I'm new to this site - what does it offer?

All sorts of things, actually. Take a look throughout the various sections of the forum and you'll see our different discussions on anything ranging from chemistry to international politics. Anybody can start a new discussion - like you did here - or participate in an existing one.

 

We like to think we're the best such science discussion site on the internet

Great thanks - do you know why I cant log in to the chat room?

What happens when you try?

access denied, yet I was able to log in last night

That's odd, I'm able to use it. I'll poke it and see if anything is broken.

Connecting...

Unable to connect : java.security.AccessControlException : access denied (java.net.SocketPermission ircd.oppresses.us resolve)

 

this is the message I get when i try and log into the chatroom......

You have to authenticate the applet when it pops up. You should get a window saying something like "Do you want to authorize this applet to... etc". You should click yes otherwise it won't authorize the applet to connect to the net using the local computer.

still not working but thanks

check your firewall perhaps...

 

Are you trying to use a public internet (library or university?) because they block that type of traffic. My university does, at any rate.

No I'm not using a public internet - but good thought.

Try deleting cookies and temporary (incl. offline content) files.

Thanks Richard it works now and thanks to everyone else who suggested ways to help.....