Working with iSqFt efficiently depends upon several factors: the computer hardware, the Windows operating system, the web browser and the internet connection speed. This page will help you to understand these factors and to verify that your computer is capable of accessing iSqFt.com to its fullest extent.

The following are the minimum and recommended requirements for your computer to work with iSqFt. Please note that at the moment iSqFt will not work correctly on Mac computers; a PC with a Windows operating system is required. More detailed information is available below.

Computer Hardware
We recommend a computer with at least a 500mhz Pentium III processor, 512 MB of RAM, 1 GB disk drive, and a 17" monitor. In general the higher the processor speed and the more RAM available the faster the iSqFt web pages will display. We 'send' the project listings to your computer which must build the page to display. Adding memory is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that will dramatically improve your PC's performance. For maximum benefit we suggest at least 512 MB of RAM be installed.

Increasing the monitor size will allow you to view more of the project details, plans and specs on-screen. Our suggested monitor size is 17", with 19" being the optimal size. Your screen resolution must be at least 800x600, with 1024x768 being recommended. This will maximize the viewing area nicely on a 17" monitor. You can check your current screen resolution by going to the Control Panel > Display > Settings tab.

Operating System
Today, iSqFt.com will run on all versions of Microsoft Windows 2000 and later. For users with earlier versions of Windows we strongly suggest upgrading to Windows 2000/2003/XP. To find out more about the available versions of Microsoft Windows and the hardware requirements of each, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows.

To ensure that you have the latest Windows updates installed on your computer, go to the Microsoft Windows Update site. This site will connect you to Microsoft and determine which updates your computer requires. Microsoft suggests that users install all critical and security related updates. Click here to check for updates now: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.

Web Browser
To provide our subscribers with the best possible business level application, the iSqFt web site only supports the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser. We do not support Netscape or any other browser type. Microsoft has discontinued support for all versions of Internet Explorer earlier than IE 5.5 and we suggest that you update to the latest version 6.0. Click here to run the IE 6.0 setup program: IE Setup

More information on Microsoft Internet Explorer may be found here : http://www.microsoft.com/ie

Internet Connection Speed
While iSqFt.com was designed to allow subscribers to work using a dial-up modem, increasing your connection speed will have the single greatest impact on your ability to use the site. There are two main high-speed methods of accessing the internet: DSL and Cable modem. Generally, one of the two will be available in your area. A good source for information on high-speed internet connectivity can be found at SpeedGuide.net

DSL
DSL is a service provided by your local Telephone Company. There is an excellent resource at DSL Reports that can assist you in determining if DSL service is available in your area. Simply enter your zip code in the Broadband Availability box and click 'Go'.

To check BellSouth for DSL availability click here: Bellsouth DSL Then click on 'Find an ISP'. EarthLink is a national provider of DSL services. Click here to check availability: Earthlink DSL

Cable Modem
Cable Modem access is a service provided by your local cable TV provider. The Road Runner Home Page will assist you in determining if cable service is available in your area. Call your local cable provider for details.

Other Items of Importance
Here are some other items that will help to improve your iSqFt experience.

Cookies
When you come to iSqFt.com, our Web server sends a cookie to your computer. A cookie is simply an electronically transmitted file that holds small pieces of information. When you navigate through our Web site, your browser "requests" pages for you to view, and that request will include the information stored in the cookie we previously sent to your computer. This process is like an electronic "handshake" between our web site and your browser; the information exchanged allows us to recognize your browser. This is how we recall saved searches and remember your last visited plan room, among other things.

Cookies do not identify your personal information, only your browser. We are very careful about the security and confidentiality of the information we send through persistent cookies. We do not, however, store account numbers or passwords in persistent cookies.

Email and Fax
Email and fax are the primary method's that iSqFt uses to communicate with our subscribers. You will receive an occasional email or fax from us regarding new features, system maintenance times, and other important announcements. It is very important that you enter and keep up-to-date your email address and fax number in your iSqFt profile page.

Additionally, General Contractor to subcontractor/supplier communications such as Invite to Bid notices, project update postings, and addenda updates are all done via email and fax.

Security
iSqFt utilizes two levels of security on our site: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Data Encryption to provide the highest commercially available security. Secure Socket Layer is a method of sending private documents through the Internet by using a private key to encrypt the information. Encryption is the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that enables you to decrypt it.

Corporate Firewalls / Proxy Servers
Many companies have internal private networks called firewalls that restrict connections to external secure web sites. If you are unable to connect to secure web sites, please consult your system administrator for assistance. In addition, some corporations and ISP's use 'proxy' servers that 'cache', or temporarily store, web pages to provide faster service. If you are connected to the Internet through a proxy server, the web pages you see may not contain the most recent data. Proxy servers may also cause sporadic connection problems.

XML 4.0
Microsoft has updated the XML component of Windows to version 4.0. This is a required install in order to view project listing on iSqFt.

Windows ME, 95, 98 Users Click here to download the required Microsoft Installer Update prior to installing the XML Update. (1.2 MB)
Select 'Run From This Location' when prompted.

Windows NT, 2000, XP Users Click here to download the required Microsoft Installer Update prior to installing the XML Update. (1.3MB)
Select 'Run From This Location' when prompted.

Click here to download the Microsoft XML 4.0 Update. (4.5MB)
Select 'Run From This Location' when prompted. This may require you to re-boot your computer.

MDAC
Microsoft has updated a component of the Windows Operating System called the 'Microsoft Data Access Component'. This is a key component required to use iSqFt and may be installed by clicking here: Install MDAC

Microsoft Virtual Machine
Microsoft Virtual Machine (Microsoft VM) is Microsoft's implementation of Java and is compatible with several of the features on iSqFt. You can check to see if you have Microsoft VM installed by opening Internet Explorer and clicking Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and scrolling down to Multimedia. If you have Microsoft VM installed it will be the next heading with an icon above Multimedia. You will need to install the Virtual Machine Update if you have an older version of Microsoft VM installed, but if you have no heading for Microsoft VM you will need to install the Base Installation.

Select the correct version below and click Run or Open when prompted. You may be required to re-boot your computer after the installation finishes.

Click here to download the Microsoft Virtual Machine Update.

Click here to download the Microsoft Virtual Machine Base Installation (not the update) if you do not yet have any version of Microsoft VM installed on the computer.

Click here to download the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Windows 2000 Users.

Speed Test
To test the speed of your current Internet Connection click here: Internet Speedtest

Maximizing IE
Internet Explorer can be 'maximized' on-screen to allow the largest viewable area available by hitting the F11 key. Hitting F11 a second time returns IE to the normal size.

Getting Started
We have added a 'Getting Started' page which will assist you in installing the iSqFt Viewers, other required software, and will provide you with a tutorial on searching for projects. Click here to get started: Getting Started