System Requirements

1. Browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader Compatibility
2. Upgrading Adobe Acrobat Reader 
3. Upgrading Web Browser
4. Determining Web Browser 128-bit Encryption
5. Enabling JavaScript
6. Enabling Cookies
7. Additional Technical Support

Browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader Compatibility

The following browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader version combinations are supported (marked by an 'x'). Should you need to upgrade your browser and/or version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, scroll down to the 'Upgrading Adobe Acrobat Reader' and 'Upgrading Web Browser' sections below.

Note:  The Electronic-Grants system does not support the Macintosh Operating System

Upgrading Adobe Acrobat Reader

The Electronic-Grants System requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free software application.  We recommend users download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.  To download Adobe Acrobat Reader free, visit the Adobe website and choose the appropriate operating system and language for download of Acrobat Reader.

Upgrading Web Browser

Internet Explorer:

If you have a version of  Internet Explorer older than version 5.5, or wish to download a newer one than you have, Internet Explorer can be downloaded from the Microsoft Website. 

Netscape:

Netscape Navigator and Communicator  can be downloaded from the Netscape Website. You should be aware that this download is likely to be at least 10 MB, which will take a considerable time on a dial-up connection.

Determining Web Browser Encryption

IRS requires SSL-3 Strong Encryption (at least 128 bits) using 3DES (triple-DES) algorithms.

How can I tell whether my browser supports 128-bit encryption?
To determine your browser's encryption level, follow the instructions below.

Microsoft Internet Explorer:

1. Select "Help" from the Internet Explorer menu bar.
2. Select "About Internet Explorer" from the drop-down menu.
3. The "About Internet Explorer" dialog box will provide information on your browser version and encryption level.

Netscape:

1. Select "Help: About Netscape Navigator" or "Help: About Netscape or Communicator" from the menu bar.
2. From the "About" Web page, scroll down the left hand side.

• If you have 128-bit US encryption you will find a statement that will appear similar to the following:
  "This version supports US security with RSA Public Key Cryptography, MD2, MD5, RC2-CBC, RC4, DES-CBC, DES-EDE3-CBC."
  
• If you have the less stringent International encryption and need to upgrade your encryption level, you will find a statement that will appear similar to the following:
  "This version supports International security with RSA Public Key Cryptography, MD2, MD5, RC2-CBC, RC4."

AOL (America Online):

1. To find a file or folder - Click the "Start" button, and then point to Find or Search. - Click "Files Or Folders." 
2. In the "Named" box, type "Schannel.dll" then click "Find or Search Now." 
3. Then, select the Schannel.dll from the "Find" dialog box, right click your mouse, and select "properties." 
4. Click on the "Version Tab". 
5. From there you can see a description of the file.

• If you find a statement similar to the following: "PCT/SSL Security Provider US and Canada" then it is a 128-bit SSL encryption. 
• If you find a statement similar to the following: "EXPORT" then it is a 40-bit SSL encryption and you will need to upgrade.

The current versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer (as well as most other browsers) provide support for strong encryption. We strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser to provide the highest level of communications security generally available on the Web.

These browsers and upgrade packages contain encryption technology that is subject to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations and other US law. They may not be exported or re-exported to certain countries or to persons or entities prohibited from receiving US exports. For more information, contact the Bureau of Export Administration ("BXA"). More information is available at the  BXA homepage .

If you need further assistance, please contact your Internet service provider and ask for 128-bit encryption.

Enabling JavaScript

JavaScript must be enabled in your web browser in order to use the Electronic-Grants system. To enable JavaScript, follow the instructions below based on your web browser.

Internet Explorer:

1. Open Explorer and click "Tools", then "Internet Options", then the Security tab.
2. Click "Custom Level"
3. Under 'Active Scripting,' make sure the "Enable" radio button is selected.
4. Click 'OK'

Netscape 7.x:

1. Select the "Preferences..." menu item in the "Edit" menu.
2. Click on the "Advanced" label displayed in the list of options on the left hand side of the Preferences window that pops up, then on "Scripts & Plugins" just below.
3. On the right hand side select the checkbox marked "Enable JavaScript for Navigator"
4. Click on the "Ok" button at the bottom of the Preferences window.

Enabling Cookies

Cookies must be enabled in your web browser in order to access the Electronic-Grants system. To enable cookies, follow the instructions below.

Microsoft Internet Explorer:

1. Open Explorer and click "Tools", then "Internet Options", then the Privacy tab.
2. On the slider bar, change the setting to either "Medium" or "Low".
3. Click 'OK'

Netscape 7.x:

1. Select the "Preferences..." menu item in the "Edit" menu.
2. Click on the "Privacy & Security" link displayed in the list of options on the left hand side of the Preferences window that pops up.

   • Select "Cookies" under the Privacy & Security section.
   • Select the "Enable all cookies" radio button within the window.
3. Click on the "Ok" button at the bottom of the Preferences window.

Technical Support

For additional technical support, please contact the Help Desk at (800) 876-1715.