Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

• How can I use a OpenWebSchool lesson on my PC without being connected to the internet (Download)?
• Which browsers are supported?
• How are the different lessons classified (class levels)?
• Why do you use JavaScript?
• What are CGI scripts?
• I have a lesson, a game or something else I want to contribute to the OpenWebSchool. How can I do this?
• If I press the "Schließen" or "Close" button, I get a message saying "Close window _blank?" or "The Web page you are viewing is trying to close the window. Do you want to close this window?". What does this mean?
• I have a question, but couldn't find an answer here.

How can I use a OpenWebSchool lesson on my PC without being connected to the internet (Download)?

Each page viewed to you by your browser can be saved to your hard disk by just selecting "File - Save as ..." from the menubar. For example if you saved this file under "C:\Temp\Test.html", you can load it to your browser by typing the HTTP address "file:///C|Temp/Test.html". Please notice that 3 slashes between "file:" and your drive letter are needed and there must be a "|" after the drive letter (not a ":").

You can download the whole OpenWebSchool as a self-extracting zipped file as well. Read >more< about this.

Which browsers are supported?

We try hard to develop the programs of the OpenWebSchool such that they can run on any browser. However, this does not always work. Especially, older and more exotic browsers may have difficulties with our programs.

Our programs are tested with Internet Explorer 5.5, with Netscape Communicator 4.77 and with Opera 5.11 (under Windows NT 4.0).

If you encounter difficulties with your browser, please try to install the latest version. Otherwise, please send an e-mail with your problem. We will try to help you.

How are the different lessons classified (class levels)?

The classification is done by German school standards and to our own estimate. If different class levels were possible for one lesson, the lesson is placed in the lower class level. For example if a lesson is interesting for class level 2 and 3, you will find the lesson in the second class level.

Why do you use JavaScript?

Only JavaScript makes it possible that all programs of the OpenWebSchool can be downloaded (see Download) to a PC and to run them there without being connected to the Internet all the time. Furthermore, JavaScript has the advantage that everybody who has access to a PC with a browser can write programs for the OpenWebSchool. And that without installing extra software for that!

What are CGI scripts?

CGI scripts are programs running on an internet server. In comparision, HTML scripts (mostly written in JavaScript) are programs, which are downloaded with the whole page from the internet server and executed on your system. CGI scripts run on the internet server to create and modify the pages you will see. These scripts can be written in different programming languages, e.g. Perl. With CGI scripts, you can solve more complex problems like accessing a database, sending emails, generating graphics and so on. Most of online applications like auctions, online shopping or online communities are implemented with CGI scripts.

I have a lesson, a game or something else I want to contribute to the OpenWebSchool. How can I do this?

Please send your HTML page by email to us with some more information like:

• For which class level is your lesson?
• Which short description should we add to the content folder?
• Who can be contacted (name and email address), if there are any open questions about the lesson left?
• You should also state, that we are allowed to add your lesson to the OpenWebSchool.

We will try to integrate your lesson as fast as possible. If we have done this, we will send you a notification with the official designation of your lesson.

If I press the "Schließen" button, I get a message saying "Close window _blank?" or "The Web page you are viewing is trying to close the window. Do you want to close this window?". What does this mean?

This is a message of your browser and can be ignored. Just click [Yes] or [OK].

I have a question, but couldn't find an answer here.

Write to us: Wilfried Römer and/or Hans-Peter Prenzel. We will answer you as soon as possible.