Why Do I Have to Check My Browser Settings?

Get the Java Runtime Environment Version that works with Vista

If you do not have the proper Java version running on your system, you will run into problems using Vista. In some cases, you will not be able to use the My Computer icon (submitting your homework assignments), Discussions, File Attachments, Chat rooms, and several other features. Please follow the directions below to ensure that you will have a successful browser experience while taking your online course.

Uninstall all Java versions

• Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
• Select each Java Runtime Enviroment (JRE) program and remove them (if there is more than one make sure they are all removed).

Install the correct Java version

• A direct link to the J2SE(TM) Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 5 can be found at
  https://www4.nau.edu/its/pcsupport/software/download/details.aspx?id=704
  
• Save the download to your desktop.
• Close browser
• To begin the download process, double-click the downloaded program on your desktop, and follow the directions on the screen.

To Check Your Results

• Open browser and go to http://vista.nau.edu
• Select Does your browser work with Vista.
• Your screen should look similar to the following:

Browser Check Results

Browser Version works with WebCT Vista

Cookies Enabled

In order for WebCT to keep track of your session, the program stores your profile and tracks how you move through the program. It stores this information using what they call a cookie.

Javascript Check

Javascript is a scripting language that allows WebCT Vista to run small applications through your browser without connecting to a server. Many Vista tools rely on the ability to run these small applications to generate interactive web pages.

Pop-up Window Check

WebCT Vista uses pop-up windows to deliver the program in an organized way. To avoid annoying pop-ups from other sites, you can set your browser to only allow pop-ups windows to appear when you are logged into the Vista website.

Java™ Check

Java™ is similar to javascript in that it runs small applications through your web browser. Many Vista tools use Java as the primary programming language. If you have the wrong version of Java on your machine, many of the Vista tools will not work or will only partially work.

For more information, see the Browser Tune-up Page.

Popup Blocker Browser Preferences

Many of the features in Vista will not work if you do not allow popup windows from the vista.nau.edu web site. Consequently, you have to set your browser to display popups from http://vista.nau.edu

Mozilla Firefox

• Select Tools > OptionsEdit > Preferences Firefox > Preferences.
• Click on the Web Features category.
• Block Popup Windows
• Select Allow and add vista.nau.edu to the exceptions list.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

• Select Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Pop-up Blocker Settings
• Type vista.nau.edu in the Addresses to allow text box
• Select Add, and then Close
• Close and reopen Internet Explorer for the settings to take affect.

File Download Browser Preferences

You need to make the following adjustments in your browser in order to access some course materials:

For Internet Explorer Users

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Select Tools, and then Internet Options
3. Open the Security Tab
4. Choose Custom Level and scroll down to the Downloads section
5. Be sure the Automatic Prompting for file downloads is enabled

Required Browser Plugins

Plug-ins are free applications that work with your browser so you can view and listen to interactive flash animations, activities, movies, or audio files. The most commonly used plugins in ANT 104 are RealPlayer, Abobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Quicktime. You will need to ensure you have the most recent plugins downloaded so you can view all the out of class activities. You have to have administrative priviledges on your computer to download the necessary plug-ins.

Select the links and follow the instructions on the screen to download each of the following FREE plug-ins. Be sure to select the FREE download.

RealPlayer

Adobe Flash Player

Acrobat Reader

QuickTime

Other Resources

Many of the features in Blackboard Vista will not work if you are not using a supported browser. You may also want to review the other browser resources available on www.webct.com

• Step-by-step instructions to properly configure your browser
• List of supported browsers
• Troubleshooting browser problems
• Check your system for plug-ins that may be required to view course content

If you are having problems with your browser

• Check Your Browser and make sure all the check marks are green.
• Follow the instructions to fix any problems
• Redo the Check Your Browser tool
• If you are still having problems, contact the Academic Computing Help Desk at 523-9294.