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Prepare Your Browser Settings for WebCT

Review the following items to optimize your browser for WebCT:

  1. Use a Supported Browser
    Make sure you are using a supported browser. See a list of supported browsers. Browsers that are not listed are not supported. For example, Opera is not an officially supported browser by WebCT.
     
  2. Enable Java

    You will need to have the Sun Microsystems Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software version 1.4.1 (1.4.2 or higher recommended) software installed in your browser in order for certain areas of WebCT to function properly.

    • 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 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.

     To install Java:

    1. Click the Java - Get It Now button below. The Download Java 2 Platform page appears.
    2. Scroll down to J2SE v 1.4.2_07 JRE. Note: You do NOT want the J2SE SDK.
    3. Click Download Windows J2SE JRE.

    Sun Java - Get It Now

    In addition, you will need to perform the following adjustments:

    a) Enable Java in your browser

    • Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Select the Security tab.
    • Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings screen appears.
    • Scroll down to Java Permissions and choose either Low, Medium or High safety
    • Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Click OK.

    b) Switch to the Sun Java Virtual Machine

    • Open the Windows Control Panel by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel. The Control Panel appears.
    • Locate and double-click Java Plug-in. The Java(TM) Plug-in Control Panel appears.
    • Click the Browser tab.
    • Under Settings, select the checkbox next to your browser.
    • Click Apply to save your settings.
    • Restart the browser.
  3. Enable Javascript
    • Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Select the Security tab.
    • Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings screen appears.
    • Scroll down to Scripting, and enable Active Scripting and Scripting of Java Applets.
    • Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Click OK.

     

  4. Set Your Browser Cache to Always Reload a Page
    • Select Tools then choose Internet Options. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Select the General tab. 
    • Under Temporary Internet Files, select Settings. The Settings screen appears.
    • Select the Automatically radio button.
    • Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears.
    • Click OK.
  5. Turn off Anonymous Logon
    • Select Tools then choose Internet Options
    • Select the Security tab
    • Click the Custom Level button
    • Scroll down to the User Authentication settings
    • Under Logon select the Automatic logon only in Intranet zone radio button.
    • Click OK
  6. Enable Cookies
    You may need to enable cookies in order to log in to WebCT. Note for WebCT administrators: If you are using WebCT Campus Edition with ticket-based authentication, client browsers must have cookies enabled.
    • Select Tools then choose Internet Options
    • Select the Privacy tab
    • Enable Cookies:
      • If using a default setting, move the slider to select any of the following privacy settings:
        • Medium High
        • Medium
        • Low
        • Accept all cookies
      • If using a custom setting:
        • Click the Advanced button
        • Select Override automatic cookie handling
        • Select Always allow session cookies
        • Click OK to return to the Privacy Tab
    • Click Apply then OK
  7. Disable Pop-Up Blocking for WebCT
    While using WebCT, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to disable pop-up blocking for your WebCT server.

    Depending on the pop-up blocking software you are using, you may be able to set your WebCT server as an allowed site, or you may need to disable the pop-up blocker while using WebCT.

    Pop-up blockers 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. This can prevent WebCT from performing properly.

    To disable pop-up blockers for WebCT:

    a) Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name. Disable it or set your WebCT server as an allowed site. Examples of popular pop-up blocking applications include:

    • Pop-Up Stopper
    • Pop-Up Defender
    • Pop-Up Zapper

    b) Pop-up blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program or set your WebCT server as an allowed site. Examples of programs that include pop-up blocking functions include the following.

    Note: Click the links to read configuration information. If there is no link, refer to the Help in the affected program.
     


 

For more information, visit the Browser Tune Up page at webct.com, or contact Suzanne Sprouse  

 


Winthrop Shield
 WebCT Contact Information
Suzanne Sprouse, E-Learning & Project Coordinator
Distance Learning and AV Services | 803.323.2551 | sprouses@winthrop.edu
Last updated: 02/05/07