ACRA

Anybody else dealt wtih this? I'm currently preparing for my instrument
checkride, so I'm dealing with getting an "FTN #" and filling out the
appropriate form online. Only problem is, the form doesn't work right, and
after much time on the phone with ill-prepared tech support, I've come to
the conclusion that it's because I'm on a Mac (insert standard Macintosh
jibes here).

So when exactly did this whole "ACRA" thing start? I got my private just two
years ago, and didn't have to deal with any of this. Can someone explain
this system to me and its purpose? Thanks.