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I'm sorry if your Gizmo does not work. This page will show the main reasons why it does not work and how you might be able to get it to work. |
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What is the Gizmo?
The Gizmo is a special navigation bar so that you can get to the main pages of this site without having to go back to the Home page.
What is special about it?
It is constructed in Flash by a talented homeworker. Flash brings action and sound to graphics and is, quite frankly, Flash!
Is it really necessary?
No. The existing simple navigation system will remain in place but this Gizmo will make it even easier to use this site.
That's not what I meant. Is this sound and movement necessary?
Of course it isn't, but when it works it is rather fun. As our computer systems become more sophisticated they will be able to handle these graphics more easily.
Why doesn't my Gizmo work?
The main reason is because your computer system is not Flash enabled. Or if you have Flash it needs updating. But I can tell you how to sort that out in a minute.
What happens if I don't have Flash?
If your computer is not Flash enabled then you will be getting an image map of the Gizmo instead. This is just a picture of the Gizmo but without any sound or movement. You can still use your mouse to click on the links and travel around the site using this navigation bar.
Why can't I see anything at all?
This will probably be because your computer is not Flash-enabled and that your browser does not allow JavaScript. If you are using your own computer at home then you can enable your browser to use JavaScript and I'll show you how to do that in a moment. If you are using a computer on a network, perhaps at work, then the owner of the system has disabled JavaScript and there is not much you can do about it. Sorry! But if it is any consolation, this is a picture of what the navigation bar would look like:
Why can't I hear anything?
Assuming you are Flash enabled and can see the movement:
- Hopefully you'll know whether your computer can play music: it needs a sound card, and speakers. Are the speakers switched on?
- Is the volume turned down?
Check:
a. The volume control knob on your speakers
b.  Your computer's volume control level; in the System Tray bottom right, look for the "Speaker icon" (see example, right). Click on it once, and a volume control slider should appear. There should be no check mark in the "Mute box" and the slider should not be at the bottom.
- Is the sound too loud or too soft?
Check the items mentioned in (2) above and adjust it accordingly. Please note that the volume of the sound on this Flash is quite low anyway.
How do I get Flash, or upgrade the Flash I already have?
It really is straightforward and once you have done it you will be able to see a lot more of the gizmos out on the web! If you go to the Macromedia website it will automatically detect whether you have Flash, which version it is and then give you the right download. The Macromedia site makes it all as painless as possible so you wont know it has done all that!
On this site you will also find easy to understand pages showing what Flash Player is, Frequently Asked Questions, and Test players. Not only that, you can do it all in Japanese, French or German if that helps.
If you are still having problems with Flash there is a Virtual Techie on Macromedia to give you support: www.macromedia.com/support/shockwave/svt/
How do I sort out my JavaScript?
- Firstly check whether your browser is Version 4 or higher. Whether your browser is Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator you need to click on Help on the top menu bar and then click on About. If your browser is less than Version 4 then you should get yourself a more up to date browser. You can download a free up to date version of Internet Explorer from www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download/windows.htm or Navigator from home.netscape.com/computing/download/index.html Follow the instructions on the relevant site. However, this can take quite a while to download and it may be cheaper to get a free copy off any one those CDs that you see on the front of computer magazines.
- The other thing you may need to do is check that JavaScript is enabled on your browser. If you have Internet Explorer then click on Tools on the top menu bar and then click on Internet Options. Then click on the tab that says Advanced and scroll down to look at the options that have been ticked. Depending on the Browser Version you have you may find a reference to JavaScript. If it is not ticked then you just have to click with your mouse to select.
- If you have a Netscape Navigator browser then click on Edit on the top menu bar and then click on Preferences and then click on Advanced on the left hand side of the window. On the right will appear the preferences, one of which will be Enable JavaScript. If this isn't ticked then just click on it to select. Press OK to confirm.
- Whether you have Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator you will need to, at the very least, close the browser and re-start it. It is possible that you may have to re-start your computer as well to effect the change.
I want a Gizmo too! Where can I get one?
If you want a Flash component for your site then you will need to find a designer who specialises in them. Our designer is Jon Forbes of GoodWebDesign who listened sensitively to our sketchy thoughts and came back with this design which we loved. The round graphic is based on a speaker or mouthpiece of a telephone mingled with celtic overtones. When the cursor goes near the graphic the speaker rises up to a gentle pop followed by a tone of activity. Suddenly a gold pipe launches out from the side of the speaker with a whoosh and connects up to the different buttons. As the pipes dock on the buttons they swish into place. Placing the mouse over a button makes the button glow blue and gives a pop immediately followed by a telephone tone. Clicking on a button turns it green and gives a brief chime as it takes you to the chosen page.
It would be interesting to know what you as a user feel about this component. Do you like it, is it a nuisance, is it a distraction, is it inspiring? If you can be bothered then email us at admin@homeworking.org with your thoughts.
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