A browser is software that is used to access the internet. A browser lets you visit websites and do activities within them like login, view multimedia, link from one site to another, visit one page from another, print, send and receive email, among many other activities. The most common browser software titles on the market are: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google’s Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Opera. Browser availability depends on the operating system your computer is using (for example: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, Mac OS, among others).
Many vendors release new versions quite frequently. These updates often include security enhancements. In most cases, we recommend you use one of the two most recent releases for your browser of choice.
The Service Desk supports the following browsers. Click on the link for each browser for helpful information and tips for using the browser.
Chrome
Chrome is a web browser developed by Google, and is one of the most recent additions to the browser options, first released as a beta version in September 2008. The logo is a circle with the common primary colors you’re familiar with from Google.
Clearing Your Browser Cache and History
- Click the Customize (3 lines) icon in the top right corner of the browser
- Choose Settings
- Click Show advanced settings
- Under Privacy click Clear browsing data…
- Make sure Empty the cache and Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data are checked
- Click Clear browsing data
Disabling Pop-Up Blockers
- Select Settings from the corner menu (3 horizontal lines)
- Scroll down to Advanced Settings
- Scroll down to Privacy and click Content Settings
- Scroll down to pop-ups and click Manage Exceptions
- Enter https://[*.] into the box
Click OK
Enabling Mixed Content
You will need to adjust your browser settings if you wish to view web pages that include mixed content.
- To add a pop-up blocker exception for a specific website, click here and follow the instructions for your particular browser.
- If not already enabled, install and enable Java.
- To enable mixed content, select your browser:
When you visit a web page in Chrome with insecure content, a shield icon ( ) displays in the far right of the address bar.
Click this icon and select Load Anyway or Load unsafe script.
The site, video, or media will load. The URL in the address bar displays as shown below to indicate that the page is not fully secure.
Firefox
Firefox – Firefox is a free and open source web browser developed by Mozilla. It is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and many other platforms. Look for the globe with an orange fox surrounding it to launch this browser.
Clearing Your Browser Cache and History
- Go to Firefox > History > Clear Recent History
- Make sure Cookies and Cache and are selected and click Clear Now.
Disabling Pop-Up Blockers
- Go to Options from the main menu
- Click Content > Block pop-up windows > Exceptions
- Type nd.edu and hit Allow
Enabling Mixed Content
You will need to adjust your browser settings if you wish to view web pages that include mixed content.
- To add a pop-up blocker exception for a specific website, click here and follow the instructions for your particular browser.
- If not already enabled, install and enable Java.
- To enable mixed content, select your browser:
Firefox
Safari
Safari – Developed by Apple and included with the Mac OS X and iOS operating systems. It is also available for Windows. The logo is a blue compass.
Clearing Your Browser Cache and History
Safari
- From the Safari menu, click Preferences.
- Click on the Privacy tab
- Click Remove All Website Data…
- Click Remove Now
iPhone/iOS
- Tap Settings
- Tap Safari
- Tap Clear Cookies and Data
- Tap Clear
Disabling Pop-Up Blockers
Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer (IE) – Internet Explorer is commonly abbreviated IE. It is developed by Microsoft and included as part of all Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is only available for Windows. Look for the blue “e’ as shown at right to launch this browser.
Clearing Your Browser Cache and History
- Click the Tools icon in the top right corner of the browser (Gear Icon)
- For older versions of IE, you may need to press (Alt + T) to open the tools menu
- Choose Internet Options
- Under Browsing History, click Delete
- Make sure Temporary Internet Files and website files and Cookies and website data are checked
- Click Delete
Disabling Pop-Up Blockers
- Click the Gear icon (or Tools menu) and go to Internet Options
- Click Privacy > Pop-up Blocker > Settings
- Type and click Add
Enabling Mixed Content
You will need to adjust your browser settings if you wish to view web pages that include mixed content.
- To add a pop-up blocker exception for a specific website, click here and follow the instructions for your particular browser.
- If not already enabled, install and enable Java.
- To enable mixed content, select your browser: