Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:10:37 PM): Thank you for contacting the Technology Help Desk. Please hold one moment while I prepare to assist you. 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:12:04 PM): Hello there! When do you encounter the error, when first trying to navigate to that site or after logging in? 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:12:53 PM): definitely when first trying to navigate to that site, I couldn't even load the landing page for the database. 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:13:32 PM): Hmm, ok. It doesn't look like the site is behind a firewall that you need Pitt VPN access for. The next thought is maybe your internet provider's default DNS server might be having issues with it 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:13:40 PM): What type of computer do you have? 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:14:30 PM): I have a Mac, I've actually tried 3 different models of Mac and 1 PC at home through 3 different browsers, nothing works 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:15:56 PM): OK, try this. Go to the Apple Menu (top left) > System Preferences > Network > WiFi or Wired on the left (depending on how you connect) > Advanced in the bottom right > DNS tab 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:17:16 PM): ok I'm in the DNS tab 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:17:52 PM): Take note of what's in there now c(maybe a screenshot) just to save, then click the plus button in the bottom left under DNS Servers. You can set them to Google DNS which is a good alternative, you can enter 8.8.8.8 and hit enter, then click the plus again and enter 8.8.4.4 and hit enter 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:18:02 PM): Then hit OK, then Apply 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:18:15 PM): Then see if the site will load (you may need to restart the browser) 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:19:06 PM): You can always revert them back to the default server later by clicking the - sign if it doesn't work or if you run into other issues 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:20:28 PM): I've followed your instructions and also restarted the browser, still not loading... 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:21:52 PM): Hmm, that's interesting. Are any other sites not working? 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:22:54 PM): I tried 3 more sites and they are all working fine 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:23:51 PM): Phamerator reported a different problem this time, err_network_changed 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:25:00 PM): That's very strange. The next thing we can try is maybe flushing the DNS cache. I'm just looking for the command for that 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:26:21 PM): Ok, you'll want to open the Terminal through a Spotlight search (Command + Space) and run the following command 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:26:24 PM): sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:26:48 PM): It should prompt for your computer password, enter that then it'll take you back to the main prompt. Try the site again after 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:28:41 PM): The last thing I can think of, since it's affecting all devices passing through your router, is to try power cycling your router. Unplug it, wait ~15 seconds, plug it back in. Once it fully reboots and you're connected to the network again, try the site again 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:29:49 PM): If that still fails, then I would suggest connecting to Pitt's VPN through Pulse Secure: https://www.technology.pitt.edu/services/pittnet-vpn-pulse-secure 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:30:22 PM): That will route the connection through the University. I'm thinking it has to be something with the home connection 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:31:26 PM): I'm still here. Trying the pitt VPN 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:31:31 PM): Ok! 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:31:45 PM): which role should I select? 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:31:51 PM): Anything with NetworkConnect 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:32:07 PM): So Default NetworkConnect, or a departmental Network Connet if you have it 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:32:49 PM): Hold on, Pulse Secure ask me to update 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:33:05 PM): Ok 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:33:53 PM): 75% completed... 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:35:13 PM): installing 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:36:11 PM): OK I think it's done. What's next? 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:36:33 PM): Once it shows connected, try accessing the site 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:38:31 PM): I'm connected and restarted my browser, still not loading 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:39:11 PM): Are you typing the full URL, with the https:// at the beginning? https://phamerator.org/ 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:40:01 PM): There's definitely something really strange going on there then. I'm kind of stumped at what could be happening 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:42:21 PM): yes, the full URL, still not loading. I appreciate your time. Not sure what I should do next 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:42:39 PM): So there's a chat function when the site first loads, and it looks like the creator mentioned you can reach out to him with issues, or report an issue on Github: https://github.com/scresawn/phamerator 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:42:55 PM): It looks like his email address is scresawn@gmail.com 
Me (2/22/2022, 9:43:43 PM): I will do that. Thanks! Have a great evening! 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:44:04 PM): There's another email address posted in the chat as well: cresawsg@jmu.edu 
Dan H (2/22/2022, 9:44:11 PM): Sure thing! I hope they can get it working!