Prepare Your Browser Settings for WebCT - Internet Explorer

You will need to perform the following adjustments to optimize your browser for use with WebCT.

1. Enable Java

You will need to have the Sun Microsystems Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software version 1.4.1 (1.4.2_07 or higher strongly recommended) software installed in your browser in order for certain areas of WebCT to function properly. Sun JRE version 5.0 (1.5) is also supported.

To install this software:

1. Click Java - Get It Now. The Download Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment page appears.
2. Review and accept the License Agreement.
3. Select the appropriate download and follow the online instructions.

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. Look for the Java Permissions section. If the section does not exist, continue to the next step. If the section exists, choose Low, Medium or High safety Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears. Click OK.

b) Switch to the Sun Java Runtime Environment

Open the Windows Control Panel by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel. The Control Panel appears. Locate and double-click Java or Java Plug-in. The Java Control Panel appears. Look for the Browser tab. If the Browser tab does not exist, skip the rest of this section. If the Browser tab exists, click the Browser tab. Under Settings, select the checkbox next to your browser. Click Apply to save your settings. Restart the browser.

2. 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.

3. Set Browser Cache

WebCT CE 3.7 and later and WebCT Vista:

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.

WebCT CE & SE 3.6 and earlier:

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 Every Visit to the Page radio button. Click OK. The Internet Options screen appears. Click OK.

4. 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 or WebCT Vista, 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

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 the Cookies section Set Allow cookies that are stored on your computer to Enable Set Allow per-session cookies to Enable Click OK

5. 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.

• Zone Alarm Pro
• Google Toolbar
• Yahoo! Toolbar
• MSN Toolbar
• AOL 8.0 and later
• Safari browser
• Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 2
• ICQ Toolbar
• Norton Internet Security
• Mozilla browser
• Netscape browser
• Firefox browser