Why Games (and a World of Other Things on the Web) Sometimes Don't Work

Here are the top ten reasons why games and other fun things on the World Wide Web sometimes don't work, and some possible solutions.

1. The game requires one or more browser plug-ins, such as Shockwave or QuickTime, which are not installed in your browser.

Solution: Go get them. Click on the links supplied.

2. You're using the right plug-in(s), but an older version.

Solution: The Web changes fast; some plug-ins are updated several times a year. You must download and install the latest version.

3. You installed the right plug-in(s), but in the wrong place. A common problem is unknowingly having more than one version or copy of the same browser on one of your drives. So you installed the correct plug-in -- but not in the copy of Netscape or Explorer that is running at the moment.

Solution: Use a "Find" utility program to search and see if there's an extra copy of your favorite browser hiding somewhere on one of your drives. Then remove it, and make sure the plug-in is installed in the browser you plan to use.

4. Your operating system is incompatible with the game and its features.

Solution: If you're using an older version of your operating system, you may want to upgrade.

5. Your browser is incompatible with the game or plug-in. In general, the latest versions of browsers generally give the best results.

Solution: Download and install the latest version of your browser of choice.

6. You have a slow internet connection, maybe slower than you think. Don't assume that because you have a 56K modem, that you are necessarily connected at that speed. Individual modem performance, the quality of your phone line, and the capabilities of your Internet Service Provider can all make a difference. Heavy traffic on the Internet can also slow things down.

Solution: Consider getting a faster internet connection. Or just come back later, when the Internet or the server is not so busy.

7. The web site's server is down or experiencing high demand.

Solution: Probably all you can do is come back later. But you might also want to Email the site's webmaster about your frustration.

8. Your browser is compatible, but it isn't properly configured. Increasingly, plug-ins are supplied with installers that will properly configure your browser for you during installation. But the process isn't foolproof. Your browser's Preferences setting for its cache and other issues may affect how well games, audio and video perform on your computer.

Solution: Select Preferences from your browser's menu, and review the settings. A larger cache may help games play better, especially the second time around. Javascript should usually be enabled. Use the "Help" supplied with your browser or available online from your browser's web site.

9. The programmer and/or the webmaster goofed. Programming errors happen; still, it's unlikely that the game is utterly unplayable -- more likely, it has problems in certain versions of certain browsers under certain conditions

Solution: See if the game works in a different browser, or a different (later) version of the same browser.

10. Your computer system simply isn't up to it. Games, audio, video, virtual reality and other high-end features require faster processors and more computer memory. Web browsers require lots of RAM; adding plug-ins ups the requirement. If your computer is more than two or three years old and hasn't been upgraded, you may not be able to experience all the web has to offer.

Solution: Some improvements to your computer, like adding more RAM, are currently very inexpensive. In fact, RAM is usually one of the cheapest and most useful upgrades of all.