Having problems entering a PC World live event?
Here are the most likely problems and how to solve them!

Connecting to a live event may take from a few seconds up to a couple of minutes (if it is your first time) depending upon the speed of your connection, the status of your ISP, and the traffic on the public Internet. If you have tried a couple of times unsuccessfully to enter, here are a few tips:

 

 
  1. If this is your first time entering a PC World live event, you may be asked to download a small browser component. Please be sure to click ÒacceptÓ to gain entry.
  2. Check your browser to ensure Java is enabled.
  3. If you are trying to connect from within AOL, try again using Internet Explorer or Firefox.
  4. Make sure you are using the latest version of the browser. (at least Firefox 1.5 or later,  or Internet Explorer 6.x or later)
  5. If you are behind a corporate firewall, check the Check this box if you are behind a firewall select box.
  6. Test your connection delay between your PC and the Internet as there may be Internet traffic problems with your ISP and/or the public Internet.
  7. If you are a MAC user, use OS 9.1 or later, turn on VM with 1M greater than the available RAM.

1.

Make sure that your browser is enabled to work with Java.

  •  Are you using Internet Explorer?

If so, go to Tools, select Internet Options, click the Security tab, select Internet and click Custom Level. Next, scroll down to Java Permissions and enable Java. You can select high, low, or medium safety.

Some older versions of Internet Explorer cannot handle Java. If you are using an older version, go to www.microsoft.com and click Downloads from the top toolbar.

  •  Are you using Firefox?

If so, go to Tools, select Options, click the Content tab, and check the box next to Enable Java.

Some older browsers cannot handle Java. If you want to update your browser, you can do so for free! Go to www.netscape.com and click the Download button on the top toolbar.

  •  Are you using an AOL browser?

Older versions of the AOL browser are not fully compatible with chat/event technology. Try downloading a newer version of AOL at: www.aol.com. Scroll to Member Services at the bottom of the page to locate the most recent software.

  •  Are you using a browser other than Internet Explorer, Netscape, or AOL?

Some companies issue customized browsers, which do not allow Java to be enabled. If so, there is still good news! By checking the select box in front of Check this box if you are behind a firewall before entering the auditorium, you will access an HTML version that does not require Java.

2.

Find out whether you are behind a Firewall.

If you are trying to access from work you might be behind a corporate firewall. Select our firewall client (HTML), which works behind all firewalls. Check the select box in front of Check this box if you are behind a firewall before entering the auditorium.

3.

Finally, you will want see if your connection problems are ones that will need to be resolved by your ISP or are due to the public internet:

a.

Check to make sure you can establish a connection with the site:

From MS-DOS prompt (C:>) type: ping [URL-address]

b.

Check your bandwidth connection to make sure you are connected at close to your maximum speed (e.g. 56KB for modem users)

Bandwidth Tests:

http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/index.html
http://promos.mcafee.com/speedometer/

Modem Speed Tests

http://webservices.cnet.com/bandwidth/
http://computingcentral.msn.com/internet/speedtest.asp
http://performance.toast.net/
http://real.viaccess.net/speedtest.php3
 

c.

Check to make sure there are no problems in connecting between your PC and the public Internet

Perform a trace route by using one of the following:

From MS-DOS prompt, type: tracert [URL-address]
Our go to one of the following links:

http://net.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/trace.sh
http://www.ip-plus.net/cgi-bin/traceroute.cgi

 

If you see data traffic delays that are worse than the following, call your ISP:

In the US:

modem-users - 150ms

 

DSL/Cable/T1-users - 100 ms

 

 

Outside the US:

modem-users - 350ms

 

DSL/Cable/T1-users - 250ms

 

 

Than

 

 

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