Browser
The Star Trek Dimension was
primarily developed for the most often used and innovative Microsoft Internet Explorer 4, 5 or 6, but it also
runs with Netscape Navigator 3.0 without problems.
However, due to a lack of compatibility or rare application Microsoft Internet Explorer
3.0, Netscape Communicator 4.0+, Opera and other browsers are only limitedly
supported, i.e. glitches in site design, javascript errors etc. may occur sometimes with
these browsers.
Overview:
- Microsoft
Internet Explorer 4.x / 5.x / 6.x recommended
(Frames, Javascript 1.2, CSS and DHTML support)
- Plugin for playing WAVE sounds
(usually pre-installed)
- Real Player 3.0+
- Microsoft Media Player 6.0+, Win Amp or other MP3 player
-
Display
Due to the complex structure of
some of the projects like the episode guides, the Web Dimension, the Cartography and
especially the LCARS database with many frames and controls, a screen resolution of at
least 800x600 pixels is recommended. At this default solution for
consumer desktops, the Dimension was also developed (with large fonts setting), however, a
resolution of 1024x768 pixels is also no problem. Because of the many
photos you should have chosen at least high color
(65536 colors), whereas the best view you will get with true color (24 or 32 bits). In the
Internet Explorer, set View/Fonts to Small to view the text with the correct font size.
By the way, the Dimension is best viewed without any menu and tool bars in your browser
(try to hide the link, adress bars etc.), and in the Internet Explorer, you should use the
fullscreen mode to truly experience the Star Trek
Dimension.
Overview:
- Resolution of 800x600 / 1024x768 at
True Color recommended
- Full screen mode recommended
Connection
Despite all web optimizations, the
Star Trek Dimension remains a quite demanding site regarding internet connection, as I
think that a fast data transfer and access should not be preferred to extensive contents,
a sophisticated graphic layout and the use of the newest multimedia technologies. In the
last years the percentage of fast modem and alternative high speed connections has
considerably increased; for slow waiting times you should therefore use at least a V.90 modem. Especially the Dimension download
projects and the LCARS database with its many high resolution photos and Javascript search
system require amounts of data which are neglegible on local storage, but lead to long
waiting times with a slow connection. Hence, I recommend (for untroubled surfing in
general ;-) internet access via ISDN, DSL, fiber or broadband cable.
Overview:
- at least V.90 modem
- ISDN, DSL, fiber or broadband cable
access recommended
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