## Privacy and Security Preferences - Certificates

This section describes use the Certificates preferences panel. To view Certificates preferences, follow these steps:

1. Open the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
2. Under the Privacy and Security category, click Certificates. (If no subcategories are visible, click to expand the list.)

### Client Certificate Selection

You can decide how Navigator selects a certificate from among those you have on file to identify you to a web site:

- If you want Navigator to choose a certificate without asking you, click Select Automatically. This is usually the preferred setting.
- If you want Navigator to ask you to select a certificate each time a web site requests one, click As Every Time.

### Manage Certificates

Certificates are the digital equivalent of ID cards&151;they help other people identify you, and they help you identify other people, web sites, and organizations.

To examine or configure the certificates you have on file, click Manage Certificates.

### Manage Security Devices

A security device is a hardware or software device that stores your certificates and keys. For example, a smart card is a security device. Netscape 6 has its own built-in software security device, and you can use additional security devices, such as smart cards, at the same time.

To examine or configure your security devices, click Manage Security Devices.

[ Return to beginning of Certificates section ]

6/19/2001

Copyright © 1994-2001 Netscape Communications Corporation.