Mac InstantPalace and Browser Issues

      • Mac Internet Explorer and InstantPalace

        Between server versions 4.0 and 4.3.2, significant changes were made in the default instantpal.html file that affect Mac users. With the older default instantpal.html file, Internet Explorer for Mac usually wasn't operational with InstantPalace. With the newer instantpal.html file, Internet Explorer is not only operational, but tests indicate it is faster than Netscape for InstantPalace use. If you want to see which version of the instantpal.html file you are trying to access, right-click and View Source. The newer version contains this line of code:

         
        if (navigator.platform == "MacPPC" || navigator.platform == "Mac68K")

        If the above line is missing when you View Source, then the server operator is using an older version of the instantpal.html file, and Mac Internet Explorer may not load the applet on that server.

      • Server Operators - Updated instantpal.html file

        If you are a server operator, check your instantpal.html file for the line noted above. If you have the older instantpal.html version, you can download a default mac-friendly instantpal.html file for use on your server. This file is designed for use with InstantPalace 2.0. Do NOT overwrite your existing instantpal.html file, as it may contain important information such as paths and psRoot settings. Backup your instantpal.html file before downloading a new one.

      • Mac Netscape and InstantPalace

        Netscape is the browser of choice for Mac InstantPalace use if Internet Explorer won't work. In testing with Mac OS 9.0.4 and Netscape 4.76, there is sometimes a reluctance to load the java applet. If you receive an "instantpal.class not found" error with Netscape when clicking on an InstantPalace link, try holding the shift key, and clicking on the link again. Watch the status bar at the bottom of the Netscape window to see if the download starts. If not, hold shift and try the link again. Try testing with the link below.

        InstantPalace For Mac

        InstantPalace on Mac has always been a little slow and unpredictable, based on incomplete java implemetation on the Mac platform. If something stops downloading on a loading screen, such as the screen that shows the avatar selection during server entry, then just click through anyway. Once you sign on, if the room seems reluctant to download, move your mouse over the buttons (which forces those small pic downloads) to get things moving again. If all else fails, Refresh and try again.

      • Mac Internet Explorer and Palace Protocol Links

        Microsoft has never fixed a problem with Internet Explorer regarding handling Palace protocol for non-default ports (anything other than port 9998), so through version 5.0, Internet Explorer for Mac won't work for some Palace C-client links. If it isn't working for any Palace protocol links, including Port 9998 Palaces, try the following procedure.

        1. Open Internet Explorer
        2. Go to Edit Menu/Preferences
        3. Click on Protocol Helpers (on the left - you may have to scroll down to see it)
        4. Click the "Add" button
        5. Type in palace next to "Helper for:"
        6. Click the "Choose Helper" button and navigate to your Palace application
        7. Click OK, then click OK again

        Internet Explorer should now work for palace protocol web links for port 9998 Palaces. If you encounter a non-default port Palace address, Internet Explorer will not display the port number in the status bar (bottom bar of browser where messages appear) when your mouse passes over the link. To see the actual address defined on the web page, you can View Source by going to View Menu/Source, or press command-E.

        Recent tests with MacOS 9.0.4 and Netscape 4.76 indicate that C-client Palace links work without modifications for both default Port 9998 and non-default port Palaces.

      • Mac Netscape InstantPalace and C-client Avatar Transparency

        Mac Netscape InstantPalace has no difficulty with seeing the transparency in tranparent GIFs used in spot pics or in InstantPalace avatars. However, the proprietary avatar format used by C-clients for transparency makes the transparent sections appear black to Mac InstantPalace users on Netscape. This condition is not shared by Mac InstantPalace on Internet Explorer, or on Windows versions of InstantPalace, which do see the tranparent sections of C-client avatars as transparent.

      • Additional Resources

        • InstantPalace Resources Index
        • Scripting for InstantPalace
        • Customizing InstantPalace
        • InstantPalace Installation
        • 104 Avatars for InstantPalace
        • Using Larger Avatars with InstantPalace
        • Using Sounds with InstantPalace
        • InstantPalace with 4.4 Windows Server
        • InstantPalace Troubleshooting
        • Iptscrae Quick Reference Table
        • InstantPalace Demos
        • InstantPalace Parameters
        • InstantPalace Discussion Group

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