Unless otherwise stated in the individual online services, all GovHK online services have been tested for the following combinations of popular operating systems and browsers –

Table 1: Tested operating systems and browsers

Note: Compatibility tests on Windows 7 and Safari have been completed. We have identified a few compatibility issues for some online services and are making changes to resolve the issues as soon as possible.

In addition to the above, you can use other browsers to access most GovHK online services that do not require online payment or user authentication. For technical reasons, some GovHK online services may require specific operating systems, browsers or system configurations other than those listed above to ensure that the services operate smoothly. In such a case, the requirements will be stated on the entry page and the FAQ of that online service.

In general, to use GovHK online services, you need to enable the following in your browser:

• Javascript
• Cookies
• 128-bit SSL
• Java (for services that require Java)

For Firefox users:

GovHK online services make use of certificates issued by the Hongkong Post but Firefox does not have the Root CA Certificates of Hongkong Post by default. You need to configure your browser to recognise certificates issued by the Hongkong Post. Please see our FAQ ( http://www.gov.hk/en/about/helpdesk/faq/infosec/index.shtml#q3 ) on how to download and install the Hongkong Post Root CA Certificates.

You need to enable TLS (Transport Layer Security) in your browser and Java software in order to pay with PPS.  Please refer to the system requirements set out in the PPS website ( http://www.ppshk.com/hkt/revamp2/English/sys_req_sysConfig.html ). 

To ensure the security of online payments and user authentication (e.g. using digital certificate), you must use one of the combinations of operating systems and browsers listed in table 1 above to access those services. In addition, you need to have Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed.
If you use the e-Cert on your Smart ID card, you need:

• a compatible smart card reader; ( http://www.hongkongpost.gov.hk/product/eproduct/reader/index.html )
• Hongkong Post e-Cert Control Manager; ( http://www.hongkongpost.gov.hk/product/download/ctlmgr/index.html )
• Java 5 or 6 (Windows Vista users need to install Java 6 Update 10 or later);
• (Windows Vista users ) to log on Windows with a "standard user" account before using the online service.

When a new operating system or browser is released to the public, the Government needs to conduct compatibility tests to ensure proper function of the online services on the new operating system or browser. When compatibility issues arise, we may need to modify the online services . The whole process of modification and testing may take a few months to complete.

You can download Java at the following links.

• Java for Microsoft Windows and Linux ( http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp )
• Mac OS X: use the Software Update feature in the operating system ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338 )

Sample screen for downloading Java:

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Look for the download button for Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 and select offline installation. Note that the version shown in the sample screen above may not reflect the latest version available for download.  Please call the GovHK Help Desk at 183 5500 in case you need help in downloading Java.

We have received reports that some particular versions of software may have problems when used with GovHK online services.  These software versions are listed in the table below:

We are investigating the problems mentioned above and will update the list when necessary.

If you encounter problems in using a GovHK online service, please report them to the GovHK Help Desk (telephone: (852) 183 5500 or email: enquiry@1835500.gov.hk) together with the exact version of the operating system and browser you are using.