Minimum Hardware/Software disclaimer

[mwa]

We are planning on offering electronic W2's for our employees in January and need to provide a disclaimer per the IRS's website (

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15a.pdf)

regarding the "hardware and software requirements". Basically the application is an ASP.Net 1.1 application that displays the W2 in a pdf format. So there are essentially 4 things they need: A computer, Internet Access, a browser, and Acrobat Reader. How simple or complex do I really need to make the disclaimer? Here is what I have so far:


Minimum Hardware and Software requirements:
Your computer must be capable of operating any modern Internet browser. Recommended Internet browsers include the most current versions of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera. Your computer must have a display with a resolution of 800 X 600 or greater. It must have a mouse or other pointing device installed. It must have a keyboard for inputting information. And you must have a dependable internet service provider (ISP). Any provider will do as long as you have access to the World Wide Web, and don't have serious problems connecting. In order to access the ISP, your computer must have a minimum of a 56K modem, however a Cable or DSL modem will give you the best performance. Finally, you must install Adobe’s Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded for free from

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

OK... Tear it apart... What should I add/remove?

mwa
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[macleod1021]

Personally, I would make it as simple as:

A computer, Internet Access, a browser, and Acrobat Reader are required.

It's been my experience if you get too wordy it confuses some people . I didn't go to the IRS site, but one thing I would add is the version of Acrobat Reader that they need.

 

[mwa]

I can understand that - "Keep It Stupid Simple". Any other thoughts?

mwa
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[ca8msm]

"Keep It Stupid Simple"

I assume you meant "Keep It Simple, Stupid"?!

I agree though, I probably wouldn't read your disclaimer whereas I would quite happily take in the variation suggested by macleod1021 even if I just scanned over the text.


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[mwa]

Either way...

"Keep it Stupid Simple" - Keep it simple enough for the stupid people
"Keep it Simple, Stupid" - don't overthink it, stupid.

I'm not really worried about them actually reading it... I work for a government entity with over 10,000 employees and 3 different employee unions. I just want to make sure I'm covering my butt with a thorough disclaimer if there ever was a question. I'm working on a revised, simpler version. I will post when I'm done.



mwa
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[macleod1021]

Well...if you're working for a government entity, then I'd suggest you talk to your legal department. Typically, they require any type of disclaimer to go through them first. They may have required verbage. Personally, I've never seen a government agency follow the KISS philosophy .

 

[mwa]

Hence, my wordy overkill version. Here is what I've got now:

In order to access the ePortal and all of it's features, your computer must be capable of operating any modern Internet browser. Recommended Internet browsers include the most current versions of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera. Your computer must have a display with a resolution of 800 X 600 or greater. It must have a mouse or other pointing device installed. It must have a keyboard for inputting information. And you must have a dependable internet service provider (ISP). In order to access the ISP, your computer must have a minimum of a 56K modem. Finally, some features in the ePortal require you that you install Adobe’s Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Acrobat Reader web site.

mwa
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