Browser Security Configuration

Every web browser provides protections against malicious code that might be contained within scripts. These protections are often set to block scripts from being executed. The user can configure these script blocking settings based upon the source of the web page being downloaded. Mozilla Firefox enables JavaSript by default, but does allow control over it (see the [Firefox JavaScript Help pages]). Apple users should browse the [Safari Developer Resources Page] to see about Safari's JavaScript related features. Microsoft Internet Explorer offers four "source categories" that it calls "zones". These zones are named: Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted. Unless the user adds the hosting site to one of the other lists, it is assumed to be under the "Internet" zone by default. If your browser is blocking a web page that contains scripts, you have a few options. The following instructions offer two options for configuring Internet Explorer to execute scripts. You can find similar procedures for other browsers listed in their documentation.

Both options start with the same initial steps.

1. Open the Internet Options dialog box, by clicking on the Tools (button) and then selecing Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
2. Then select the Security tab.

Option 1 - Add the host site to the "Trusted sites" zone

1. Click on the big green check mark to select the "Trusted sites" zone.
2. Click on the "Sites" button.
3. Be sure that the checkbox labeled "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone" is UN-checked.
4. If the web address "www.gibsonr.com" does not appear in the textbox labeled "Add this website to the zone", type it in.
5. Click on the "Add" button.
6. Click on the "Close" button for the Trusted sites dialog box.
7. Click on the "Close" button for the Internet Options dialog box.

Option 2 - Change only one security setting for all sites in the "Internet" zone

1. Click on the Earth globe icon to select the "Internet" zone.
2. Click on the "Custom level..." button.
3. Scroll down in the "Settings" area to the "Scripting" section and locate the setting entitled "Allow websites to prompt for information using scripted windows". Set it to "Enable".
4. Click on the "OK" button.
5. If a dialog box pops-up asking "Are you sure you want to change settings for this zone?", click on the "Yes" button.
6. Click on the "Close" button for the Internet Options dialog box.

For more information on Internet Explorer's JavaScript security settings see the web page [How to Turn On ActiveScript (JavaScript) in Internet Explorer] or read the [Enable JavaScript page at Google Help].