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 –

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

• Javascript
• Cookies
• 128-bit SSL
• Java is required for some online services

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.

To ensure high security of the payment transactions and authentication process, you must use one of the combinations of operating systems and browsers listed above to access those services. When a new operating system or browser is released to the public, the Government needs to test the compatibility of the new operating system or browser with the online services. Sometimes, we also need to modify the online services to resolve compatibility issues arising from such new operating system or browser. Therefore, it may take us a few months to modify and test the online services to ensure they function properly on a new operating system or browser.

In addition, to use an online service that involve payment and authentication, you need to have Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed. 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.

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 need to log on Windows with a "standard user" account before using the online service

In some cases, for technical reasons and to ensure that the service can operate correctly, an individual GovHK online service may require some specific operating systems, browsers or system configurations that are different from the list above. In such cases, the requirements will be stated in the entry page and the FAQs of that online service.

We have received reports that some particular versions of software may not work 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.