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In order for WebCT to function properly, you'll need to spend a few minutes setting up your computer:
 

1. Use a Recommended Browser
2. Enable Java
3. Set Your Browser Cache to Always Reload a Page
4. Disable Popup Killers

1.  Use a Recommended Browsers

• 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)
• Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/)

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.

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2. 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.  

In Internet Explorer (4.0 and higher):

• Test for Java. See if you can load a java applet of this puzzle or this magic cube. We link to two applets because the sites are occasionally not available. If you can't link to one, try the other.
• If you don't see the puzzle or the cube, you will need to download an updated Java plug-in for Windows (JVM). Download file from Sun.
• After installation of the Java plug-in, try to load the puzzle or magic cube java applet again.

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"

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3.  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 are below. 

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"

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4. 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

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