Internet Browser Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Florida Hospital secure web servers deliver data that is encrypted using a 128-bit key, a requirement of our patient data security policies and HIPAA regulations. This level of data encryption places special demands on the web browser you use to access FloridaHospitalMD. Web browsers typically come in two versions, export grade and domestic grade. These grades are also known as international (export), and U.S. (domestic). Export grade is limited to 40-bit encryption. Domestic grade has 128-bit encryption. Additionally, three features of FloridaHospitalMD require a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) browser plug-in to function properly:

Batch printing of multiple reports
PACS Radiology image access
Host On Demand (FH Access)

To tell what type of browser you have, do the following:

In Microsoft Internet Explorer, from the top menu click on “Help”, then “About Internet Explorer.” On this page, there will be a line that says "Cipher Strength:" with either 40-bit, or 128-bit after it. You will need 128-bit.

MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER AND THE JAVA VIRTUAL MACHINE (JVM)

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer web browsers are the most widely used browsers in the world. Unfortunately, with the release of Internet Explorer 6.0 Microsoft has chosen not to include a JVM. This decision by Microsoft stems from a long running series of legal battles with their competitor Sun Microsystems, the originator of the Java programming language. Microsoft is now pursuing their own Java-like solution, a programming language known as C# (pronounced “see-sharp”), a proprietary solution not yet widely used by the development community. The rest of the Information Technology community has embraced Java, which is now the most widely used non-Microsoft programming language on the web and elsewhere. Microsoft’s IE 6 is a fine product, but if a JVM is not installed on your PC you will be prompted to download one before using batch printing, Host On Demand, or PACS.

MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER 5.5 AND BELOW

Some functions of FloridaHospitalMD 2.2.2 may not work, or will display strangely, in versions of Internet Explorer less than 6.0. We stongly recommend upgrading if you are not using version 6 or higher.

NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR

Some features of FloridaHospitalMD will not function correctly with this browser, including batch printing, menu expand/collapse, and the Cypress inbox. If you are using a version of Netscape earlier than 6.2, we strongly recommend upgrading to version 7; however, only Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 is officially supported for FloridaHospitalMD.

SUPPORTED BROWSERS

The following is a list of web browsers and software that will work with FloridaHospitalMD secure web servers. The icons link to sites where you may download new web browser software if needed. Florida Hospital suggests that you download and install the latest version of one of the following browsers.

Internet Explorer 6 or higher with 128 bit encryption with the addition of Microsoft’s JVM or Sun Microsystem’s JVM.

Florida Hospital assumes no liability for the operation of this software on your system. If you are unfamiliar with your system requirements or the processes for installation of the software, we suggest that you contact a local computer support professional for assistance.

Last Modified: Friday, January 31, 2003 1:47 PM