I am getting weird colors when I use IE to view videos. What's the deal?
Your display adapter may only be capable of rendering 256 colors, or, more likely, your display's control panel is set to 256 colors. If that is the case, set your display's control panel to thousands/millions of colors or high color/16 bit. Select "Display" or right-click on the desktop and choose "Properties" to correct the problem. You'll need to quit and relaunch your browser to reset the colors. If your video hardware is not capable of displaying more than 256 colors at your chosen resolution, the video will still work, but it may be oddly colored and/or look slightly fragmented.

1. Sometimes a software security alert window pops up. What should I do?
Select the "Always Trust" box and click "OK."

1. Sometimes I get error messages, or my the video just won't play, what should I do then?
Clear your browser's cache and restart your browser. If you are using a current Internet Explorer browser:

> Go to Tools menu
> Select Internet Options
> Click the General tab
> Go to Temporary Internet Files - Delete files - Click OK
> Go to History - Clear History - Click Yes
> To close window, click OK
> Close Browser then re-open it

1. How can I improve overall video and audio quality?
The number one thing is to get a faster modem, or a DSL connection! Other than that, pressing the pause button increases the buffer size. The longer you pause the video, the better it will look and sound once it begins playing.

1. In the chat room, I get "Your browser does not support Java." What does this mean?
Our Chat room requires Java be enabled on your browser. Most Internet browsers have this option enabled. However, sometimes the option allowing Java support gets turned off.

1. Why do I have to sometimes scroll right and left?
Chances are your screen resolution is set at 640x480. This site was carefully designed so that even at a screen resolution of 800x600, those with monitors less than 17" would have no problems with viewing or reading text. Please try changing your screen resolution to 800x600. Right click on your desktop > Properties > Settings > Screen area: 800x600 > OK

1. How do I download pictures to my hard drive?
Position your mouse over the photo, click on it with the right mouse button, then choose "Save Picture As."

Please verify that your Personal Firewall settings are correct:
Firewalls, such as Norton Internet Security, are generally good things to have, but they sometimes interfere with our site. If you are behind a firewall contact your network administrator to see if you can have direct access to the internet from your computer. If you have a personal firewall, disable it while you are visiting our website, and turn it back on when you leave.

1. I heard Adware such as Kazza can prohibit access to some sites. Is this true?
Yes, some Adware products can hijack your internet browser and may prevent you from accessing our websites properly. If you experience problems after installing a program such as Kazza, t is recomended that you uninstall the product.

1. I have WEB TV and the videos don't work. Why?
In order to view videos over the internet, a "real" computer is required. We are unaware of any versions of WEB TV that can access internet video.

I'm having problems with the chat rooms or live video features.
Before contacting us for technical support, please follow these steps:

There are numerous reasons why the live videos may not be working. First, make sure you are using one of the below browsers: Netscape 3.0 and 4.0, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and 5.0, AOL 3.0 and 4.0 bit Version for Windows 95/98.

If you are using one of the browsers listed above then you need to focus on the preferences of your browser.

Make sure java is "enabled" in your preferences for the browser.

Still not working? Your ISP provider could be down or the server from which the videos come from may not be operational. Simply click on your "Refresh" button and see if that remedies the problem. If not, then you need to try back at a later time.

Another possible problem could be that you do not have the required plugins. The Vivo Videos require the VivoActive plugin.

1. I am an AOL USER, and having some problems.
We have tested our sites with AOL's browser in version 5.0 and our products work correctly. If you are using an older version we recommend you upgrade, the features in 5.0 are really keen. It is possible you may experience problems if you don't have the correct plug-ins for your browser.

1. In the chat room, I get "Your browser does not support Java".
Our Chat room requires Java be enabled on your browser. Most Internet browsers have this option enabled. However, sometimes the option allowing Java support gets turned off. See below for instructions on turning Java & Java Script back on.

1. How do I enable Java and Java Script?
Since some of our programs may require Java or Java Script in your browser, these are usually on by default, but if for some reason you have turned them off here are instructions for turning them on-

If you are using Netscape 4.0 or greater:

> Click Edit Top left of your screen
> Then click Preferences
> Then click Advanced
> ensure there is a check mark in both "Enable Java
> and "Enable Java Script"
> then click OK

If you are using earlier releases of Netscape:

> Click Edit Top left of your screen
> then click Options
> then click Network Preferences
> then click Languages
> ensure there is a check mark in both "Enable Java"
> and "Enable Java Script"
> then click OK

If you are using MicroSoft Internet Explorer 3.xx:

> Click View Top left of your screen
> then click Options
> then click Security
> ensure a checkmark appears in "Enable Java Programs"
> the click OK

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.xx:

> Click View Top left of your screen
> then click Internet Options
> then click the Security tab.
> Under Internet Zone select Medium(more secure)
> the click Apply then OK

1. I am having problems viewing pictures with my AOL browser.
From the AOL web browser program, Click on "Members" Select the "Preferences" menu in the AOL browser Click on "Uncompressed Graphics" Click on the "Advanced" section Click on "Purge Cache" That's it. Everything should work fine. Don't forget to download the latest version of AOL.