Getting Started
What do I need to use StoryLife.com?
You’ll need pictures! You can start with
original photographs, pictures from a digital camera or any pictures
stored on your computer, or CDs.
You’ll need a computer with access to the internet. Our website works best with
an up-to-date version of the internet browser such as IE v5.0, Netscape v6.1 or
AOL v7. If you are not sure what version you have, no worries; we will detect
your browser when you go to StoryLife.com and help you download
a new version if needed.
When you are ready to order prints and other products, you’ll need a
credit card.
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My Account
Why do I need to register?
We need to create an account and password for you in order to
store your pictures in a secure, private manner. This ensures that only you
(and people with whom you share online albums) can view your photos online.
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What information is required?
We only require a minimum of information from you such as
your name, email address and a password. We will keep your information private
and will not share with any other marketing companies. For complete
information, view our Privacy Policy.
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How do I change my address or other
account information?
Click on My Albums. You’ll see a new menu across the top.
Click on Account Information. You may review and change your information here.
Click the Update button at the bottom to save your changes.
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Why do I need to register to see the
photos my friend shared with me?
By logging in with your email address and password, we are
able to control access to your friend's online photos and maintain privacy.
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What is the address book?
The address book is a place to store your family and friends’
email addresses so that you can easily share your photos and project creations.
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Preparing your Photos
Can I use regular photos from my film
camera?
Yes, you can use your original photos by getting them
scanned. This will turn them into digital pictures which you can use on your
computer and transfer to StoryLife.com.
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Where can I get my pictures scanned?
Many photo shops and camera stores with "One Hour" processing
service offer print scanning services as well. Most copy centers and print
shops such as Kinkos also offer scanning services. Check your local yellow
pages and give them a call. Ask if they will scan your photographs to JPEG
files and put them on a CD.
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Can I scan my photographs on my home
scanner?
Yes. Set the scanner resolution to 300 dpi. Make sure the
glass is clean and dust free. Gently dust the surface of the photo with a
clean, dry lint-free cloth or an electrostatic duster. Take care not to scratch
to surface. After scanning, look at the image files on your screen, enlarging
as much as possible. If you see white specks, it is probably dust. Re-clean the
scanner glass and the surface of the photo and re-scan.
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Can I use the pictures from a picture CD?
Yes, if they are file type JPEG. Pictures are saved on CDs in
many different file types. If the picture files on your CD are JPEG images, you
will be able to use them on StoryLife.com. To check the file type, insert the
CD into your CD drive, click on Start, then My Computer, and double-click the
CD icon or drive. Now you are viewing the contents of the CD. There may be
folders and programs. Click on the folders and look for the picture files.
Right click a picture file and select Properties. The file type is listed. Look
for File Type: JPG or JPEG or the file extension .jpg.
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Transferring/Uploading Photos
What file types may I upload?
You may only upload JPEG files. These files have the file
extension (.jpg). JPEG files are the most common digital picture files used for
consumer applications.
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What does JPEG mean?
Several years ago, a group of scientists called the Joint
Photographers Expert Group (JPEG) documented a standard compression format for
storing digital pictures. The new standard allowed very large digital files to
be compressed into more manageable sized files. The file extension (.jpg) was
named for this group. Today, the JPEG format has become the industry standard
for storing and transferring digital photos.
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How do I add more photos?
Click on the Add Photos button to copy digital photos from
your computer to StoryLife. Locate your photos on your computer by clicking on
the Browse button. Then select the photo you wish to add and click
"Save". You will want to set up a special folder on your computer to keep
all your photos so that you can remember where they are, or use the My Pictures
folder in Microsoft Windows.
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How do I find the photos on my computer?
Sometimes, this is the hardest part! Take a few minutes to
learn about how the hard drive on your computer is organized and where the
pictures are stored. Just think of it as a kitchen which you have never
visited, and now you are going to make a meal. You would have to go around and
open all of the drawers and cupboards to find what you need.
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How long does it take to transfer the
photos?
The transfer time varies from a few seconds to few minutes
for each picture. It all depends on the file size of the pictures and what kind
of internet connection you are using. Here are some typical upload times:
| File Size |
Transfer Time
56 Kps Dial Up
|
Transfer Time
Cable Access/DSL
|
| 500 Kb |
1 min - 3 mins |
15 secs - 1 min |
| 1 Mb |
2 mins - 6 mins |
30 secs - 2 mins |
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Why is my transfer time longer than the
typical times?
If you are using a telephone dial up connection to the
internet, your actual connection time may be less than your modem is capable.
Even though your modem is capable of connecting at 56 Kps, your telephone
provider may perform at 33 Kps or 28 Kps. Cable connections and DSL connections
may also vary in actual performance for uploading files. Check with your
internet service provider to find out how to improve your upload performance.
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How do I check the image file size?
Go to the folder on your computer where the pictures are
stored. Right Click on the file icon, and select Properties. The file size is
displayed.
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Digital Photo Quality
What is the Print Quality Warning?
When you transfer your pictures to StoryLife, we check the
image file to determine if it can be printed with sufficient resolution for
high print quality.
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What are the green check marks and red X
marks displayed by the print sizes?
The green check mark indicates that the photo will result in
a high quality print. When the photo does not meet the minimum requirements for
the print size, we give you a warning with a red X mark.
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What resolution is needed for high
quality prints?
Our testing has shown that typically 125 pixels per inch
results in excellent photo quality with our printers. That makes it simple: 4 x
125 = 500; 6 x 125 = 750; so a 4"x6" print needs to be at least 500x750 pixels.
The minimum recommended sizes are:
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Print Size
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Minimum File Size
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Wallet 2 ½ x 3 ½
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250x375 |
| 4x6 |
500x750 |
| 5x7 |
625x825 |
| 8x10 |
1000x1250 |
| 8x12 |
1000x1500 |
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Can I order pictures with the red X mark?
Yes, you may order these pictures, and they may suit your
needs. If they look good on your home printer, they will probably be fine.
However, we cannot guarantee that you will be pleased with the print quality.
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How do I check the pixel size of my
pictures?
Open the folder on your computer where the pictures are
stored. Click View, then select Details. Scroll to the right where the
dimensions of pixel height and width of your photo are displayed.
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How can I increase the resolution of my
digital photos?
Once the picture is taken with a digital camera, you can not
increase the resolution. Check the settings on your camera, and select the
highest quality JPEG image.
If you are scanning 4"x6" photographic prints, set the scanner to 300 dpi.
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What are pixels?
Digital photos are made up of tiny dots of color called
pixels. You need about 125 pixels per linear inch to simulate true photographic
quality.
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What if my prints are fuzzy even though
the file size meets the minimum recommendation?
There are many factors which affect print quality in addition
to pixel dimensions. It may be that the file has a high level of JPEG
compression which can result in a fuzzy looking print. Make sure the
compression setting on your digital camera is set to Minimum Compression or
Larger File Size.
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What are the white specs in my digital
photos?
White specs are probably dust which was present during
scanning. If you scanned the photos yourself, learn more about
scanning photos. If the photos are on a photo CD which you purchased
when your film was processed, return the CD to the store along with your
negatives and ask for a new one without dust specks.
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How can I take better digital pictures?
Here are five simple rules to take better pictures with your
digital camera:
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Set the camera resolution to the highest setting. If you have the option to
compress the image more or less, select less jpeg compression. If you have the
option to select smaller or larger file sizes, select larger file sizes.
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Use the flash indoors and outdoors; more light means better pictures.
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Hold the camera steady for a full second after the shutter clicks.
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Move in closer to your subject.
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Use the optical zoom on your camera to get closer to the subject. Be careful
when using "digital zoom"; this feature results in a lower image resolution.
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How can I take a better group photo?
When taking pictures of groups of people, try to get all of
their faces a similar distance to your camera. Rather than positioning in a
straight line, move the outside people closer in a semi-circular fashion. They
will be in better focus.
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Working with Albums
What is the Shoebox?
The shoebox is a special folder in your account where you can
keep unfinished projects or photos which you have not sorted into an album. We
will automatically save your finished projects in the shoebox in case you
forget to save them.
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How many photos can I store in my albums?
You may store up to 100 megabytes (MB) free in your StoryLife
account. Typical digital pictures vary between 0.5 to 1.0 MB, so the typical
customer may store about 30-60 photos free of charge. You may also purchase an
additional 100 MB for $19.95 per year.
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How do I start a new album?
Click on the My Albums tab of StoryLife.com. Notice the
control panel which is located on the left side of the page. You may create new
albums in the bottom control box "Create Album".
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How do I move my pictures to a different
album?
Click on the My Albums tab. In the left control panel, click
on the album where the pictures are located. Click on Manage Album. Notice the
little boxes under each photo. When you click the box, the photo is selected.
You may select more than one at a time, or “select all” by clicking the box at
the bottom of the page (don’t forget to scroll down to see all of your photos).
After selecting the photos you wish to move, choose the destination album in
the drop down menu of the left control panel. Then click Move. To view the new
album, click on View Albums.
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Can I store my project in an album?
Yes, you may save your projects in any album or in your
shoebox. If the project is finished, we have saved it in the shoebox. You may
move your project to another album the same way you move
pictures to a different album.
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Can I share my greeting card or project
by email?
Yes, you may share the project by sharing the entire album.
The project will appear along with all of the photos in the album. If you only
wish to share one project or photo, place it alone in a new album, and share
that album with family and friends. The image will be displayed in the email
which is sent to invite them to view your photos.
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Creating Projects
Where is my project saved?
When you complete an album by clicking on the Preview and
Order tab, it will automatically be saved in your shoebox. While you are in the
Create Project section, you may save the project at any step along the way by
selecting an album in the Save Project box on the bottom of the control panel.
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Can I save my unfinished project and work
on it later?
Yes, from the Save Project control panel, click on the drop
down menu to select an album and click Save.
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Why can’t I see all of the project on my
screen?
The project is so large relative to your screen that it is
difficult to see all of the detail in a full sized view. While you are
selecting the photos, we will show you a close-up area around the photo so that
you may position the photo just where you want it. You may preview your full
project at any time by clicking on Preview and Order. You can always go back
and change the photos or text later.
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What are Inspirations?
Sometimes it is hard to think of just the right caption or
the proper wording for an announcement or invitation. From the Edit Text page,
click on Inspirations to see our suggestions. Try one out; you can always type
over it or change it later. If you don’t see exactly what you want, pick one
and change it any way you like- add a name or your own private joke.
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Part of my photo is cut off in the
project. How do I make my picture fit?
In the Create Project page, click on Edit Photos in the top
menu. Notice the arrows around the sides of the photo. Click the arrow to move
the photo in that direction. Zoom in, zoom out and rotate by using the controls
on the right. Still doesn’t fit? Some photos are oriented vertically (portrait)
or horizontally (landscape). You may have to move the photo to a differently
shaped photo position in the project or choose a different project layout to
fit your picture.
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How can I change the text on my project?
In the Create Project page, click on Edit Text in the top
menu. The current text on your project is shown in the boxes for title,
captions and paragraphs. Change the text as you wish, or click on Inspirations
to view our suggestions.
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Do I have to add text to my project?
No, delete the contents of the entry box or leave it empty
and click Update Text.
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Do you have designs for special
occasions?
You may create an invitation or project for any unique
occasion. Select an appropriate theme for the artwork from any theme category.
Add the text to suit your occasion. For example, let’s say you want to create a
child’s birthday party invitation. In addition to the Party theme, explore the
designs in the Baby themes and Kid themes, or go for a special interest such as
Sports. You may create a party invitation from any theme; select the layout
with a large text area to include all the details of your party. Your
invitation will truly be a one-of-a-kind creation.
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Where are the designs with two or more
photos?
Each design has several layouts. Click on the design to see
the layouts for one or more photos.
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How do I create a card?
All of the designs with rectangular layouts may be printed as
photo cards. StoryLife cards are single sided and printed on real Kodak
photographic paper. Click on any design to get started with your project.
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Sharing Photos and Projects
How do I share my photos and projects
online?
In the My Albums page, click on Share My Albums. Add the name
and email address of your friend or family member, and click on the box beside
the names of those you wish to share the album. Select the album from the drop
down list. Notice that all of the photos and projects of the album are
displayed on the screen. Confirm that these are the images you wish to share,
and click Share This Album. We will remember who you share this album with. The
next time you visit this page, the boxes will still be checked. You may uncheck
the boxes in the future to stop sharing the album. As long as the box remains
checked, the album will show up in your friend’s or family member’s StoryLife
account. They are able to view the album, order prints, and create projects
from the shared photos. They will not be able to delete the photos from the
shared album.
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What happens when I share an album with a
friend?
Your friend will receive an email inviting them to view your
photos online at StoryLife.com. The first photo or project in the album will be
displayed in the email message. When they click on the unique URL given in the
email, they will go to StoryLife.com. Now they simply have to create an account
by entering their email address and a new password to view and enjoy your
photos.
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Can I order prints from an album my
friend has shared with me?
Yes, you may order prints from albums which are shared with
you.
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Ordering Prints
What print sizes are offered?
StoryLife offers the typical print sizes from wallet size to
8"x12" enlargements. See all of our products by clicking on the
Products tab at the top of each page.
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What are Photo Greetings?
Photo Greetings are single sided greeting cards, invitations
and announcements. They come in convenient sets of 25 prints with envelopes;
ready for you to pop in the mail. Our Photo Greetings are real photographs,
printed on Kodak Paper for quality to last a lifetime.
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What is cropping?
If your digital picture is a different aspect ratio than the
print size you order, we will crop a small part of the image to fit the print
size. This is really no different than film pictures. For example, the 35mm
film negative has an aspect ratio of 4:6, meaning it will print a photo which
is exactly 4"x6" or 8"x12". If you print the same negative to an 8"x10" print,
one inch will be cut from each end to fit the 8"x10" format.
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What is aspect ratio?
Pictures come in many different heights and widths. The
height to width ratio is called the aspect ratio.
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What if I do not want my digital photos
cropped?
You may select this option in the shopping cart. Notice that
the box in the "Crop" column is automatically checked as the default position.
If you do not want your photos cropped, you may uncheck the "Crop" box. Look
closely at the small image and you will see white bands along the sides or top
& bottom. This is how your photos will look when they are printed.
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What kind of paper are the pictures
printed on?
We use KODAK photographic paper.
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Are the prints Glossy or Matte?
Our prints are printed on glossy photographic paper. Semi-matte
paper is available by special email request; within one hour of ordering, send an
email requesting semi-matte paper to
service@storylife.com.
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Are your prints acid free and photo safe
for scrapbooks?
Yes, our prints are indeed acid free and photo safe because
they are in fact actual photographs!
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What does "Photo Safe" mean?
Photo Safe is a term to describe products which will not harm
photographs when they are used in scrapbooks, albums and other photo storage.
Two of the primary factors of photo safe materials are to be acid-free and
lignin free. The presence of acid and lignin may deteriorate your photographs.
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Shopping Cart
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs vary by products and shipping method. For
complete shipping information, click on the Products
tab at the top of each web page.
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Which credit cards do you accept?
We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
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How do I know it is safe to enter my
credit card number online?
Security remains the primary concern of on-line consumers. We
are a VeriSign Secure Site. The VeriSign Secure Site Program allows you to
learn more about web sites you visit before you submit any confidential
information. Click on the VeriSign logo in the shopping cart to validate our
designation. Our servers use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an advanced encryption
technology to protect the storage and transfer of your data from unauthorized
parties. Additionally, most major credit cards offer protection against fraud.
Check with your credit card company to find out more about fraud liability and
your rights.
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How do I use a promotion code?
Locate the promotion code entry box at the bottom of the
shopping cart. Enter the code exactly as it is printed and click Submit. The
discount will be applied, and you may review the new totals before final
confirmation of your order.
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Order Delivery
What is the delivery time for my order?
We will process and ship your order within two working days.
Working days are all days except weekends and holidays. The actual delivery
time varies depending on the shipping method and where you live. Standard
orders are shipped via U.S. Priority Mail, and arrive to most U.S. addresses
within 2-3 working days. Express orders are shipped via courier and arrive to
most U.S. addresses within 1 working day.
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What is the status of my order?
You may check the status of your order at anytime by signing
into your account at StoryLife.com, clicking on "My Albums", then the sub-heading
"Account Information"; scroll down to Order History and click "View Details". Find
the order number and click "Details". The shipping status is shown, along with the
carrier and tracking number. You may go to the carrier website (www.usps.com or
www.dhl.com), and enter the tracking number to find the current status of your
shipment.
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How do I return an order for a refund?
Re-package the products in the original packaging or similar
protective packaging and secure with mailing tape. Send to:
Storylife
118 W Streetsboro St #204
Hudson, OH 44236
Please include a copy of the invoice with the return. You may
print another copy of the invoice by signing into your account on
StoryLife.com, clicking on My Albums, then Order Summary. Click on the order
number to display a copy of the invoice.
Please tell us why you are returning the product. We hope that we can re-make
the products to your satisfaction. If not, we will refund the original purchase
price on your credit card.
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Computer Help
How do I download an up-to-date version
of my internet browser?
When you first visit StoryLife.com, we will detect your
browser version and give you a message if you need to update your browser. Up
to date versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape are available on their
manufacturer's websites.
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What are the computer requirements to
fully use the features of StoryLife?
The minimum requirements and optimum requirements are shown:
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Minimum Specification |
Optimum Specification |
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Operating System
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Win 98, 2000
Mac OS 9
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Win XP
Mac OS 10
|
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CPU
|
Celeron or Equivalent |
Pentium3 or Equivalent |
| RAM
|
|
256 Mb |
| Internet Connection |
56 Kps Dial up |
Cable or DSL |
| Web Browser |
Internet Explorer 5.0
Netscape 6.1
AOL 7.0
|
Internet Explorer
Netscape 6.1
AOL 7.0
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Still need help?
If you did not find the answer to your question here, please
send us an email at service@storylife.com
or call us at 1-800-421-8539 and we will get back to you personally.
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