Problems with the shopping cart?..

We have had occasional reports of customers having difficulties using the shopping basket.
The website and software have been tested and work reliably on 99.9% of systems, any difficulties are likely to be something to do with the software configuration on your computer.
The most common of these problems are:

• Your system doesn't accept cookies.
• Your system doesn't allow pop-ups.
• Least likely - your system doesn't allow Javascript to run.

So what can I do about it?

• Either your browser is configured to disallow these or some other software is intervening, it is a common feature of various security products to permit you to control these components.
• AOL software has a worse reputation than most for presenting the user with difficulties accessing some websites. The easiest solution is to use Microsoft Internet Explorer instead of the AOL browser.
• If you are using a PC within a business it may be that your employers security systems are intervening.
• Either configure your software to permit popups, cookies and javascript, at least for this site, or place your order using Email, Post, FAX or Telephone.

If these are disabled for security reasons, does it mean enabling them will make my PC less secure?

• The better security software leaves the choice in your hands on a site by site basis so you can keep the bad guys out and let the good guys in, rather than barring the door to all.
• Having said that, there is a need to be realistic about the level of risk.
• Popups are usually blocked just because some sites over-use them and they become a nuisance.
• Cookie and Javascript risks are largely theoretical. An up-to-date firewall and anti-virus software are far more essential for safe internet use.
• Cookies, Javascript and Pop-ups are relied on by almost all ecommerce packages and they are widely used throughout the Internet. If your software completely prohibits any of these your Intenet experience is going to be severly degraded and some websites will become unusable.