Technical FAQ

Top 5 Browser Questions Asked by Nebraska.gov Customers
  1. What types of browsers are out there?
  2. What version of browser am I using?
  3. What is cache and how do I clear it out?
  4. What are plugins and how do I install them?
  5. Why would I upgrade my browser and how do I do it?
Top PDF Questions Asked by Nebraska.gov Customers
  1. What is a PDF?
  2. Where do I get Acrobat Reader?
Top Password Questions Asked by Nebraska.gov Customers
  1. What are good proceedures to follow when creating a new password?
  2. What is the difference between my network password and my Nebraska.gov password?
Top Email Questions Asked by Nebraska.gov Customers
  1. How do I avoid viruses in my email?
  2. Who do I contact for questions or comments?

What types of browsers are out there?

Answer: There are many different browsers out there, the most common of these is Internet Explorer. Some of the others include Netscape and Mozilla. Any recent versions of these browsers should view State of Nebraska websites without problems.

Netscape Browser Layout
This is a Netscape Screen

IE Browser Layout

This is an Internet Explorer Screen


Firefox Browser Layout
This is a Firefox Screen

What version of browser am I using?

Answer: To determine what version of browser you are using go to the help menu and select About Internet Explorer or About Netscape depending on what browser you are using.

What is cache and how do I clear it out?

Answer: Cache is a type of memory. It holds information and pictures that may be used over and over again. This keeps your browser from having to download the same image over and over again. By clearing your cache it forces your browser to download the newest version of the picture.

Internet Explorer 4.x or less
  • To clear your cache if you are using Internet Explorer 4 or less you must go to the view menu option and then select Internet Options.
  • Select the tab marked General
  • Click Delete Files to clear cache
Internet Explorer 5.x or higher
  • To clear your cache if you are using Internet Explorer 5 or higher you must go to the Tools menu option and then select Internet Options.
  • Select the tab marked General
  • Click Delete Files to clear cache
Netscape 4.x or higher
  • To clear your cache if you are using Netscape 4.x or higher you must go to the edit menu option and then select Preferences.
  • Click the arrow to the left of 'Advanced' to expand advanced options.
  • Click on Cache option
  • Click on Clear Memory Cache and also click on Clear Disk Cache

What are plugins and how do I install them?

Answer: Sometimes when you visit a site it prompts you to download a program to continue viewing items on a certain page. The downloads that it prompts you for are often referred to as plugins. These assist the browser in showing complex content like animation and sound. One way of getting the new plugins is to download the most current version of your browser from its manufacturer. Another way is to download the program that you want to use from the manufacturers site and install it on your machine.

Why should I upgrade my browser and how do I do it?

Answer: You should upgrade your browser to keep up with the current technologies. For instance, the older browsers don't support changing images when the mouse rolls over them (sometimes referred to as a rollover). If you don't have the newer form of the browser then you won't be able to take full advantage of what the website has to offer. To upgrade all you must do is go to the site for the manufacturer of the web browser and look for a newer version of your browser to download. After downloading the new version you just have to install it using the setup program that came with the new browser.

What is a PDF?

Answer: PDF's are a file format that is associated with Adobe's® Acrobat Reader. PDF files are small so there are easily transported over the Internet. When opened they look almost exactly like a book. They are sometimes even broken up into chapters so the content is easily found.
PDF Viewer Layout
PDF Screen

Where do I get Acrobat Reader?

Answer: Adobe's® Reader can be downloaded from the Adobe website. After downloading you must run the setup program contained in the folder being sure to follow all directions carefully.

What are good procedures to follow when creating a new password?

Answer: Here is a list of good procedures to follow when creating new passwords.

Tips for creating passwords
  1. Don't use your name or any of your family's name.
  2. Don't use your birthday or any of your family's birthdays.
  3. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
  4. Use numbers, upper and lower case letters in your password.
  5. Try using an acronym for a password.
  6. Make sure your password is at least 8 characters.

What is the difference between my network password and my Nebraska.gov password?

Answer: Your network password is what you use to log in to your computer. The Nebraska.gov password is what you use after you have logged in to your computer and are trying to log into the Nebraska website.

How do I avoid viruses in my email?

Answer: The best way of avoiding viruses is to not open emails by people that you don't know. Also if there is a file attached to the email that ends in a file extension of .exe, .vbs or .scr you should delete it without opening it. A file extension is up to the last three letters of a file name after a period (example is Filename.exe where exe is the extension).Always assume that the email is a virus, until proven other wise. Just because a virus says that it is from someone that you know that doesn't make it so.

Who do I contact for questions or comments?

If you have technical questions you can email the technical staff at:
support@nebraska.gov
If you have questions concerning the website you can email the webmaster at:
support@nebraska.gov