My internet banking site does not recognise linux as a valid platform.

I've looked through their Javascript code and found that they allow navigator.platform to be only Windows or Mac.

Changing the useragent through about:config in Firefox does not affect the value of the platform returned - it still says Linux.

Is there a setting to override the value of Platform that is returned to the javascript?

Want to try it out: www.hsbc.com.au and click on the link for Internet Banking in the menu on the right.

Disable Javascript?

Personally, I'd find a new bank, but that's just my opinion...

Javascript is required... you get nowhere without it.
Would be a pain to change banks, and no guarentee that another bank would support it. And besides, they have a really good interest rate.

Found a tweak for Firefox

added a string for general.platform.override = Win32

I complained to the bank anyway, but at least I can get in now!

The User Switcher Agent extension works. Following the above link I was able to get to the login screen.(not having an account as far as I can go).

User Agent Switcher Extension on chrispederick.com

I'm amazed. First off, i don't think it's a javascript problem, reason being, i bank with HSBC in the UK and have absolutely no problem with online banking, when i clicked your link though i got the same error as you.

Why this is i don't know, you'll have to ask the bank. Sorry i don't have an answer for you.

Maybe it's just the Australian website then. I looked at the source of the login page. It contains the following javascript... There's no room for anything other than Windows or Mac.


function getPlatform() {
if (navigator.platform.indexOf("Win") > -1 ) return "Win";
if (navigator.platform.indexOf("Mac") > -1 ) return "Mac";
return "neither";
}
function isValidVersionNS(VersionNo)
{
var browserVersion = navigator.appVersion;
var platform = getPlatform();
//Netscape Communicator checking below
if (DoubleByteSupport == true)
{
if ( (platform == "Win") && ( browserVersion.indexOf("Nav") == -1 ) && (parseFloat(VersionNo) >= 4.72) && (parseFloat(VersionNo) < 6.0) )
{return true;}
}
else {
if ( (platform == "Win") && ( browserVersion.indexOf("Nav") == -1 ) && (parseFloat(VersionNo) >= 4.5) && (parseFloat(VersionNo) < 6.0) )
{return true;}
}


if ( (platform == "Mac") && (parseFloat(VersionNo) >= 4.0) && (parseFloat(VersionNo) < 6.0) )
{return true;}

return false;
}
function isValidVersionIE(VersionNo)
{
.
.
.
similar to Netscape checking above

Have a look at hsbc.co.uk and see if you can spot a difference. Seems very strange that the site differs country to country!

P.S.

Great Ashes series, don't you agree?

Unless they made some changes I think you have the older javascript lib. Use the builtin software update checking button (tools -> options) and that should do it.