Browser FAQs
In a recent Internet Security Council meeting, a browser security vulnerability was identified and a directive was issued. The directive states that SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS 1.0 (Transport Layer Security), security settings in Internet Explorer (IE), must be changed and older versions of IE will no longer be allowed to connect to secure websites.
We highly recommend that you update your IE to the latest version.
If you still want to continue to use your current version of IE, because of the security risks associated with using IE7 and older browsers, access to secure websites will not be allowed on the internet. For versions IE8 through IE10, you will have to change the security settings to be able to gain access to secure websites.
The following steps will guide you to the update the security settings for IE8, IE9 and IE10:
1. Click on Tools or the ‘Gear’ symbol (top-right side of browser)
2. Click Internet Options
3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Scroll down and un-check the following:
–Use SSL 2.0
–Use SSL 3.0
–Use TLS 1.0
5. Place a check in front of the following:
–TLS 1.1
–TLS 1.2
6. Click OK on all screens
For Windows 10 users, you may be reaching your data/bandwith limits quicker than usual. Windows 10 users are capped on the amount that you can download within a monthly cycle. The updates that have been released can take up quite a bit of bandwith as well.
We recommend that you:
• Set your connection as metered
• Turn off background apps
• Disable OneDrive
• Disable PC Syncing
• Turn off notifications
• Turn off Live Tiles
• Defer Windows Updates
We also recommend that you consistently monitor your data usage to make sure you don’t exceed the monthly cap allowance.
You will get a Security Alert window when the certificate in Windows Internet Explorer expires. This certificate identifies you as an authentic user when visiting secure Web sites (i.e. banks), and it also verifies the authenticity of these sites without you checking their credentials.
If you get this window when visiting a Web site you trust, you can click Yes and proceed. If you wish, you can select View Certificate to verify the Web site’s credentials. To avoid seeing this window in the future, you should update your browser’s root certificate. Follow these steps to do so:
1. Click on Tools and select Internet Options.
2. Click on the Content tab.
3. Click on the Certificates. button.
4. Click on the Trusted Root Certification Authorities tab.
5. Click at the top of the Expiration Date column to sort by date.
In order to access some Web sites, you will need to enable your browser to accept cookies. To enable cookies, please select your browser from the list below, and follow the steps:
Internet Explorer 7.x or 6.x
1. Click Start and select Control Panel. (Windows XP Classic View – click on Windows Start button and select Settings and Control Panel).
2. Double-click the Internet Options icon.
3. Select the Privacy tab.
4. Under Settings, click Advanced button.
5. Check the box Override automatic cookie handling under Cookies section in Advanced Privacy Settings window.
6. Under First-party Cookies, select Accept.
7. Under Third-party Cookies, select Accept.
8. Check the box Always allow session cookies.
9. Click OK.
10. Click OK to exit
Internet Explorer 5.x or 4.x
1. Click Start and select Control Panel. (Windows XP Classic View – click on Windows Start button and select Settings and Control Panel).
2. Double-click the Internet Options icon.
3. Select the Security tab.
4. Under Security level for this zone, click on the Custom Level button.
5. Scroll down to the Cookies section.
6. Check the circle next to Enable.
7. Click OK.
8. Click on the Yes button.
9. Click OK to exit.
Note: You may need to restart your browser for the changes to go into effect.
To reset your homepage with Internet Explorer:
1. Open your browser, and click on Tools.
2. Select Internet Options, and click on the General tab
3. Type the address of your preferred homepage (i.e. http://my.netzero.net) in the box.
4. Click OK.
If your homepage continues to change unexpectedly, it may be an indication of a virus or spyware infecting your computer. Other symptoms of infection include:
–Programs taking longer than normal to start
–Pop-up ads showing up when your browser is closed
–Your browser suddenly closing or freezing
–New Web sites suddenly added to your favorites list
–Unusual messages being displayed on your screen
–Unexpected email being sent from your account
–Overall sluggish computer performance
–Low System Resource and Low Memory error messages
If you believe your computer might be infected, run the Norton AntiVirus program to scan your system and remove any viruses or other malware.
If you are unable to view Web pages, please try the steps below:
Confirm that you are connected to the Internet. Click here to learn how to check your connection.
Firewall settings may not allow you to visit that site.
Disable your firewall program temporarily and try viewing Web pages. You may need to modify your firewall settings. You will also want to be sure to optimize your browser settings.
If you continue to experience these problems, please contact our customer support by clicking here.