This page contains pointers to a few FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) lists and HOWTO pages relevant to OpenCard. Is included a copy of the official General FAQ for OpenCard, a set of more technical FAQs inteded for developers, a Prerequisites page describing how to set-up the mandatory software platform to be able to use OpenCard components, and a Tips and Known Problems page listing current problems that have been found in OCF version 1.2 or in the Gemplus components (and sometimes their solution). More will be coming, e.g., technical FAQs with hints on how to use OCF, frequent mistakes, etc. Please do not hesitate to contribute with FAQs, updates, or problem descriptions.

OpenCard Consortium General FAQ

This FAQ answers general questions people have been asking about the OpenCard Framework or about the OpenCard Consortium. Note: This FAQ is not technical. Please see the next section for a list of technical FAQs or HOWTO pages.

OpenCard General Info FAQ

Updated July 1998. This FAQ answers general questions about the framework, as well as questions regarding the positioning of OCF versus other standard bodies such as PC/SC, JavaCard, or Visa Open Platform. It is provided by the OpenCard Consortium. [ Original Link ]

OpenCard Technical FAQs

There are several technical FAQ documents available to answer problem frequently encountered by OCF users and application developers. More FAQs will be added in the future, e.g., concerning installation problems, or crypto APIs etc. Please do not hesitate to contribute to this knowledge base by sending a mail (in ASCII form) to the FAQs Maintener who will update the pages. The following FAQs are currently available:

Installation Troubleshooting FAQ

Updated May 2001. A list of problems that are commonly encountered when installing Java, the Comm API, and the OpenCard Framework, and how to solve them.

Browser Applets FAQ

Updated May 2001. A list of pitfalls that are commonly encountered when using smarcard access inside a web browser applet.

Other Ideas

A general "OpenCard User FAQ" is the first useful wish, with a list of problems that are frequently described on the general mailing-list. A general "OpenCard Developer's FAQ" would be nice too, and also an "OpenCard Wishlist FAQ" with commonly requested features.

OpenCard HOWTOs

The OpenCard HOWTOs are detailed "how to" documents or sections of FAQs on specific subjects, e.g., how to set-up the environment before starting to use OCF, how to install OCF, or how-to sign web browsers applets. Please do not hesitate to contribute to this knowledge base by authoring new HOW-TOs and sending them.

Prerequisites HOWTO

In order to be able to use OCF CardTerminals and CardServices, a number of other software packages have to be previously downloaded and installed. This page describes the architecture of an OpenCard-based application and explains how to set-up the mandatory software platform.

Installation HOWTO

Two special HOW-TO sections in the Installation FAQ detail what are the steps needed to install Java, the Comm API, and OCF:

on a Unix Workstation, and on a Windows Workstation

HOWTO use OpenCard in a Java Plugin or Netscape applet

A special HOW-TO section in the browser applet FAQ details what are the steps needed to sign an applet and use it in a web browser Java Virtual Machine. See also the References Section for more pointers to documentation and articles on this subject.

Problems

The list below gives pointers to pages listing OCF problems that are not yet solved in the official distribution, or list of patches/extensions, etc. As usual :-), please do not hesitate to contribute by sending new bug reports or (even better) patches.

Tips and Known Problems

A page to gather all tips and known problems about the current version of OpenCard (i.e., OCF 1.2) and about Gemplus Components for this version.