Hello,

I've recently chosen to move to Linux Mandrake 10 from Microsoft Windows.

However, I can't access my bank account unless I'm using Microsoft Internet Explorer - which means I have to use Microsoft Windows. I've tried to use the default browser and change the settings that are supposed to make certain sites beleive that it is actually Internet Explorer.

I still have no luck getting in. It says my browser is not accepting cookies properly, but of course I've allowed ALL cookies from any site so that's not it.

Obviously, no luck getting the bank to change their end.

try using mozilla or firefox. anyway, you may have to just bite the bullet and use IE to access your banks crappy website.

Use Firefox, and get the User Agent Switcher Extension, and switch the User Agent to IE6 for Windows, then reload the webpage. I've never had any problems with Firefox not being able to access something.
Although, like megaspaz said, you may have to use IE. There are still a couple IE-only things because people are stupid and design websites which are optimized for the worst browser, with the most security holes.

I would post something, but the two above me sum it up.

Try using Opera, I had a bank site that insisted on IE but Opera set to identify as IE worked.

mark

You should also email your bank and let them know that their web page is non-compliant with W3C standards. I doubt they are purposely trying to isolate customers. Threaten to change banks, if enough people do this maybe they will get the hint.

Or kill Bill Gates?

I doubt that would solve this problem in the short run.

It would help vent frustration, therefore clearing your thoughts so that you may take a new look at your problem. And it would do loads of good in the long run too.

As said above, get latest Mozilla Firefox from www.mozilla.org. Install and run it. Then go to
"Tools" -> "Preferences" -> "Web Features" and check that selection "Allow web sites to install software" is checked.

Then go to "Tools" -> "Extensions" -> "Get more extensions". This should take you to Firefox extensions website. Locate the mentioned "User agent switcher" and click on install. Say yes to everything and all should go well.

After restarting Firefox you can change the browser to identify as MSIE 6.0 from "Tools" -> "User agent switcher".

I have never had any problems with this extension. And it actually works (for me) unlike the similar tool in Opera.

Nevertheless, I think you should complain to the bank about their web pages.

or you could run IE using wine

My 2 cents: Take your business elsewhere, and make certain that you call attention to the reason you're leaving. As riteme909 suggested, send a message to the branch manager, the regional director, and the CEO. but I'd also tell them that you simply do not feel comfortable using software that is known to be riddled with security flaws for your banking transactions, and ask them how they can justify their insistence on *requiring* their customers to use insecure software.

I don't mean to come across as anti-Microsoft but until their big corporate clients start demanding better quality control and better software, things are unlikely to change, and the only way for the big corporate clients to get the message is for their customers (ie, you and me) to complain. -- J.W.

I thought there is a firefox extension, IEview?
A reporter mentioned this, so I don't know how
good it is. Maybe you want to try it.

Sheng-Chieh

The IEView Extension adds an entry in the context menu that says "View Page in IE." When you click on that, it opens up the current page in IE. That's all it does. Obviously that does nothing for Linux users, who certainly don't have IE.