What equipment and software do I need?

Computer and operating system to access the WebCT courses: You need a sound capable computer (PC or a Mac) that is connected to the Internet. Your internet provider should support TCP/IP software and the speed of your connection should be at least 56 Kbps. To complete the Office 2003 homework, you will need to use a computer installed with the Office 2003 software.  You can not use the "Works" or "WordPerfect" when you work on the weekly projects.  The faster the machine's processor, the better. 

Can I use ISU computer labs to access the course?

You can access WebCT in most of the computer labs.  However, if you like to work on some simulation projects. You will need to have Shockwave Plug-ins and Flash Player installed on your computer. Note: not all computer labs have the Shockwave Plug-ins or Flash Player on the machines.

The 116A Atanasoff lab has been configured with all the software needed for this course; You may use this lab to complete assignments if you do not have access to needed software on your own computer. Other labs on-campus may have the needed software installed. Before using a different lab you should ask the lab monitor on duty if the lab has Office 2003 and Flash installed.

What version Web browser should I get?

We recommend you get the latest version of either Netscape's (see note below) or Microsoft's browser (Internet Explorer). The browsers are very similar, so which is better is a matter of personal preference. Read “How do I download and install programs over the Internet?” for download sites and instructions on how to download.

NOTE: Netscape Navigator and Communicator:

Netscape 6.2 and newer versions -  These versions may be obtained at:
http://browser.netscape.com/ns8/

Select either Netscape Communicator or Netscape Navigator.

Current Free Version RealPlayer 8 Basic
(There is no need to purchase the PLUS version. Look for the link to the Basic version. You may need to study the page to find the link to obtain this version.)
(Note: RealPlayer is not mandatory for this course, it is optional.)

How do I download and install programs over the Internet?

Most modern computer programs are actually a collection of files that work together to perform a task. Since it would take a long time to download each of these files separately, software authors will generally bundle all of the needed files into one “installation” file. Thus, when you download a program over the Internet, what you have actually downloaded is a program that allows you to install the final program on your computer. Described below are the steps needed to successfully download and install software.

Note: The following assumes that you are using your Web browser to download the installation program you want.

Step 1 - Downloading the installer file.

Go to the site that has the file you wish to download.

Netscape Navigator and Communicator
Microsoft Internet Explorer

Read and follow any special download instructions (if available).

When you start the downloading process your browser should give you options as to where on your computer you wish to save the file. Select a location on your computer to save the file. It is very important that you REMEMBER where you have saved the file and the name of the file you are downloading. (See note below.)

Note: Many people like to set up a special folder or subdirectory specifically to hold files they are downloading. This practice is highly recommended. You may wish to create a folder called 'download' on your hard drive.

Step 2 - Installing the program.

Once you have successfully downloaded the installation program locate the file you saved. Double click on the file and the installation process should begin.

During the installation process you may be asked a variety of questions. If you are downloading commercial software you may be asked for registration numbers and user identification. Provide the information requested and continue the installation process. Sometimes the installation process will ask for information regarding where you want to install the program or give options as to how much of the program you want to install. Generally it is advised that you use the defaults or recommended values.

Macintosh Users: Downloading installation files many times results in a couple of files appearing on your desktop. Typically you will find a file which has a ".hqx" extension and an installer icon may also appear (sometimes a new folder will appear). If the installer icon appears, double click this icon and the installation process should begin. If a new folder has appeared open the folder and you should find either an installer icon or the final icon ready to use program itself. After installation is complete it is safe to trash the ".hqx" and installer icons.

Windows 95/NT Users: It is recommended that you use the “Install/Remove Programs” application which is located in the Control Panel. After installation is complete it is safe to delete the installer program that was downloaded.

Where can I get help with software?

The Atanasoff Lab intends to utilize software which provides a trouble free user interface to the course materials. We recognize that there will be occasional setup and configuration problems. Most of the software used provides on-line technical support and it is recommended that the students familiarize themselves with the on-line support available at the sites listed below:

Netscape On-line Support
Internet Explorer On-line Support

Note: Persons having Internet access through commercial providers such as America On-Line or Compuserve should carefully check for special installation instructions that may be needed for the software to work properly.

Note for Macintosh users: RealAudio Player 3.0 and above may not work on older Macintosh models, particularly those in the LC, Quadra or Performa series because they do not have the floating point co-processor needed to run the software. In this situation you need to use the 2.0 version of the RealAudio Player. It may be obtained from the RealAudio archive.

How can I work on my homework and projects?

1) You can do your homework and projects on your home computer (must have Office 2003)

2) You can use the 116A Atanasoff lab. This labs is not open 24 hours a day, so be aware of its schedule.

3) For those students who don't have Windows XP and Office 2003 on your home machine, you can use our virtual lab terminal service to connect from your local PC machine to a server in computer science department. After you connect to the virtual lab terminal service, you can work on your homework in the Office 2003 environment in the computer science server.  You don't need to come to the labs to work on your homework.  For information about using this feature students should contact their TA.  Students must register for one of the face-to-face orientation training sessions through AccessPlus and attend the orientation training according to the schedule (orientation location: 116 A Lab in the Atanasoff Hall).  After that, students will have confidence and be able to completely function on their own within WebCT, the standard ISU classroom portal.