The science department offers Chemistry 100 as on online course. The course is delivered through a software package called Web CT. In order for your computer and Web CT to communicate effectively, your hardware and browser must meet the following specifications. Please review this technical information and complete the "Web Browser" and "Required Browser Settings" sections. It would be beneficial to take the "Student Tour" of WebCT before logging into your course. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that you must secure your computer when browsing the Internet. Please take the time to review and install an anti-virus program on your computer. A link which discusses Internet security and rankings of free and commercial security tools is provided in the "Security" section. When complete, click on the "Log On" link to the left of this message to access your WebCT course. After carefully reviewing this page, if you have problems accessing your course, please contact the Help Desk.

Hardware & Software Requirements
You must have regular and reliable access to a computer with access to the Web. Suggestions and requirements for each are listed below:

Computer
The computer must be robust enough to run one of the recent web browsers and download files in a reasonable amount of time. For personal computers, we require at least a Pentium-class personal computer (or its equivalent Apple or Unix machine) with at least 16 MB of RAM.

Word Processor (& other application software)
Most courses require some type of word processor for creating assignments, such as a research paper. Your instructor may require a specific word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, or other software that relates to the course, such as a spreadsheet, etc. Check with the course instructor or department head for any specific software requirements.

Web Access
You will need to be able to reach the World Wide Web, either through a network at your place of business or through a modem connection from home, using an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The modem should be at least 28.8 kbps.

Web Browser
The browser that you use is important. WebCT requires a browser that is both Java and JavaScript enabled. This option needs to be set in your browser. For best results in WebCT, use Netscape version 4.5 or higher (version 6.0 not recommended), or Internet Explorer 4.x or higher (version 5.5, Service Pack 1 has a bug). To make sure you have the correct browser, go to the WebCT Browser Tune Up at

http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup

Special Note to AOL Users!
There are some known issues surrounding AOL's browser and WebCT. The best solution is to use another browser after logging on to the AOL account. Users need to have Netscape 4.76 or Internet Explorer versions 5.0 to 5.5, except Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed on their computers. To open one of these browsers after logging onto AOL, please do the following:

Log onto AOL.
Minimize (not close) the AOL window.
Open Netscape or Internet Explorer.
Enter the URL for your course.

Required Browser Settings
Many functions in WebCT require that your browser be Java and JavaScript enabled. Your browser is probably already configured correctly, but it's a good idea to double-check your settings.

Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.05 and higher)
Select Edit Preferences
Select Advanced
Make sure the Enable Java and Enable JavaScript boxes are checked
Click OK

Internet Explorer 4.0 and Higher
Select Tools, Internet Options
Select the Advanced tab
Locate Microsoft VM
Make sure the Java console enabled and Java logging enabled boxes are checked
Click OK
Restart your computer if you checked the Java console enabled box

Cache
Cache is where your browser stores information about every web page you have visited. When you revisit a web page, the browser first looks on your hard drive for the various files that make up that page, instead of actually looking to the server to see what's there. This can cause problems when you're visiting a site repeatedly, as you will with your WebCT course, because changes made to the course won't appear if your browser is showing outdated information.

To avoid this problem, set your browser to compare the page in cache to the page on the server each time you revisit a page. Also, if you are running into problems getting updated information, make sure your browser's cache is cleared.

To change cache settings in Netscape
Go to Edit / Preferences
Double click on Advanced
Select Cache and make sure the button "Document in cache is compared to document on network" is set to "every time."

To change cache settings in Internet Explorer
Go to Tools / Internet Options
Select the General tab
Select Temporary Internet Files / Settings and make sure that the "Check for newer versions of stored pages" is set to "every time."

Getting Help

Your Instructor
Your instructor will be the primary person you communicate with during this online use. It's important to let your instructor know if you're having trouble, or if you have any questions about your course. Contact your instructor when:
You have questions about course content, assignments, quizzes, tests, or your grade.

Helpdesk
The WebCT Helpdesk can help you when you're having trouble logging into the course, or when you experience problems with the WebCT software. The Helpdesk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On the Web (preferred method)
Complete the brief form located at
http://help.webct.com/supportform?id=tricounty

Telephone
1-(877) 855-3238 (toll free)

E-mail
support@webct.com

Please note: When requesting assistance from your instructor or the Helpdesk during the week, it may take up to 24 hours before you receive a reply (weekends may take longer). Not all problems can be solved the same day, but faculty and staff will do their best to help you find a resolution in a timely manner.

Student Tour
To become acquainted with WebCT content and navigation, click on the link below.
http://www.tctc.edu/distancelearning/Student%20Tour/intro.htm