Change Image Viewer Settings

Most images are presented in high-resolution through a special image viewer. This viewer works in one of two ways: (1) through the use of a browser plug-in for Microsoft Windows, or (2) through a JavaScript interface similar to Google or Yahoo! Maps, which should work on almost all recent browsers.

Our Recommendation

If you're using Microsoft Windows and one of the standard browsers (IE, Firefox, Chrome), we recommend installing the Image Web Server plugin, as it provides the best and most stable viewing experience. Follow the link below to install the plugin.

Image Web Server Plugin Installation

The browser plug-in for Microsoft Windows provides faster image viewing, and additional features such as outlined, clickable areas on index maps.

• Install Image Web Server Plugin

Quick Problem Solver

If the plugin doesn't work, here's a real quick procedure that might solve your problems and give you access to images without a lot of trouble:

1. Click to view images without a plug-in.
2. Close this window, and reload or refresh the page you were viewing.
3. Next time you go to view an image, your browser will use the JavaScript viewer which should work on all recent browsers.

It's not a magic bullet, but the above solves a lot of problems. If you want to try the plug-in again, click here to view images using the plug-in. Another alternative is to try the Java viewer. Keep reading for more troubleshooting information.

Compatibility

Operating System	Browser	With Plug-in	Without Plug-in
Windows XP/Vista/7	Internet Explorer	(IE 6.0+)	(IE 6.0+)
	Mozilla Firefox	(Firefox 1.5+)	(Firefox 1.5+)
	Google Chrome	(Chrome 1+)	(Chrome 1+)
MacOS X	Safari		(Safari 1.3+)
	Mozilla Firefox		(Firefox 2.0+)
Linux	Mozilla Firefox		(Firefox 1.5+)

Other browsers may work, and on other operating systems (Windows 2000, for instance), but we are unable to test and verify proper functionality. Please make sure you have a recent, if not the latest, version of your browser.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few more tips that might help you view our images in all their glory:

• Update Your Browser. Make sure you are running the latest version of your chosen browser software. Older versions may function incorrectly, or not at all.
  
  
• Administrative Access. Make sure you are logged on to your computer with an account that has administrative access before attempting to install the IE browser plug-in. If you don't have the necessary security rights on your computer, the installation may fail.
  
  
• Make Sure Cookies are Enabled. The viewer software uses a temporary session cookie to determine and set the viewing method that will work in your browser. If cookies aren't enabled, this process may not work correctly.
  
  
• Turn Your Firewall Off! Sometimes a firewall (Zone Alarm is one we know about) can interfere with the installation or functioning of the plugin as it transfers image data from the server. Try turning your firewall off before installing or viewing images.
  
  
• Don't Use AOL's Browser. AOL's built-in browser can cause problems with this site, so please use a separate browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox.