GAME FAQs

Q: How do I download and install the Flash plug-in?

A: When you click on one of the episode hyperlinks, our web site will check to see if the Flash 8.0 plug-in is installed on your computer. If it is not detected, you will be provided with a link to Adobe's web site to obtain the Flash plug-in. You may also visit Adobe's web site for help in getting and installing the plug-in.

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Q: All I see is a black screen and the game doesn't load.
    What can I do?

A: There are three typical reasons for this technical issue:

1) you may not have the most recent Flash Player installed (try downloading the Adobe Flash plug-in from Adobe's web site);

2) your connection to the internet has stalled or failed (we recommend waiting a short time and then try to login again); or

3) your cache is storing a previous version of the game that may be interfering with the login sequence (trying clearing your browser's cache and then login again).

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Q: I am stuck in the game. Where can I find hints?

A: To find hints while playing the game, scroll up to the top of the 'Having Difficulty?' window and select "Case Walkthrough."

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Q: Nothing happens when I click on things. What is going on?

A: Try to close all other open tabs or windows in your browser, especially when you're using Firefox.

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Q: I don't see the tray containing tools, clues, and evidence.
    How can I access it?

A: The tray for tools, clues, and evidence is at the very bottom of the game window. Depending on your screen resolution, you may not see it. Try changing your screen resolution so the entire game window is visible.

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Q: Why does the animation seem to move slowly?

A: There are a lot of factors that can be the cause of The CSI Web Adventures playing slowly. Most often, it is the speed of the Internet connection and the speed of the computer playing the animation. Different computers handle graphics and sound in different ways.

We try to find a happy medium between slow computers and faster ones by building our base movie files at a size that will play at nearly full screen dimensions using an 1024x768 screen resolution. If your computer's monitor is set to this resolution or higher, and you are still experiencing slow animation, check the minimum system recommendations below.

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Q: What are the recommended system requirements for
   the CSI Web Adventures?

A: To experience The CSI Web Adventures, you must have the Flash Player 8.0 (or higher) installed on your computer and a valid Internet connection. If you need this plug-in, you may download it from Adobe's web site. Follow the simple instructions provided to download and install the plug-in. Once this is done, you are ready to begin your adventure!


PLATFORMS

Because CSI uses Flash animation to keep file sizes small, it will run efficiently on the variety of computer platforms found in homes and schools. Our suggested minimum requirements for platforms are:

Apple Macintosh computers running Mac OS X (version 10.2 or higher)

- OR -

Pentium-Class computers running Windows 98 (or higher)
For better performance, use a computer with at least 256 MB of memory (RAM).

BROWSERS

Although many web browsers are satisfactory for use with the CSI Web Adventures web adventures, we have found that the following browsers offer the most optimal viewing experience:

Internet Explorer version 7.0 or higher
Mozilla Firefox version 3.0 or higher
Safari version 3.0 or higher
Opera version 7.0 or higher

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Q: Can I stop in the middle of an episode and come back to the same
    place later?

A: Yes. If you are logged in, the game will save your
progress automatically when you exit the game. If you
play as a guest, click on "SAVE YOUR GAME" on the top
of the gameplay window. Create an account and save
your game.

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Q: How do I get in touch with you?

A: As a service to the community, the Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP) is now hosting Web Adventures. Unfortunately, RUSMP will not be able to provide technical support for the site. We want you to continue to enjoy exploring the games. We hope to add additional games in the future.

For more information about RUSMP, visit us at https://rusmp.rice.edu.

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Q: How long does it take to play?

A: Each case of the CSI Web Adventures is designed to be played in one sitting of approximately 45-60 minutes. The player can control the speed of the game and stop along the way.

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Q: Where can I find links to other websites about forensics?

A: You can jump to the Cool Links section right now! Enjoy the many informative and fun web sites.

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Q: Is this site safe for children?

A: This site complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. We neither collect nor publish personal information about site visitors. Feedback from users submitted to the site may be published at our discretion on our comments page, but we do not reveal user names or email addresses.

If you have concerns about child safety on the internet, you may find the following sites useful:
Federal Bureau of Investigation Kid Saftey Tips - Tips for children about the internet and talking to strangers. Disney.com Online Safety - A parent's guide to talking with children about online safety and privacy. Cyberbullying - Information about "cyberbullying", abusive behavior on the internet.

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