Web Browser Tricks and Tips

Every now and then you might notice that a website doesn't work. This article provides tricks and tips so you can focus on what's important.

Tip: Private Window

Use a private window to rule out temporary data issues caused by web browser caching, and account related issues such as signing in with the wrong account.

• If it works, then this means that the issue can most likely be fixed by clearing your cache.
• If it does not work, you avoid re-signing into all of your accounts again.

The steps vary depending on the web browser and platform. There are specific guides available for:

• Microsoft Edge (preferred): Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome: Browse In Incognito mode
• Firefox: Firefox private browsing mode
• Safari: Browse privately in Safari on Mac
• Brave: What is a Private Window

For more information see Private (incognito) window for a general overview of how private windows work.

Avondale's preferred web browser is Microsoft Edge due to its compatability and corporate features.

Trick: Clear Cache

Websites store data while you navigate the web. This enables them to work and makes sites faster. For an overview of web browser caches see How to manage and clear your cache and cookies.

The steps to clear your cache vary by web browser and platform:

• Microsoft Edge (preferred): View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome: Clear cache & cookies
• Firefox: Clear cookies and site data in Firefox
• Safari: Clear your cache and cookies in Safari on Mac
• Brave: How do I clear cookies and site data in Brave?

Follow steps in the relevant link for your web browser.

Trick: How to change which account you sign in with.

Your Avondale account is a Microsoft Work or School account. If you work or study at another organisation, or have a Microsoft personal account (@live.com email), you might be unable to sign into some websites using your Avondale account.

There are a few strategies for working with this and each have the advantages and disadvantages.

• Signing in with a new Private Window. See our tip above.
• Switching to another account. See Microsoft: Switch organizations in your work or school account portal for details about switching accounts.
• Using browser profiles, which is an advanced feature.

Tip: General Troubleshooting

Below are triaging steps for understanding an issue with a web browser. This is a sketch and not full instructions, however this may be helpful for some people. If you need help, please keep in mind that you can contact us. See our support page for contact details and support hours.

Web browsers are made up of:

• Internet connection, including wifi, VPNs, and your location.
• Browser Session, including the window, tab, and web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox).
• User Account, including any accounts you are currently signed into (Avondale account, personal email address, Facebook, and anything else.)

The general idea is to change a single setting and test whether the issue still occurs. The more tests the more information you have to understand which part stopped working.

Internet Connection:

1. Does using a different wifi network allow the website to work?
2. Which country does Google Maps think your device is located in?
3. Does it work with your VPN turned off?

Browser Session:

1. Does the website work in a different web browser?
2. Does it work in a Private/InPrivate/Incognito window?
3. Does it work after quitting the browser and opening it again?

User Account:

1. Which accounts are you signed into?
2. Does signing out and back in again work?
3. Does someone elses account work?

Answering these questions can be very helpful and will often either lead to the solution or enable Tech Services to give a speedy response.