YellowBridge Technical Requirements

Current version of an UTF-8 compatible browser.

At least one traditional Chinese and one simplified Chinese font must be available on your computer. If the expected and the actual columns match (except for font differences), you are OK.

Character Set	Expected	Actual
Traditional		中國
Simplified		中国

(Alternatively, you need one universal font such as the "Arial Unicode MS" font that comes with Office XP.)

Windows Vista. The necessary fonts come pre-installed with the systerm.

Windows XP. How to install Chinese fonts on Windows XP:

• Click on Start» Control Panel » Regional Languages and Options.
• Click on the Languages tab.
• Check Install files for East Asian languages.
• Click on Apply.
• If asked, insert the Windows XP installation CD and follow remaining instructions from the computer.

Windows 98/ME. If you are using IE 5.0 or later, the necessary fonts will be installed automatically when you access a page that needs them. It automatic install does not occur, ensure that you have checked Enabled Install on Demand (In IE, select the Tools Menu » Internet Options » Advanced).

If the necessary fonts are not being installed automatically or you are interested in more font choices, see Chinese Fonts for Windows.

At least one font capable of displaying pinyin with tone marks. If the expected and the actual rows shown below match you already have the necessary pinyin font:

Most current Windows computers already have the necessary fonts. Pinyin-capable fonts on Windows include Lucida Sans Unicode, Courier New, Times New Roman, Arial, Arial Unicode ms, Bitstream Cyberbit, Bitstream CyberCJK.

There are freeware fonts specifically designed for pinyin. You don't need them and they won't work unless they are Unicode-compatible.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser.

• Select Tools » Options from the browser menubar
• Select Enable Javascript.
• Click on OK

YellowBridge Talker requires ActiveX controls to be allowed. This add-on feature will only work on an Internet Explorer browser with a security setting of Medium (IE6 and earlier) or Medium-High (IE7).

• Select Tools » Internet Options » Security from the IE menubar
• Click on the Internet content zone
• Click on Default level or click Medium (IE6) or Medium-high (IE7) for the 'Security level for this zone'.
• Click on OK

Cookies must be accepted by your browser. Sign in and Paypal transactions cannot be completed without cookies.

• Select Tools » Internet Options » Privacy from the IE menubar
• Select Medium for 'Setting
• Click on OK

Optional. If you want to be able to type in Chinese characters, you must have a Chinese input method. You don't need to be able to enter Chinese characters to access most of the website.

An input method is a small helper program that lets you enter Chinese characters by typing in the pinyin sound of the word (or some other technique) and then offers you characters that match that sound.

Following installation of the input method (see instructions on the right), you should see a small icon in the taskbar showing the current language ("EN" for English). Whenever you want to type in Chinese characters, simply click on this icon and select Chinese. The icon will then show "CH". Type in the pinyin for the character or phrase. You won't need to enter the tone number. Use the letter "v" when you need to enter a "ü". A list of words matching the pinyin will appear as you type. You may select the right match by clicking on the matching word or typing its sequence number.

Wndows Vista. Install the input method in your computer as follows: Start Menu» Control Panel » Clock, Language, and Region » Regional and Language Options; click on the Keyboard and Languages Tab; click on "Change Keyboards" and click OK. . In the General tab, click on Add... In the Add Input Language popup, open Chinese (PRC) then Keyboard and select Chinese (Simplified) - Microsoft Pinyin IME. Despite its name, the input method will allow you toggle between simplified and traditional Chinese.

Windows XP. Install the input method in your computer as follows: Start Menu» Control Panel » Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options » Regional and Language Options; click on the Languages Tab; select "Install files for East Asian language" and click OK. (Windows may prompt you for the Windows installation CD). The input method will allow you toggle between simplified and traditional Chinese.

Windows 98/ME. You need to download and install the input method from Microsoft. Download from here if you are running Office XP or from here if you are not. If given the opportunity, select the option that includes the language pack; this option will include Chinese fonts. Different input methods are available for traditional and simplified Chinese. You'll need to install both if you want to be able to enter both forms.