Resizing the window containing a PE session generally causes instability in the browser (freezing or crashing, especially on MacPPC and in Internet Explorer). This is why it is important that the window be correctly sized before PE starts.

The goal is for PE automatically to open a window large enough for optimal and comfortable operation. This is most easily accomplished by leaving the checkbox "Open optimal (large) windows for new sessions" (on PE's FrontDoor) checked. The checked or unchecked status of this checkbox is remembered between PE sessions (with a "cookie").

If you need to make special window sizes or shapes for PE, for example to be able to see two sessions side by side, unchecking the box will give you that capability. (However, for side by side comparisons, try the Comparator mode of PE available from the FrontDoor.)

• If checked: For each new session, PE will open a full-screen window. (If your screen is larger than 1024 x 768 pixels, PE will open a window 1024 x 768 pixels.) Here's why.

• If unchecked: The browser's default will control the window size opened by PE.
  • Netscape's default window size is the size of the last window closed in the previous Netscape session. By "last window" is meant the final window closed, such that after closing it, Netscape is no longer running. On Macintoshes, you must Quit the Netscape application to save the last window size as the default size for windows opened in new sessions.

    The best way to configure Netscape for PE is to start with only a single Netscape window open, at the PE FrontDoor. Uncheck the checkbox "Open optimal (large) windows for new sessions". Now, on Windows, maximize the window (on MacPPC, set it to the desired size) -- here's how. Finally, close that single window (and Quit Netscape on MacPPC). From now on, every PE session will automatically open a maximized window.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer's default window size is always small. Therefore, the best way to use PE is to leave the checkbox checked.

Rationale:
PE needs a window not much less than 1024 x 768 pixels in order to be able to see all the controls clearly laid out, without excessive scrolling. A smaller window makes using PE unnecessarily cumbersome and difficult to use. Enlarging the window after PE has started usually causes instability in the browser (freezing or crashing). This results from interactions between the browser and the plugin Chime, and is beyond our control.

If your screen resolution will be less than 1024 x 768 (e.g. 800 x 600), we recommend reducing the browser's default font sizes to enable PE to fit better in the smaller window.  
How to change the browser's default font sizes:

• Netscape: Open the Edit menu at the very top, and select Preferences. Under Appearance, click Fonts. Change both font sizes (variable and fixed) to 8. Click OK. Now try PE. If the fonts are too small, try size 9 or 10.

• Microsoft's Internet Explorer: Open the View menu at the very top, and use the Text Size option to try a smaller font size.

• Windows: if your Netscape is not full-screen, you'll see this icon near the upper right. Click on it. When you see this icon it means the window is full-screen.

• Macintosh: Drag the upper left corner of your Netscape window close to the upper left of your screen. Drag the lower right corner of your Netscape window close to the lower right of the screen.