Technical Requirements ZAPP Technical Requirements
Internet & E-mail (back to top)
In order to apply to shows using ZAPP™, you must use a computer that has Internet access. ZAPP™ works with broadband cable or DSL Internet connections, as well as with a 56k dial-up connection.
You must have an e-mail address to use ZAPP™. If you do not have an e-mail address, establish a free account with Yahoo! or Hotmail.

Hardware (back to top)
To access ZAPP™, you will need a computer, preferably no more than eight years old. You are not required to have a printer.

Software (back to top)
You do not need any special software to access ZAPP™. If you are formatting your own images you will need an image management software. ZAPP™ recommends Photoshop Elements.

Operating System (back to top)
ZAPP™ advises using Windows XP or later for PCs. For Macintosh users, ZAPP™ recommends using MacOS X or later. To check the operating system you have on a PC, right-click on My Computer (usually found on the desktop). A system properties window will appear. Under the General tab, you will find the operating system for your computer. On a Mac, go to the Apple menu and select "About This Mac".

Browser (back to top)
For PC users: ZAPP™ works best with the most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Netscape Navigator. To download the newest version free of charge, choose and click either Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1, Netscape Navigator, or Mozilla Firefox.
For Macintosh users: Internet Explorer is not the optimal Internet browser for a Macintosh environment. If you have a Macintosh computer, use the Safari or Netscape browser. Tip: If you are a Mac user, upload images, complete an application, and choose images in Safari or Netscape. To re-order your images for the jury presentation, use Internet Explorer. Safari and Netscape have an inherent caching issue that does not allow you to re-order your images. Once you have re-ordered your images, you may continue to use Safari or Netscape to submit your application.

AOL Users (back to top)
For AOL users: When the AOL welcome screen displays, minimize the window and open Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Safari or Mozilla Firefox to access ZAPP™. Do not use AOL's Internet browser to access ZAPP™. AOL's security features will not allow you to correctly submit an application. If you use AOL to access the Internet, minimize the welcome screen and open an independent browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape.
If you use AOL dial-up Internet connection using TopSpeed™ Acceleration, be aware that images viewed on the ZAPP™ Web site will appear blurry. TopSpeed™ Acceleration reduces image quality because this system tries to speed up the user experience by duplicating each graphic and displaying them at a lower resolution. The original image uploaded into ZAPP™ will not be affected. Only images used for management purposes in your image bank are affected. However, ZAPP™ recommends that you do not use AOL TopSpeed™ Acceleration.
This problem can be addressed by deactivating TopSpeed™ when you use ZAPP™.
To turn off TopSpeed™:
1. Click Settings on the AOL Toolbar.
2. Click Internet (Web) Options on the Essentials tab.
3. De-select TopSpeed.

Cookies (back to top)
Cookies must be enabled if you choose to use ZAPP™. A cookie is a small amount of data that a Web site temporarily stores on the hard drive of your personal computer. ZAPP™ will use a cookie to log information from your application so that your Internet browser can save and display your application information correctly. When you logout of ZAPP™, the cookie is automatically deleted. If you have disabled cookies, you must enable them before accessing ZAPP™.


How to Enable Cookies (back to top)
For PC Users:
  1. Internet Explorer 6.x :
    1. Open INTERNET EXPLORER.
    2. Select the TOOLS menu and then click INTERNET OPTIONS.
    3. Select the PRIVACY tab.
    4. Set the slider to the medium level to enable cookies.
    5. You may also click the ADVANCED button and see how cookies are handled from the presented options.
  2. Internet Explorer 5.x:
    1. Open INTERNET EXPLORER.
    2. Select the TOOLS menu and then click INTERNET OPTIONS.
    3. Select the Security tab, then click the button labeled CUSTOM LEVEL.
    4. Scroll down to COOKIES and select the medium level of security from the presented options.
  3. Internet Explorer 4.x
    1. Open INTERNET EXPLORER.
    2. Select the VIEW menu and then click INTERNET OPTIONS.
    3. Select the ADVANCED tab.
    4. Scroll down to SECURITY and then select COOKIES.
    5. Select the medium level of security from the presented options.
  4. Netscape 4.x
    1. Open NETSCAPE.
    2. Select the EDIT menu and then click PREFERENCES.
    3. Scroll down to ADVANCED.
    4. Select the medium level of cookie acceptance from the COOKIES options.

For MAC Users:
  1. Internet Explorer 5.x:
    1. Open INTERNET EXPLORER.
    2. Click EDIT and select the PREFERENCES option.
    3. Under the RECEIVING FILES option, select COOKIES.
    4. Next to "When receiving cookies:" select the medium level of cookie acceptance.
    5. Click OK to finish.
  2. Netscape 4.x:
    1. Open NETSCAPE.
    2. Select the EDIT menu and then click PREFERENCES.
    3. Scroll down to ADVANCED.
    4. Select the medium level of cookie acceptance from the COOKIES options.
  3. Mozilla:
    1. Open MOZILLA
    2. Select the Edit menu and then click PREFERENCE
    3. Expand PRIVACY AND SECURITY
    4. Choose ENABLE ALL COOKIES.


Child Windows (Pop-ups) (back to top)
Child windows are used frequently in the ZAPP™ system to provide you with important information about a show's application, details or image information. If you have disabled "pop-ups" in your browser, you MUST re-enable them.

Disable content advisor (back to top)
Some content advisors blocks sites that contain images. The ZAPP™ system will contain web-optimizes jpgs of your images. You will need to make sure that the content advisor is not blocking you from accessing your images.
  • Go to Internet Options
  • Select the Content Tab
  • The first item under content is the Content Advisor
  • If your button is showing “DISABLE” this means the content advisor is on. Please click the button to disable the setting. The button will change to “enabled


    Software Updates (back to top)
    Many technical issues can be resolved by updating your software. Several vendors like Microsoft and Adobe offer free software and security updates. Please make sure your computer is current in all of the software updates. If you are using a Windows based machine go to http://www.microsoft.com and click on Microsoft Update. Microsoft will scan your machine for the latest updates and walk you through the updating process.



    • Copyright ZAPPTM Software LLC. All rights reserved.
    Download our ZAPP™ Legal Policies