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Browser optimization: Best practices for speed and security

Optimise your G.J. Software experience with these browser best practices. Learn how to configure Google Chrome, manage cookies and pop-ups, use Chrome profiles effectively, and troubleshoot performance issues for a faster, more secure workflow.

Written by Patrick Haley
Updated over 2 weeks ago

G.J. Software works best when users optimise their browser settings for performance and security. This article covers recommended browsers, essential settings, and troubleshooting steps to ensure fast, secure access to the platform.

Supported browsers

G.J. Software supports modern web browsers, with Google Chrome as the recommended browser for optimal performance and compatibility.
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Recommended browser

Google Chrome is the primary browser recommended for G.J. Software. Chrome offers:

  • Full compatibility with all platform features

  • Regular automatic updates for security and performance

  • Built-in password management

  • Optimised performance for web applications

To download Chrome visit the official Google Chrome download page.
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Use Chrome profiles

Creating a dedicated Google Chrome profile for your G.J. Gardner account is the best way to keep your work and personal life separate. Using a work profile allows you to:

  • Organise your workspace: Keep work bookmarks, history, and passwords in a dedicated profile, away from your personal accounts.

  • Sync across devices: Your work settings, bookmarks, and passwords automatically sync across your devices as long as you are signed in to your G.J. Gardner Google account.

  • Stay organised: Switch between your personal and work profiles easily without needing to log in and out.

Alternative browsers

The platform also works with:

  • Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based versions)

  • Mozilla Firefox

  • Safari (macOS and iOS)

Note: While Safari is supported, some users have reported occasional compatibility or performance issues. For the most stable and reliable experience, G.J. Gardner Homes strongly recommends using Google Chrome.

For the best experience, users should always keep their browser updated to the latest version.

Essential browser settings

Enable cookies

Cookies allow G.J. Software to keep users signed in and remember preferences. The platform requires cookies to be enabled.
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To enable cookies in Google Chrome:

  1. Navigate to chrome://settings/cookies in the address bar (copy and paste the URL).

  2. Select either Allow all cookies or Block third-party cookies in Incognito.

  3. Close the page to save changes.

View Google's Chrome support: Manage cookies and site data

Note: Some antivirus or security software may automatically delete cookies, which can cause login issues.

For other browsers:

  • Microsoft Edge: Visit edge://settings/content/cookies.

  • Firefox: Visit about:preferences#privacy and adjust cookie settings.

  • Safari: Go to Preferences > Privacy and manage cookie settings.

Allow pop-ups for G.J. Software

G.J. Software uses pop-up windows for certain features such as document signing, report generation, and form submissions. Users must allow pop-ups for G.J. Software domains.
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To allow pop-ups in Google Chrome:

  1. Navigate to chrome://settings/content/popups in the address bar.

  2. Under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects, click Add.

  3. Enter the following domains: 

    [*.]gjgardner.com
    [*.]gjgardner.com.au
    [*.]gjgardner.co.nz

  4. Click Add to save.

View Google's Chrome support: Allow or block pop-ups and redirects
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Enable password saving

Chrome can securely save and autofill passwords, making login faster and more convenient.

To enable password saving in Google Chrome:

  1. Navigate to chrome://settings/passwords in the address bar.

  2. Enable Offer to save passwords.

  3. Enable Auto Sign-in.

  4. Close the page to save changes.

View Google's Chrome support: Save and manage passwords

Browser maintenance

Clear browser cache and cookies

Clearing the browser cache can resolve many common issues, including login problems, outdated content, and slow performance. Users should clear their cache when experiencing issues with G.J. Software.
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To clear cache in Google Chrome:
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  1. Navigate to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar.

  2. Select all options from the list of checkboxes:

    1. Browsing history

    2. Cookies and other site data

    3. Cached images and files

  3. Change Time range to All time.

  4. Click Clear data.

Quick tip: To perform a quick reload and clear the cache for a single page, use these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R

  • macOS: Cmd + Shift + R

View Google's Chrome support: Clear cache and cookies

Important: Clearing cookies removes saved login information and site preferences. Users need to log in again after clearing cookies.

Update browser regularly

Browser updates include security patches, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Chrome typically updates automatically, but users should check for pending updates regularly.

To update Google Chrome:

  1. Click the More icon (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner of the browser.

  2. If an update is pending, the icon is coloured:

    1. Green: Update released less than two days ago

    2. Orange: Update released about four days ago

    3. Red: Update released at least one week ago

  3. Click Update Google Chrome (if the button is not visible, the browser is already up to date).

  4. Click Relaunch.

View Google's Chrome support: Update Google Chrome

Note: Chrome saves open tabs and windows and reopens them automatically after restarting. Incognito windows do not reopen.

Browser extensions and add-ons

Recommended extensions

Users should limit browser extensions to those essential for their work. Too many extensions can slow down browser performance and cause conflicts with web applications.

Some extensions are installed automatically when users sign in to Chrome with their G.J. Gardner Homes Google Workspace account. These extensions are managed by G.J. Gardner Homes and are safe to use with G.J. Software.

Extensions to avoid

Certain types of extensions may interfere with G.J. Software functionality:

  • Ad blockers — May block legitimate platform features.

  • Script blockers — Can prevent essential scripts from running.

  • Aggressive privacy extensions — May block cookies or tracking required for platform functionality.

  • Page modifiers — Can alter page content and cause unexpected behaviour.

If users experience issues with G.J. Software, they should try disabling extensions temporarily to identify conflicts.
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To disable extensions in Chrome:

  1. Navigate to chrome://extensions in the address bar.

  2. Toggle off extensions one at a time to identify problematic extensions.

  3. Refresh G.J. Software to test functionality.

Security best practices

Use HTTPS connections

G.J. Software uses secure HTTPS connections to protect data in transit. Users should verify that the address bar shows a padlock icon when accessing the platform.
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Manage trusted computers

For users who share computers or work from multiple locations, Google Account security settings can help manage trusted devices.
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To add a trusted computer:

  1. Enable two-step verification (2SV) for the Google Account at https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification.

  2. Sign in to the Google Account on a trusted computer or device.

  3. When entering a verification code, select Don't ask again on this computer.

Note: If the browser is set to delete cookies after a certain period, 2SV may still prompt for verification even on trusted computers.

Keep passwords secure

To protect your account security, we recommend the following:

  • Use Passkeys: Set up passkeys on your devices for a faster, more secure way to sign in without a password.

  • Enable two-step verification: Use two-step verification (2SV) to add an extra layer of protection to your Google account.

  • Use a password manager: Use Google Password Manager or another reputable tool to store unique, strong passwords.

  • Maintain privacy: Never share your passwords with others.

  • Act quickly: Change or reset your password immediately if you suspect your account security is compromised.

Troubleshooting slow performance

If G.J. Software loads slowly or performs poorly, users should try these steps:
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1. Clear browser cache

Follow the cache clearing steps in the Browser maintenance section above.

Tip: Perform a "hard reload" to clear the cache for a specific page by using one of the following shortcuts:

  • Windows: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R

  • macOS: Cmd + Shift + R

2. Check internet connection

  • Test internet speed using an online speed test tool

  • For optimal performance, a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps is recommended. Speeds below this may cause slow page loads or timeouts.

  • Contact the local office IT provider if connection speed is below expected levels.

  • Try connecting via a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

3. Close unnecessary tabs and windows

  • Close browser tabs not in use.

  • Limit the number of concurrent browser windows.

  • Restart the browser to free up memory.

4. Disable problematic extensions

  • Disable browser extensions temporarily.

  • Re-enable extensions one at a time to identify conflicts.

5. Update the browser

Ensure the browser is running the latest version (see Update browser regularly above).

6. Restart the computer

A full system restart can resolve many performance issues by:

  • Clearing system memory

  • Closing background processes

  • Applying pending system updates

Common issues and solutions

Issue: Getting logged out frequently

  1. Enable cookies (see **Essential browser settings** section).

  2. Enable password saving.

  3. Clear browser cache.

  4. Update the browser to the latest version.

  5. Add the computer as a trusted device (see Security best practices section).

Issue: Pop-ups are blocked

  1. Allow pop-ups for G.J. Software domains (see Essential browser settings section).

  2. Check that browser extensions are not blocking pop-ups.

  3. Verify that antivirus software is not blocking pop-ups.

Issue: Pages load slowly or incompletely

  1. Clear browser cache.

  2. Disable browser extensions.

  3. Check internet connection speed.

  4. Update the browser.

  5. Try accessing G.J. Software from a different browser to isolate the issue.

Issue: Features not working as expected

  1. Clear browser cache and cookies.

  2. Disable browser extensions temporarily.

  3. Ensure JavaScript is enabled in browser settings.

  4. Update the browser to the latest version.

  5. Try using Google Chrome if using an alternative browser.

Getting help

If browser optimisation steps do not resolve the issue, users should contact support:

  1. Click the Help icon in the G.J. Software toolbar.

  2. Select Send Request to Support.

  3. Complete the support form, including:

    1. Priority: Issue impact on work (Minor, Normal, Critical, Blocker)

    2. Environment: Operating system, browser, and device information

    3. Subject: Brief summary of the issue

    4. Description: Steps to reproduce, actual result, and expected result

  4. Attach a screenshot if applicable.

  5. Click Send.

Support requests are reviewed and prioritised based on severity and business impact.

Best practices summary

  • For optimal performance and security when using G.J. Software:
    Use Google Chrome as the primary browser.

  • Keep the browser updated to the latest version.

  • Enable cookies and password saving.

  • Allow pop-ups for G.J. Software domains.

  • Clear cache regularly when experiencing issues.

  • Limit browser extensions to essential tools only.

  • Enable two-step verification for enhanced account security.

  • Restart the browser regularly to maintain performance.

  • Contact support when issues persist after troubleshooting.

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