Computer setup information

Computer set up information

In order to use the electronic resources in our courses, you need access to a computer with specific software installed and Internet access.

The following outlines the requirements. Links are provided at the end of this document to download sites for some of the required software.

Computers in campus computer labs already should be correctly set up.

Operating system

PC: Windows 95 or later, or

Mac: PPC running OS 8.6 to 9.2. Mac OS X is not fully supported, but most resources will work fine in the Classic emulator. (However, some programs are Windows only.)

(Windows 3.1 and Mac 68K machines are not supported.)

Internet access

You need access to the Internet, preferably via UW-Madison. Many services may not be available if access is obtained via another provider such as AOL. In order to access restricted material from off-campus, you will need to install and use WiscVPN.

Browsers

In general, you need to have both Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.0 or higher (but see important exceptions below) and Netscape Navigator 4.7x or higher installed on your computer. Version 6.0 of either browser is not yet fully supported. The AOL browser is not supported. Unsupported browsers may or may not work on all resources.

Browser settings

You need to enable Java, JavaScript, stylesheets, and cookies, and set the cache to reload every time. The following are typical settings.

For Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.7x and higher)

Select Edit / Preferences.
Select Advanced.
Make sure that Enable Java, Enable JavaScript, Enable style sheets, and Accept all cookies are selected.
Click the + sign next to Advanced to see more options.
Select Cache.
Select Every Time.
Click OK.

For Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher (PC)

Select Tools / Internet Options
Select the Advanced tab. Locate Microsoft VM.
Make sure the Java console enabled and Java logging enabled boxes are selected.
Select the General tab.
Select Settings from Temporary Internet Files.
Select the Every Visit to the Page radio button.
Click OK.
Restart your computer if you made any changes.

For Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher (Mac)

Select Edit / Preferences.
Under Web Browser, Select Web Content.
Make sure Show style sheets, Enable scripting, Enable plugins, and Enable ActiveX are selected.
Select Java
Make sure Enable Java is selected.
Select Advanced
Make sure Update pages: Always is selected.
Under Receiving Files, select Cookies
Make sure When receiving cookies: Never ask is selected
Click OK

Plug-ins

Three plug-ins are required and must be installed in all browser Plugins folders. (See the download links below if you need to get any of these.)

Apple QuickTime 5.0x - to view video and hear audio (QuickTime 4 will not work reliably on all systems);

Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0x - view, navigate, and print PDF files (Acrobat Reader 4 will not work reliably on all systems);

MDLI Chime - to view and manipulate molecular models.

Word processor and spreadsheet

A word processor and spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are essential.

Where to get the software

The browsers and plugin installers above are available on the WIscWorld CD. Choose an appropriate installer for your system. Follow the instructions on the CD.

Browsers may also be downloaded directly from Microsoft or from Netscape. After downloading an installer program, be sure to install it!

Link to Microsoft | Link to Netscape

QuickTime may be downloaded directly from Apple Computer. After downloading the installer program, be sure to install it!

Link to Apple Computer

If you have installed QuickTime, but are still having problems, go to the following link to verify your installation:

Link to Apple QuickTime check

Acrobat Reader may be downloaded directly from Adobe Software. After downloading the installer program, be sure to install it!

Link to Adobe Software

Chime - Do not try to download Chime directly from MDLI. This will likely fail. Instead go to the local downloading site using the link below. Follow the downloading and installation instructions provided.

Link to download Chime

If you are off-campus, you will need to use WiscVPN in order to access the Chime download page and other restricted material.

Link to download WiscVPN

Microsoft Word and Excel are available at substantial discounts for students via DoIT. Use the link below to go to the DoIT web site.

Link to DoIT

Help with installation problems

If you have problems installing any of the above software or plugins, contact the DoIT HelpDesk at the phone or website below for assistance.

Link to HelpDesk website
Or phone: 264-HELP

Red dividing line

Page tracking links: