Minimum Computer Requirements

Since January 18, 2009 the level of supported operating systems, browsers and Java Virtural Machines has changed.

To ensure that you have uninterrupted access to Service Canada's online services, please review the information below and make any necessary updates to your computer. If your system configuration and settings are not compatible and you choose not to upgrade or change them, you may be unable to access Service Canada's online services. For information on Access Key minimum requirements, please go to https://spte2.cledacces-accesskey.gc.ca/eng/fq-05.html.

Here are the new minimum computer requirements in order to use Service Canada's online services successfully.

Operating systems

Refer to your browser "Help" for information on your browser's version. If required, click on the appropriate link to download the latest version of Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox. In addition, please ensure that SSL 3.0, Java Virtual Machine (JVM), JavaScript and Cookies are enabled.

Note: Most browsers have SSL, Cookies and JavaScipt enabled Please note that other non-recommended configurations may allow you to access My Service Canada Account, but you may not have access to all available features. In addition, some operating systems (e.g. Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 92) are no longer supported by epass Canada and Access Key.


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If you are using a Windows operating system:

  • Windows 2000;
  • Windows XP Home;
  • Windows XP Professional;
  • Windows Vista Home;
  • Windows Vista Enterprise (32 bit);
  • Windows 7.

With the following browser:

  • Internet Explorer 6.0 +; or
  • Internet Explorer 7.0 +; or
  • Firefox 2.0.0.9 +.

We recommend you use Sun JVM 1.6.0_03 or higher.


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If you are using a Mac operating system:

  • Mac OS X version 10.4; or
  • Mac OS X version 10.5.

With the following browser:

  • Safari 2.0.4; or
  • Safari 3.0.4.

We recommend you use the Apple JVM 1.5.0_13 or higher.


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If you are using a Linux operating system:

  • Red Hat Fedora Core 8; or
  • Ubuntu 7.1.

With the following browser:

  • Firefox 2.0.0.6 +.

We recommend you use the Sun JVM 1.6.0_03 or higher.


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What is a Virtual Machine (VM) or a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and why do I need it installed on my computer?

The Sun Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and the Apple Java Virtual Machine (JVM) are specific types of software programs written to process Java instructions. Many software applications use the Java programming language to take advantage of advanced features.

Service Canada's online services use the Java programming language. A Java Virtual Machine must be installed on your computer and enabled in your browser options for epass Canada and Access Key to function properly.

To help you use our services, epass and Access Key use Java technology that is active only while you are online. This requires that the Apple Java Virtual Machine (JVM) or the Sun Java Virtual Machine (JVM) be installed and enabled for you to interact with our Web site.


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How do I verify my version of Java Virtual Machine?

Service Canada's online services support the following JVM:

  • IBM JVM
  • Sun JVM; or
  • Apple JVM.


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Microsoft users

If your JVM version is lower than 1.6.0_3, please download Sun JVM 1.6.0_03 or higher.

  • Click on the “Start” button and select the “Control Panel” option
  • Click on the “Java” icon
  • In the “General” tab, click on the “About” button, his will indicate the version of Sun Java you are currently running

Alternatively, go to Java's website and follow these steps :

  • Click on Do I have Java?
  • Click on Verify Java Version.
  • Following will be a report of the Java version that was detected in your system as well as a recommendation for download if a newer version exists.

Enabling JVM

Sun JVM (required for Windows XP)

Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.

  • Select Internet Options.
  • Select Advanced tab.
  • Scroll down to Java (Sun).
  • Select Use JRE.
  • Click OK on the Internet Options window.

IBM JVM

  • Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Internet Options.
  • Select Advanced tab.
  • Scroll down to Java (IBM).
  • Select Use Java.
  • Click OK on the Internet Options window.


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Mac users

If your JVM version is lower than 1.5.0_13 please download Apple JVM 1.5.0_13 or higher.

  • Click on Applications.
  • Click onUtilities.
  • Click on Java.
  • Open Java Preferences. This will indicate the version(s) your computer is using.


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What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a scripting language that works primarily on Web pages. Our web services require that JavaScript is enabled.


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How do I enable JavaScript?

These instructions are for Windows or Macintosh operating system browsers. If you are using another operating system such as Linux or Solaris, please see your browser's help file for instructions on how to change your settings.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and 7.0

  • Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Internet Options.
  • Select Security tab.
  • Select Custom Level.
  • Scroll down to Scripting:
    • Under Active Scripting select Enable.
    • Under Scripting for Java Applets select Enable.
  • Click OK on the Security Settings window.
  • Click OK on the Internet Options window.

After correcting your browser settings, please close your browser for the new settings to take effect.

Firefox 2.0.0.6, 2.0.0.7 and 2.0.0.9

  • Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Options on the menu.
  • Select Content.
  • Check (Check mark) Enable Java.
  • Check (Check mark) Enable JavaScript.
  • Click OK on the Options window.

After correcting your browser settings, please close your browser for the new settings to take effect.

Safari 2.0.4 and 3.0.4

  • Select Safari from the browser menu bar.
  • Select Preferences on the menu.
  • Select Security tab.
  • Where it says Web Content select the following:
  • Enable plug-ins.
  • Enable Java.
  • Enable JavaScript.

After correcting your browser settings, please close your browser for the new settings to take effect.


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A cookie is a small file that is placed on your computer to link information from one screen to another while you are using a Web site or online service.
The cookie does not collect any personal information about you or take any information from your computer. The cookie is deleted from your computer once you exit the service.


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How do I enable cookies?

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and 7.0

  • Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Internet Options.
  • Select Privacy tab.
  • Select Medium setting (recommended).
  • Click OK on the Internet Options window.

Firefox 2.0.0.6, 2.0.0.7 and 2.0.0.9

  • Select Tools from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Options on the menu.
  • Select Privacy.
  • Select Cookies.
  • Check (Check mark) Accept Cookies from sites.
  • Click OK on the Options window.

After correcting your browser settings, please close your browser for the new settings to take effect.

Safari 2.0.4 and 3.0.4

  • Select Safari from the browser Menu bar.
  • Select Preferences on the menu.
  • Select Security tab.
  • Where it says Accept Cookies select either Always or Only from sites you navigate to.

After correcting your browser settings, please close your browser for the new settings to take effect.


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Disclaimer 

These links are provided as references to help you identify and locate other Internet resources that may be of interest. These other sites were independently developed by parties other than the Government of Canada, and the Government of Canada does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of the information contained at such sites. In providing links to other sites, the Government of Canada is in no way acting as a publisher or disseminator of the material contained on those other sites and does not seek to control the content of, or maintain any type of editorial control over, such sites. A link to another site should not be construed to mean that the Government of Canada is affiliated or associated with, or is legally authorized to use any trademark, trade name, logo or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the link or the description of the link to such other sites.

The mention of another party or its product or service on the Site should not be construed as an endorsement of that party or its product or service.

The Government of Canada cannot, and does not, provide any warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of the information contained in other Web sites; nor does the Government of Canada provide any express or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability and non-infringement.