hi Chuck and all, i was able to compile lynx 2-8-3 no ssl yet. there is a file called PROBLEMS in the lynx2-8-3 directory they talk about 2 lines in a file called ucontext.h it appears that the 2 lines are no longer used so i deleted them and the program compiles with no errors. the lines are ERROR, #DEFINE ERROR ERROR ok my next step is getting the ssl part working, what file do i need to compile for the lynx2.8.3 to give it ssl? thanks to all in advance randy