The modern version of PC*Miler Web is built to run on any desktop web browser. However, keeping your browser up to date, with the correct settings and free of unnecessary extensions, can help ensure the best possible speed and performance from PC*Miler.
We recommend the following:
- Update to the latest version of your browser
- Avoid unnecessary extensions on your PC*Miler browser
- Identify WebGL errors
- Fix WebGL errors
Update to the latest version of your browser
The latest browsers have up-to-date security patches that protect against new threats, and often come with performance improvements, making web pages load faster and run more efficiently. You can update most browsers by navigating to the browser's About {Browser Name} screen.
Most browsers prompt you update your browser if it is not already up to date. For example, Google Chrome users see this message when they navigate to the Main Menu (three dots in the top right corner) > Settings > About Chrome.
Avoid unnecessary extensions on your PC*Miler browser
Browser extensions, also called plugins, can significantly impact browser performance by increasing memory and CPU usage, slowing page load times, and potentially causing crashes. With PC*Miler Web, we recommend that you:
- Use only essential plugins.
- Regularly update plugins to their latest versions.
For example, Google Chrome users can view and manage extensions by navigating to the Main Menu (three dots in the top right corner) >Extensions > Manage Extensions. Select Remove to delete any extensions you are not using.
Identify WebGL errors
PC*Miler maps are rendered using WebGL, a modern way of generating dynamic 3D graphics using JavaScript. If you encounter a WebGL initialization error, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:
- Unsupported browser or version: Ensure you are using a browser that supports WebGL. The latest versions of most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) support WebGL.
- Outdated graphics drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers may not support the necessary features for WebGL.
- Hardware acceleration disabled: WebGL requires hardware acceleration to be enabled in your browser settings. Check your browser settings to ensure hardware acceleration is enabled.
- Blocked by browser settings or extensions: Some browser settings or extensions block WebGL. Try disabling extensions or resetting browser settings to default.
- Compatibility issues: Some older graphics hardware may not fully support WebGL. Check if your hardware meets the necessary requirements.
- Security policies: Certain security policies, especially in enterprise environments, may block WebGL. Check with your IT department if this might be the case.
Fix WebGL errors
A few tips to troubleshoot and resolve WebGL errors:
- Check browser compatibility: Ensure your browser version supports WebGL by visiting a WebGL test page, such as WebGL Report.
- Update graphics drivers: Download and install the latest graphics drivers for your hardware.
- Enable hardware acceleration:
- Chrome: Go to Settings > System and toggle on Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Firefox: Go to Options > General and under Performance, check Use recommended performance settings and Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Edge: Go to Settings > System and toggle on Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Disable extensions: Temporarily disable all extensions to see if one of them is causing the issue.
- Reset browser settings: Reset your browser to its default settings to rule out any misconfigurations.
- Check security software: Ensure that your security software is not blocking WebGL.