Which internet browser should I use to view the site?
Why can't I access the enrollment page and sign up for a course online?
How do I view movie clips?
None of the links on the right-hand side of the course pages are working. What's going on?
How do I view printable (PDF) files such as Worksheets, Tasting Journals and Study Guides?
I left my computer for a little while,
and when I came back it wouldn't let me continue to access the course.
What should I do?
The site seems slow. How can I increase the speed?
If you don't see your question here, please email us at
winespectatorschool@mshanken.com.
Which internet browser should I use to view the site?
Whether you're using a PC or a Macintosh, the site works best with Microsoft Internet Explorer, but you can use Netscape too.
Whether you're using IE or Netscape, make sure that your browser is at least version 4. To check your version, go to "Help" or "Explorer" at the top of your browser window. In the pull-down menu you'll find the information in "About Internet Explorer" or "About Netscape."
For a free download of these browsers, refer to the links below:
Microsoft Internet Explorer (PC)
http://microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm
Microsoft Internet Explorer (Macintosh)
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/download/ie/ie50.asp
Netscape Communicator (Macintosh & PC)
http://home.netscape.com/download/index.html?cp=djudep2
Why can't I access the enrollment page and sign up for a course online?
If you can't access the enrollment page, you are probably behind a firewall that prevents the secure connection required by our credit card verification service. Firewalls affect only the enrollment page; they do not affect any course pages.
If you are unable to register online, you can register by phone. Please call 212-481-8610 x302 during business hours, Eastern Standard Time.
How do I view movie clips?
All movies on the site can be viewed with Real Player and Windows
Media Player, though they look better in Real Player. If you don't have either
player installed, refer to the following links to download free versions:
Real Player (PC & Macintosh)
http://proforma.real.com/real/player/player.html
Windows Media Player (PC)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/download/choose.asp
When selecting a video format for playback, you will also be given a choice
of three download speeds: 28K | 56K | DSL +. If you aren't sure of the speed
of your connection, we would recommend selecting 56K as it is the standard
download speed on the net today.
None of the links on the right-hand side of the course pages are working. What's going on?
Many of these links are built using JavaScript. For this reason, you must have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Furthermore, because these
links open small pop-up windows, some pop-up blocking (or ad-blocking) software will
prevent them from working.
If you are having problems with these supplementary links (you click on them and nothing happens, for instance),
first check to make sure you are not running any pop-up blocking or ad-blocking software. If you are,
check the documentation which came with the software, and turn off the blocking while viewing your course.
If you are using Netscape as a browser, it's possible that you may have JavaScript disabled. While running
Netscape, go to Edit -> Preferences -> Advanced, and make sure the box beside "Enable JavaScript" is checked ON.
How do I view printable (PDF) files?
PDF or Portable Document Format, is a method of delivering cleanly
formatted documents over the web without requiring the user to install fonts
or download additional images. Mac and PC users alike can view PDF documents
using Adobe's Acrobat Reader.
If you don't already have this free softward installed, please
refer to the link below for download information:
Acrobat Reader 5 (PC & Macintosh)
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
I left my computer for a little while, and when I came back it wouldn't
let me continue to access the course. What should I do?For security reasons, the site automatically “times out” after a period of
inactivity and requires students to login again.
Simply type your username and
password in the login area at the top of the homepage, and the system will return you to where you
left off.
If you still have problems logging in, please email
winespectatorschool@mshanken.com
The site seems slow. How can I increase the speed?
There are many variables when trying to speed up the Internet experience,
so there is no one solution that will guarantee better performance. Here are
a few tips that might help in certain situations:
The busiest times on the web are in the evening hours (from 5-10PM). If
possible, try to browse during less congested times of the day.
If your Internet experience is exceptionally slow across the board,
consider subscribing to faster bandwidth access (such as ISDN, DSL, and
Cable) or upgrading your computer (adding RAM is affordable and easy).
