Captcha-Solution-Service

This page is intended for users.

OK.  So you’ve heard about Solona.  Maybe you heard about it on a mailing list, or you found a blog article.  Perhaps you read a recent Solona message on Twitter.  Needless to say, you know that Solona uses sighted people to solve Captchas.

If you encounter Captchas on a regular basis, then you know how inaccessible they are.  You know that the screen reader does not have a workaround for that.  It’s no fault of the screen reader software.  Instead, it’s the fault of a misguided web developer who is not willing to take accessibility into consideration when rolling out a new site.  The truth is that there are plenty of ways to secure a web object without using an inaccessible Captcha.  OK.  Enough of my rant.  Let’s get down to business!

Here is where you need to start:

1. Do you have a Solona user account yet?  If not, go get one here.

2. How do I want to use Solona?  This is a very important question to consider.  The best way to use Solona is by using an API interface program.  If you are a Windows user, I highly recommend that you use Qwitter to interface with Solona.  It allows you to solve a Captcha in as little as one keystroke.  If you are a Mac, I recomment checking out Send2Solona by Theresa Ford.  Again, the benefit is that you don’t have to open the Solona website in order to solve a Captcha.  Instead, you can use either of these programs that work with the Solona API.  Again, this is the best way to use Solona:  by selecting an API interface application. 

Solona CSS FAQ’s

How is my CAPTCHA solved? The solution is 100% human intervention. An operator waits for an image to be submitted through the website. Once a session is initiated, the operator receives the image and transmits the text back to the user.

Do I need to register in order to use the system? Yes. Registration is easy and fast.

Can I use Internet Explorer? Can I use Fire Fox? Can I use Safari? Yes. You can use any browser you like.

Can I use a Mac? Can I use Safari? Yes. Solona works with Mac and Safari.

Is there any charge for using the solver service? No, it is completely free.

Who solves my CAPTCHA? All Captchas are solved by volunteer operators for Solona. Each person has been trained in how to solve Captchas and how to return the correct error message if necessary.

What happens to my image after it was processed? Each image is removed from the solver server after 10 minutes of being processed.

Who runs this program? Solona is a community effort that is managed by several people. Visit the ‘about page’ for more information on the people who operate and make Solona a reality.

How do I know my privacy is guarded when I send an image? Read more about security on our about page. Also we are bound by a published Privacy Policy.

Do I need to install a plug-in or any software to use the solver? You need to download and install the Solona Automated Capture Tool.

I’m having trouble installing the Automated Tool on Windows Vista and Windows 7. You must right click on the executable and select ‘Run as Administrator’. The program will not install otherwise.