Proxy Service Home Page

Proxy Server Setup Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Known Service Problems
(Macintosh users, IE 4 or IE 5 users please read)

Troubleshooting Checklist

Resources that are unavailable through the Proxy Server

Proxy Server Problem Report Form

1. Be sure your browser supports Automatic Proxy Configuration. If not, please download and install one of the following browsers:

   • Download Netscape 7.x, 6.x or 4.x (all platforms).
   • Download Mozilla or Mozilla Firefox (all platforms).
   • Download Internet Explorer 6.x or 5.5 (Microsoft Windows only).
   • Download Safari (Macintosh OSX only)

   Please note: No version of Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Macintosh supports Automatic Proxy Configuration. Mac users are advised to use Netscape or Mozilla, or Safari.

   Safari users: Safari 1.2 supports Automatic Proxy Configuration under Mac OS 10.3.2. Earlier versions of Safari do not support Automatic Proxy Configuration. Furthermore, Safari 1.2 does not interact well with the PIN-authenticating proxy service, so Safari users must use CalNet authentication. There was a problem with Safari 2 under Mac OS 10.4, but that has been fixed in Mac OS 10.4.3.

2. Decide which authentication method you would prefer: CalNet or PIN. CalNet authentication is becoming the standard for a wide variety of UC Berkeley campus applications. However, both forms of authentication provide equal access to the Library's electronic resources.

   • For CalNet authentication, follow the Browser Configuration Instructions for the CalNet Authenticating Proxy Server.

   • For PIN authentication, follow the Browser Configuration Instructions for the PIN Authenticating Proxy Server.

3. To make sure configuration changes have taken effect, exit your current browser session and restart the browser.
    

Browser Setup Installer Programs:   The Workstation Support Services (WSS) group of the campus Information Systems and Technology office (IS&T) has developed installer programs designed to configure the browser for you:

• The installer for Windows is designed to work on systems using versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape and connecting with broadband ISPs like Comcast, or on systems using versions of Netscape and connecting with a dialup ISP. (Internet Explorer with a dialup ISP still requires manual configuration.)

• The installer for Macintosh supports Netscape version 7.x browsers for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.

These programs are available online at WSS's Software site and on the Connecting@Berkeley CD, the campus' internet setup kit. Feedback regarding these new utilities should be sent to the developers in WSS at feedback@cab.berkeley.edu.

Browser Configuration Test Program:   You can test whether your browser is configured correctly for the Library's Proxy Service by running a program available at UC Berkeley Library Proxy Server Browser Configuration Check. This program determines whether your browser has requested the proxy server's automatic configuration script within the very recent past.

Printable Documentation:   The Library distributes a hardcopy document describing the Proxy Service and providing instructions for configuring the browser at reference desks in Doe, Moffitt, and the various branch libraries. That document, UCB Library Proxy Server Service is available here in PDF format (Adobe Acrobat required).