DE Orientation Technical Requirements

Computer

The computer must be robust enough to run one of the recent web browsers and download files in a reasonable amount of time. For personal computers, we recommend a Pentium class or equivilent PC or higher to run Internet Browsers that support JavaScript with Windows 98 or higher and 64 Megabytes of RAM (or its equivalent Apple or Unix machine).

Web Access

You will need to have access to the World Wide Web, either through a network or through a modem connection. The modem should be at least 28.8 Kbps You must provide your own connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider. Web Browser WebCT supports only full-featured browsers.

Some providers, (such as America Online) provide their users with 'Customized' versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape, that, because of the way that they utilize Javascript, are not compatible with WebCT.

AOL users should be using AOL 4.0 or higher with Internet Explorer 5.0. Earlier versions of AOL or Internet Explorer will result in problems using WebCT. WebCT recommends the following for best results with AOL:

  • Connect to the Internet using AOL version 4.0 or higher
  • Open a private chat within AOL (this allows the AOL client to remain open, without asking if you wish to disconnect while minimized)
  • Minimize AOL Launch a recommended browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator

To find out if your browser is compatible with WebCT, it is highly recommended that you go to the WebCT Browser Tuneup page. From this page you can check your browser and download any software that you may need to make your computer fully functional for accessing all WebCT course information.

To Enable Java and Javascript

  • If you are using Internet Explorer 4.x on a PC
    • In your browser window, click on "Tools" in the menu bar. From the drop-down menu, select "Internet Options."
    • Click on the "Advanced" tab.
    • Scroll down to "Microsoft VM" Make sure that "JIT Compiler for virtual machine" has been checked and click "OK".
  • If you are using a Internet Explorer 4.x on a Mac
    • From your browser window, click on "Edit."
    • From the drop-down menu, select "Preferences" Select "Java." from the list in the left-hand margin.
    • Make sure that Java is enabled and click "OK".
  • If you are using Netscape 4.x on a PC or a Mac
    • From your browser window, click on the "Edit".
    • From the drop-down menu, select "Preferences."
    • Highlight "Advanced" to make sure that "Enable Java" and "Enable Javascript" are both checked. Click "OK".
  • If you are using Netscape 3 on a PC or Mac
    • Go to Options > Network Preferences.
    • Choose the "Languages" tab.
    • Click on both boxes to enable Java and Javascript.
    • Click on "OK".
  • If you are using America Online
    • If you are using America Online for web access, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator as the browser instead of AOL's built-in browser.
    • It is important that the IE version be 5.0 or later and the AOL client be version 4.0 or higher. If that is what you have, you may use IE instead of AOL by logging in to AOL, then minimizing the window, and opening Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Chat Sessions

In order to use the Chat features you must have a 32 bit operating system (i.e. Windows95 or higher). If you have difficulty using Chat, please talk to your instructor about alternatives that don't require real-time discussion.

Company Firewalls

If you are accessing WebCT from your office, you may run into problems with your company's network. If you have difficulty logging into your course, contact your IT office at work and discuss the issue with them. The college has no control over the way your company network is configured; it's important to deal directly with the IT staff at your office to resolve problems.

Working Online

It is recommended that if you are submitting assignments by WebCT's mail or bulletin board features, you should always create the documents off line; in other words, create the documents using your own word processor, save the file then post it to WebCT, either by using the Windows Cut and Paste functions, or by attaching files.

Passwords

WebCT utilizes passwords to protect the privacy of both students and instructors. Your initial user name and password combination is set by the college based on registration information. Due to security considerations, students cannot change their password. If you need futher information about your password, contact the WebCT Administrator at dturner@worwic.edu.

Screen Settings

WebCT has many tools and this will often cause the screen to look crowded. To avoid this:

  • Change the font display size in your browser
  • Turn off or hide the browser menu and toolbars
  • Put the mouse over the frame border and move the frames to one side.

It should not be necessary to change the screen resolution of your computer.

To Refresh Your Web Page Everytime You Make Changes

If you do not configure your browser, your browser may not refresh the web page and you will not be able to view your changes to the web page.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer on a PC
    • In your browser window, click on "Tools" From the drop-down menu, select "Internet Options".
    • Click on the "Settings" button next to "Temporary internet files".
    • Make sure that the "Every visit to the page" is highlighted and click "OK".
  • Netscape on a PC or a Mac
    • In your browser window, click on "Edit" from the drop-down menu, select "Preferences".
    • Click the "+" sign next to "Advanced." Highlight "Cache".
    • Make sure that the "Every time" radio button is highlighted and click "OK".