For optimal and secure use of this application


This site is compatible with version 5.5 (or a more recent version) of Internet Explorer and with version 6.2 (or a more recent version) of Netscape Navigator. For Macintosh users, this site is compatible with version 5.1 (or a more recent version) of Internet Explorer and the 6.2 version of Netscape Navigator. The site may be viewed on Mac, Mozilla, Opera and Safari (MAC). These net browsers may vary in terms of performance and display. Your Web browser may allow use of Java Script. PDF Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed for viewing and printing PDF forms and reports.

The Fonds subscribes to rigorous and strict security standards. It uses the SSL communication protocol to encrypt the data transmitted. Despite these precautions, you must use all the personal security measures we are recommending here. Never give out your password or save it on your computer. We suggest you make a habit of emptying the cache memory of your computer in order to avoid overload and to improve performance. Further browsing and security tips are given below.

System maintenance activities are carried out workdays from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Extranet and Intranet access is not guaranteed during these periods.

Which tools are needed for better browsing?
When is maintenance carried out?
What is the SSL communication protocol (https://)?
What is a firewall?
Why should I use personal security measures?
Should I give out my password?
How can I end a browsing session securely?
Why should I empty cache memory and temporary files?
How do I empty cache memory?

Which tools are needed for better browsing?

 This site is compatible with version 5.5 (or a more recent version) of Internet Explorer and with version 6.2 (or a more recent version) of Netscape Navigator. However, you may also use version 5.0 (or a more recent version) of Internet Explorer, but display quality may be affected. For Macintosh users, this site is compatible with version 5.1 (or a more recent version) of Internet Explorer and the 6.2 version of Netscape Navigator. The site may be viewed on Mac, Mozilla, Opera and Safari (MAC). These net browsers may vary in terms of performance and display. Your Web browser may allow use of Java Script. PDF Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed for viewing and printing the PDF forms and reports generated by our applications, as well as for the electronic CV on the Common CV site.

When is maintenance carried out?

 System maintenance activities are carried out workdays from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Extranet and Intranet access is therefore not guaranteed during these periods.

What is the SSL communication protocol (https://)?

The Fonds subscribes to rigorous and strict security standards for this Web site. The secure portion of our site uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to send information to and from your workstation. The protocol, recognized by the most common Web browsers (Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer), is used to encrypt transmitted data so as to ensure confidentiality while the information travels between our secure site and your workstation Web browser. We recommend you use it every time you access personal and confidential information. You should see " https:// " instead of the usual " http:// ".

The security icon (closed padlock) ensures that data transmission is secure. If the closed padlock does not appear on screen, or if you see an open padlock, secure transmission of your transaction is not guaranteed and a third party could intercept it.

The location of the icon may differ depending on the Web browser. In Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator 6 and 7, the security icon is in the status bar located at the bottom right of the screen. In Netscape Navigator 4.7, the icon is in the navigation bar in the upper part of the screen or in the lower left corner.

What is a firewall?

Access to our site is protected by a firewall, which is a security device that screens requests for access to an Internet site so as to filter out all intruders.

Why should I use personal security measures?

Despite these precautions, you must use all the personal security measures we are recommending here in order to maintain optimal security when you navigate our site or any other Internet site. There may be a risk of intrusion or use of your data on your station. Risk increases when you use a public computer.

Should I give out my password?

Never give out your password or save it on your computer.

How can I end a browsing session securely?

Make sure to End as soon as you are through using the on-line service or if your station is left unsupervised. Always use the End button or equivalent to exit the application safely. These precautions are doubly important when you share a computer with other users.

We recommend that you close your Web browser when the session is over. This helps to prevent entry of any intruders.

Why should I empty cache memory and temporary files?

Cache memory is temporary memory where your computer locally stores the information you accessed during a session. When you call up this information, the computer extracts it from cache memory rather than from the site or origin. This way, cache memory speeds up display of the information you access while browsing.

Consequently, when a session is over, cache memory may contain personal information. In addition, this temporary memory can become overloaded after several hours of browsing. We suggest you make a habit of emptying the cache memory of your computer in order to protect the confidentiality of this information and to prevent overload, especially when you access the secure zone of our site and when ending each session. By regularly emptying cache memory, workstation performance will be optimal.

How do I empty cache memory?

Updated on December 16, 2004