Website content Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some website services restricted?

Some website services are restricted to specific groups of users, such as members of communities that any user can join including the Professional Networks or members of IET committees. To access any restricted area you must be logged in and a member of the appropriate group.

If you are an IET member and are on a committee that has its own area of the IET website, registering as an IET member will automatically give you access to that committee's website area.

Each committee and community you are a member of will place a link on your 'My IET' that will take you directly to that community's area of the website.

How can I view files that are downloadable from the website?

The IET Web site contains certain types of file that require additional software in order for a Web browser to be able to play or display them. See Software FAQ.

How can I change font sizes on the IET website?

Whilst these pages are designed to be viewed with the intended font sizes, we recognise that some users may prefer a larger font. The way in which you change the size depends on your browser.

Can I print the information without the navigation menus etc?

No. It is not possible to print pages without the menus however the way the IET website is designed, the page will be reformatted to give the best possible printable version.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of text that a Web site can store on your computer and recover later. Session cookies only last as long as you are logged in or have your browser open. Permanent cookies are stored on your computer for use the next time you visit the site.

Why are cookies used on the institution websites?

Cookies are used on the IET websites for the following main purposes:

Your log-on session is maintained by setting cookies. Please ensure that you accept these cookies if you wish to register and/or log on to the site. If you are not logged on, registering, or using the areas below, you may reject cookies set by the sites if you prefer.

In the discussion areas and the associated live chat, further cookies are used to maintain your log-on session, and you should accept these if you wish to be able to use these areas.

Also in the discussions, cookies are used to record some information about the state of the discussions when you last visited. The aim is to be able to offer you quick access to the new postings when you next visit. These are permanent cookies. You can delete these cookies if you wish - it will just mean that the site cannot indicate new messages.

In the Shop area, cookies are used to maintain your shopping basket; again, without accepting cookies you will not be able to use the Shop properly.

If the Institution is currently conducting user feedback trials, cookies may be used to record the fact that you have seen the invitation to take part in these. The aim is to avoid showing you the invitation repeatedly. If you reject these cookies, you may see the message a number of times.

Some site advertising may be drawn from third party advertising servers.  Third party servers may set cookies in accordance with their own policies. The IET does not provide any personal information to such third parties. Your use of the site will not be affected should you decide not to accept third party cookies.

What do the cookies set by the IET websites contain?

The authorisation ("log-on") cookies simply contain numbers identifying you as an individual logged-on user. This avoids the need to send your user name and password every time that you request a page (which is what your browser does in many log-on systems); therefore, the aim is enhanced security. No personal information is stored in these cookies. If you choose not to use "Remember Me", the cookies are deleted when you log off the website or close your browser.

The Shop uses your existing authorisation cookies to keep track of the contents of your shopping basket, rather than set additional ones. The discussion area sets two cookies, one for the last date you visited, and one for the latest posts you have seen.