Web Pages that Block Linux

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Contents

The Problem

Some web pages block GNU/Linux users, notably Turbotax Online http://turbotax.intuit.com/. Also, Gmail will not accept alternative browsers like Konqueror. (The easiest solution for Turbotax is to bypass the main page, see below).

Solutions

Change the "user agent" reported by your browser.

Firefox

1. Install the "User Agent Switcher" plugin, https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/59. Here are some instructions on setting it up for Turbotax. http://www.shaftek.org/blog/2005/01/18/making-turbotaxcom-work-on-linux/ In these instructions, replace "Firefox 1.0" with "Firefox 2.0" (it occurs more than once).

2. Or, use about:config to change the settings of Firefox. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/TurboTaxOnline

Konqueror

The "Configure Konqueror" menu item allows you to change the browser identification. For me, this doesn't help with Turbotax Online. However, it does help with Gmail.

Use Wine

Download the Windows version of Firefox and run it under Wine.

Help For Specific Pages

Turbotax Online http://turbotax.intuit.com/

Bypass the main page

Go to this page to bypass the system check. https://turbotaxweb.turbotaxonline.intuit.com/open/registration/Start.htm

Use Epiphany

In this browser, the "System Requirements" page will show up with a button that says "proceed anyway".

No luck with Konqueror

I can't make Konqueror work with Turbotax Online.

Gmail http://mail.google.com

Change your browser's identification to Firefox or Internet Explorer, using the instructions at the top.

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