Welcome to ForMinistry Web_builder Tips

Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshooting Tips focus on issues that may occur as you're working with the ForMinistry Web Builder Tool.

If you're looking for design tips, go to the WWWD section of web_builder.

Introduction

As you continue to create and build a great website, we want to provide you with the latest tips and helps that will guide you along throught problems and pitfalls along the way.

For more online help, go to our Quickhelp site.

Internet Browser Issues

To begin, here are a few basic browser hints that will keep you from running into problems.

The Web Builder tool is specifically designed to work so that changes and edits happen right as you are working on your site. This, of course, means that your ability to work online is key to your site-building effectiveness.

Here are some browser reqirements that you need to maintain in order for the Web Builder tool to work properly:

  • PC Users: make sure you're using: Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape 7.02 or Mozilla 1.3.1 or higher.
  • MAC Users: Netscape 7.0.2 or Mozilla 1.3.1 or higher.

For more information, you can check our help section: www.forministry.com/help

Computer Health

One common problem with the speed and performance of your computer system is neglect. Just as a car needs consistent, regular maintenance, so too does your computer.

Just a few simple steps can go along way to improve the overall health and stability of your system, which will then allow you to work freely without hindrance on your website.

1. Keep your hard drive clean

Over time, your your hard drive can get cluttered and disorganized. Here are two programs built into your PC (for MAC users, check your system software) that will help.

First, Disk Cleanup - free up your hard drive from temporary fies, trash, and old files that could be deleted or compressed. If you're using a PC, in your Accessories folder there is the Disk Cleanup program. Once you open it, Disk Cleanup will automatically run and display options for you to decide upon.

Check the boxes for the specific actions you want to take, then click on OK when you have finished.

Note: this should be done before Disk Defragmentation (below).

 

Second, Disk Defragmentation - this is a system utility for analyzing local volumes and locating and consolidating fragmented files and folders. This program is also found in your in your Accessories file.

Once the program is opened, click on Analyze. This will show the current status of your hard drive, and clicking on Defragment will run the defragmenter.

These two steps should be done regularly, depending on how much your computer is being used.

2. Get a good virus protection program

Some computer systems that come pre-installed come with a virus protection program such as Symantec Antivrus, or at least a trial version. A good virus protection program can make a huge difference, especially if you pick up a bug that slows or shuts down your system.

For more information about viruses, trojans, and security issues, check out some of these websites:

3. Avoid unnecessary downloads

Surfing on the internet may get you to sites that lure you into downloading things such as games, programs, or other items that may seem like small things but could lead to greater problems in the future. Some of these programs could contain harmful items that can slow your computer down or worse.

If you are going to download anything from the internet, follow these simple steps:

  • When in doubt, the best solution is to decline.
  • Make sure you know where you are downloading from, and that the source is secure.
  • Run your virus program after just to make sure you haven't picked up something harmful.

Stay tuned for more troubleshooting tips. Until then...

Henry Kay, web_builder host


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