Our Blog from Simon Solutions

The folks at Simon Solutions recommend using the Firefox web browser when accessing Oikos or CharityTracker. Firefox has been proven to be a safer browser than Internet Explorer. You can use the following link to get an overview of the security of Firefox.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/security/

Both Oikos and CharityTracker use the Flash plug-in. Flash has been installed on 98% of all computers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Japan. You can use the following link to verify:
http://www.adobe.com/products/player_census/flashplayer/

We understand that you want Oikos and CharityTracker to “just work” and we strive to make things easy for you. Most of our clients do not have an IT guy. We’re sure that if you use Firefox, with the Flash plug-in, you will have smooth sailing from here on.

The following steps will get you up to speed. Don’t be intimidated by the long list, it’s really simple and straightforward.

Here’s how to get Firefox:

1. Go to this link: http://www.firefox.com
2. Click the big green button that says “Firefox 3… Free Download”
3. A page will open up and walk you through the simple steps.

Good! Now that you have Firefox installed, you’re moments away from accessing your Oikos or CharityTracker.

Here’s how to install Flash on your computer:

1. Go to this link: http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer
2. Click the yellow button that says “Agree and install now”
3. In the dialog that opens, click “Save File”
4. If a window titled “Downloads”, does not appear, hold down the “CTRL” key, and press the “J” key.
5. In the “Downloads” window, double-click the bar that says “install_flash_player.exe” (you may get a security warning, but don’t worry, just click “Run”)
6. A dialog will pop up and tell you that you need to close Firefox. So, close the web browser AND the “Downloads” window
7. Click the “Try Again” button on the “Adobe Flash Player Plugin Setup” window
8. When the Flash Player Plugin Setup is completed, click the “Close” button.

Now, when you open Firefox again, the Flash plug-in will be installed. Just go to your Oikos or CharityTracker and log in with the information you received in your welcome email.

We hope this has been helpful!