Browser Tune-up

This browser tune-up will help to ensure your browser settings are optimized for running a WebCT course.

Supported Browsers:

If you need help determining your browser or WebCT version, read the instructions we've prepared. Also remember to check your browser settings once you've verified that you're using a supported browser.

  • Netscape 6.2.x, 7.0, and 7.1 (PC & Mac)
  • Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.5 (except Service Pack 1) (PC)
  • Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS 9.x and OS X 10.1)
  • Internet Explorer 5.2 (OS X 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 (PC)

    Notes

  • Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1 is not supported
  • Netscape 4.7x to 4.8 are not supported
  • Netscape 6.0 and 6.1 are not supported
  • Netscape 6.2.x may require an updated Java plug-in
  • AOL is not supported;you can still use AOL as your internet access connection but you must use Netscape or Internet Explorer as your browser.

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Prepare Your Browser Settings for WebCT

1. If you use AOL...

If you're using America Online for web access, you may have difficulty logging on to WebCT and maintaining a connection. Instead, you should use Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer as the browser instead of AOL's built-in browser. We do not recommend and can not support AOL's browser. You may use AOL as your Internet Service Provider but you must use Netscape or Internet Explorer to access your course. To use another browser with AOL:

  • Connect to the Internet using AOL version 4.0 or higher
  • Open a private chat within AOL, which allows the AOL client to remain open without asking if you wish to disconnect while minimized
  • Minimize AOL
  • Launch a supported browser

2. Set Your Browser Cache to Always Reload a Page

In Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher

  • 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. "

In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

  • Select "Edit" then choose "Preferences"
  • Click the "+" sign or arrow next to "Advanced" to view more options
  • Select "Cache"
  • Select the "Every Time" radio button at the bottom
  • Click "OK"

3. Turn off Anonymous Logon

In Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher:

  • Select "Tools" then choose "Internet Options"
  • Select the "Security" tab
  • Select "Custom level"
  • Scroll down to "User Authentication" settings
  • Under "Logon" options select the "Automatic logon only in Intranet zone" radio button
  • Click "OK"

4. Enable Cookies
You may need to enable cookies in order to log in to WebCT.

How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x?

  • Select "Internet Options" from the Tools menu
  • Click on 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 Advanced:
      • Select Override automatic cookie handling
      • Select Always allow session cookies
      • Click OK to return to the Privacy Tab of Internet Options
  • Click Apply and then OK

How do I enable cookies for Netscape 6.x?

  • Select "Preferences" on the "Edit" menu.
  • Click on the arrow next to "Privacy & Security" in the left hand menu and click "Cookies."
  • Select "Enable all cookies" or "Enable cookies" for the originating website only.
  • Click "OK" and then click "Refresh" on the browser menu when you return to the web page.

How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x?

  • Select "Internet Options" from the Tools menu.
  • Click on the "Security" tab.
  • Click on the "Custom Level" button.
  • Scroll down to the "Cookies" section.
  • To enable: Set "Allow cookies that are stored on your computer" to "Enable."
  • Set "Allow per-session cookies" to "Enable."
  • Click "OK"

How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x?

  • Select "Internet Options" from the View menu.
  • Click on the "Advanced" tab.
  • Scroll down to find "Cookies" within the "Security" section.
  • To enable: Select "Always accept cookies."
  • Click "OK"

How do I enable cookies for Netscape Communicator 4.x?

  • Select "Preferences" from the Edit menu
  • Find the "Cookies" section in the "Advanced" category
  • To enable: Select "Accept all cookies" or "Enable all cookies."
  • Click "OK"

5. Enable Java

In Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher:

  • 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. "

In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

  • From the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences"
  • In the left-hand pane, select "Advanced"
  • Make sure the "Enable Java" checkbox is selected
  • Click "OK"

6. Enable Java Script

In Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher:

  • 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."

In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

  • From the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences"
  • In the left-hand pane, click the "arrow" next to Advanced, and select "Scripts & Plug-ins"
  • Under Enable JavaScript for, make sure the "Navigator" checkbox is selected.
  • Under Allow scripts to or Allow webpages to, make sure the following checkboxes are selected, if shown:
    • Move or resize existing windows
    • Hide the status bar
    • Change the status bar text
    • Change images
    • Create or change cookies
    • Read cookies
  • Click "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.

In Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher & Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

8. How to Open WebCT Microsoft Office Documents in Their Own Window

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How to Determine Browser Version

  • Open your browser
  • From the browser menu bar, open the "Help" menu
  • Select the "About" option. If there are several, choose the one about your browser. A screen will appear that shows your browser name and version

Company Firewalls

Using your computer from work may result in problems reaching your USF Online course.  Many companies today are running firewall software or using hardware that could restrict your ability to access material over the Internet.If your company is running a firewall system and you have problems accessing your USF online course, you should consult with your company's technology department to determine whether they are willing to make adjustments to their firewall system for you. USF cannot do this since it is your company’s firewall that is blocking your access to the University.  Please note that some companies have policies that prohibit the personal use of the Internet.

If your technology department is willing to make changes to their firewall for you, please contact the Center for Instructional Delivery at 866-337-1497 for the specific information that they will need to allow you access.

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