INTRODUCTION

This website is designed to provide cancer-related information to patients, their friends and families . The information presented here is intended for educational purposes only. Since each patient's case is unique, specific questions should be addressed to the appropriate healthcare professional.

SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTER

For effective internet access, the following minimum configuration is recommended:

1. 56K or faster (DSL or cable preferred) internet access.
2. Screen resolution of 800x600 pixels/16-bit color or better (1024x768 preferred).
   NOTE:The above screen resolution was chosen to provide maximum readability and color reproduction of photographic material with a minimum of scrolling. Although many new desktop and notebook computers come pre-configured at these settings, most older computers still function at a default setting of 640x480 pixels/256(8-bit) colors. Internet graphics will appear grainy (dithered) at these limited color settings and will usually require some degree of scrolling to view the entire page. Many video cards allow the user to change the screen resolution of their computer to the appropriate setting. Windows users can change screen display characteristics by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting PROPERTIES-SETTINGS.

SETTING UP YOUR BROWSER

For effective internet access, the following browser configuration is recommended:

1. Netscape Communicator 4.74 or better or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or better
   Earlier versions of the above browsers may not display correctly. Netscape 6.2 is more or less compatible. The AOL browser has not been completely tested but should work just fine. Javascript MUST be enabled.

2. Optimize your screen font
   Selection of screen font is largely a matter of individual choice. The traditional default font is a Latin/ Roman serif, like the type you would find in your daily newspaper. Several studies have shown that paper documents using serif-based fonts are more readable and easier on the eye than their sans-serif counterparts. However, other studies have shown that a sans-serif screen font like Arial or Helvetica is less subject to the visually disruptive pixel-dependent breakup (jaggies) that serif fonts experience on your monitor. Whatever your preference, both font type and size may be selected by choosing EDIT>PREFERENCES>APPEARANCE>FONTS in Communicator or VIEW-OPTIONS-GENERAL in Internet Explorer. Windows users can enable font smoothing by selecting START>SETTINGS>CONTROL PANEL>DISPLAY>EFFECTS.

NAVIGATING THROUGH THIS SITE

Whenever possible, screen layouts have been designed to minimize scrolling and provide a logical route to your final destination. Briefly holding the mouse pointer/cursor over a button or link without clicking will cause a detailed explanation of that link's destination to appear over your cursor. If you're hopelessly lost, try our Site Map.

REPORTING BUGS AND CORRECTIONS

This website has been tested on a variety of operating systems, browsers and screen resolutions. In the event that a display problem or content error is found while using either Navigator or Internet Explorer, please contact the Site Administrator. Display problems arising from using non-recommended browsers are the responsibility of the end user.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE CONTENT