Computer Setup for AimsCT
Use a Recommended Browser
- Internet Explorer 5.0 through 6.0, except 5.5 Service Pack 1
(PC)
- Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.5 (Mac OS 9.x)
- Internet Explorer 5.1 (Mac OS 10.1)
- AOL 7.0 or higher (PC & Mac)
- Netscape 4.76, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, and 6.2.3 (PC & Mac)
Do Not Use MSN Explorer. If you connect to the Internet using
MSN, minimize the MSN Explorer window and open one of the above
listed versions of regular Internet Explorer to link to the course
site.
Important Note for AOL users: If you use a version of AOL before
version 7.0, the best thing to do is upgrade to 8.0. If you can’t
do that, minimize the AOL Browser and open Internet Explorer. If
you try this and AOL logs you off frequently, try opening a chat
session in AOL with only you as the member before opening the Internet
Explorer browser.
Enable Java
In order for certain features in WebCT to work properly (including
email, discussions, and quizzes), you must allow your browser
to read Java applets.
In Internet Explorer (4.0 and higher):
- You may need to download a Java plug-in for Windows(JVM). Note:
after September, 2004, Microsoft will no longer support or provide
a Java implementation with any of its products.
Microsoft has
already discontinued shipping Java technology in its Internet
Explorer web browser with the latest versions of its operating
systems. Those running applets in the Internet Explorer web browser
will need to download and install an alternate VM.
- Download file from Sun.
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/guide/deployment/deployment-guide/upgrade-guide/index.html
- In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):
- Select "Edit Preferences"
- Select "Advanced"
- Make sure the "Enable Java" and "Enable
JavaScript" boxes
are checked
- Click "OK"
Set Your Browser Cache to Always Reload a Page
Most web browsers store copies of the web pages you view on your
computer's hard drive. When you go back to see the same page
again, the browser looks up the page on your hard drive instead
of the web. That saves time, but means that if the page has changed,
you don't see the changes. Because you will be constantly changing
web pages while working with WebCT, you will want to set your
browser to constantly check the web to update the pages you view.
Instructions for setting Browser Cache to Always Reload a Page
Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher
- Select "Tools" then choose "Internet Options"
- Select the "General" tab
- Select "Settings" from Temporary Internet Files
- Select the "Every Visit to the Page" radio button
- Click "OK"
Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):
- Select "Edit" then choose "Preferences
- Click the + sign next to "Advanced" to see more options
- Select "Cache"
- Select the "Every Time" radio button at the bottom
- Click "OK"
Disable Pop-Up Killers
These applications work in the background while you browse the
internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted
advertisement, they automatically close the window. Unfortunately,
they also inhibit WebCT from performing properly. If you are
unable to view Discussion postings, Quiz windows, and download
links, then search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in
the name and disable it. Or, if your pop-up blocker supports
custom lists, include the address of your institution's WebCT
server as a valid site.
Some popular pop-up killers include:
- Pop-Up Stopper
- Pop-Up Defender
- Pop-Up Zapper
- Ad Blocker in Norton Utilities
Set Active X controls
Internet Explorer:
- Go to Tools > Internet Options. Choose Security tab, and
select the Internet icon in the "Web content zone" window.
- Click on the "Custom level" button.
- Enable the "Run Active-X controls and plugins" area,
the "Script Active-X controls marked safe for scripting" area,
and all the areas under the "Scripting" header.
Set your Screen to avoid a crowded look
- 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
Required set up for Chat sessions
Some instructors do not require chat sessions at present, but
you may wish
to use this feature on your own.
- In order to use the Chat features you must have a 32 bit operating
system (i.e. Windows95 or higher).
If you are using WebCT at work, you need to know about company
firewalls
- 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.
Helpful Links:
WebCT web site http://www.webct.com/
WebCT web site student support page: http://www.webct.com/ask_drc/viewpage?name=ask_drc_student
Aims Call Center (HelpDesk) email: helpdesk@aims.edu or
970.330.8008
Help Notes:
All WebCT classes have a guest student account that can be used
by a student who cannot access the course with his/her username
and password.
Your instructor may give you the guest student account
username and password.
Guests cannot access a course going through Web Services. Instead,
students using a guest account should type in the url: http://webct.aims.edu:8900/
This will take you to a WebCT login page where you will type in
the guest account username and password. After clicking the Login
button, you will reach the MyWebCT Page. The course name appears
as a link that, when clicked, will take you to the course homepage.
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