Additional Settings for eLearning Space

The following information is not meant to cover all browsers but includes settings for the most commonly used browsers on the Macintosh and PC platforms at the University of Wollongong. Make sure you are using the correct version of browsers as advised on the eLearning Space Support page.

Install and Enable Java

Some of the instructions to your computer are written in the Java language. It is a free program and you can download it from the UOW Software Downloads pages (Mac or PC). When installing Java, you should choose a 'Typical' installation and accept the default settings as you move through the installation wizard.

Once you have installed Java, you must follow the instructions below to enable Java in your browser.

Note: Most Macintosh users will already have Java as it is part of the operating system.

Internet Explorer for PC

1. Open the Windows Control Panel by clicking Start>Settings>Control Panel
2. Locate and double-click Java Plug-in
3. Click the Browser tab
4. Under Settings, select the checkbox next to your browser
5. Click Apply to save your settings
6. Restart the browser

Firefox for Mac:

1. Go to the Firefox menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Web Features button
3. Tick Enable Java and Enable Javascript
4. Click OK

Safari for Mac:

1. Go to the Safari Menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Security Tab
3. Under Web Content, check the boxes for Enable plugins, Enable Java, Enable JavaScript

Enable Cookies

Cookies are short pieces of data used by web servers to help identify web users. If you can't get into your eLearning Space, and your username and passsword are OK, it is likely that your browser is not set to accept cookies. You will need to allow your browser (or firewall) to accept cookies.

Internet Explorer for PC

1. Go to Tools menu and choose Internet Options
2. Select Privacy tab
3. 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 Privacy tab
4. Click Apply then OK

Firefox for Mac

1. Go to the Firefox menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Privacy Tab
3. Click the checkbox Allow Sites to Set Cookies

Safari for Mac

1. Go to the Safari Menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Security Tab
3. Under Accept Cookies click the radio button next to Always

Enabling Popups

Popup windows are often used for annoying advertsing, but in your eLearning Space they are used for discussion, mail and quizzes. If these features don't work, you may have software on your computer that blocks the creation of popup windows. You will need to allow your browser (or firewall) to create popup windows.

Internet Explorer for PC

1. Click once on the Tools menu
2. Select "Turn Off Pop-up Blocker"

Firefox for Mac

1. Go to the Firefox menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Web Features tab
3. Uncheck the box next to Block Popup Windows

Safari for Mac

1. Go to the Safari Menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Security Tab
3. Under Web Content, uncheck the box next to Block pop-up windows

Alternatively, go to the Safari Menu and deselect Block Pop-Up Windows

Don't Cache Webpages

You need to set the browser to show you the latest version of every page.

What you see on your eLearning Space screen is a page sent from a server. Sometimes your browser may be set to remember what that page used to be like, and it will show you an old version of the page, eg from yesterday or last week or 3 minutes ago. You need to set the browser to show you the latest version of every page, not use the copy it has stored in its cache memory; it must be set to "Compare the page to the cache - Each visit to the page".

Internet Explorer for PC

1. Go to Tools menu and choose Internet Options
2. Click the General tab
3. Under Temporary Internet Files, select Settings
4. Select the Automatically radio button
5. Click OK
6. Click OK

Firefox for Mac

1. Go to the Firefox menu and select Preferences
2. Click the Privacy Tab
3. Under Cache, type '0' in the Use up to... field
4. Click Clear
5. Click OK

Safari for Mac

1. Go to the Safari Menu
2. Select Empty Cache

Turn off Anonymous Logon

Internet Explorer for PC

1. Go to Tools menu and choose Internet Options
2. Click on Security tab
3. Click the Custom Level button
4. Scroll down to the User Authentication settings
5. Under Logon, select the Automatic logon only in Intranet zone radio button
6. Click OK

Firefox for Mac:
There is no Anonymous Logon function in Firefox for Mac.

Safari for Mac:
There is no Anonymous Logon function in Safari for Mac.

Don't use a Download Manager

Because of potential conflicts with your eLearning Space's method of identifying you, you should turn off any software you use to manage downloads, such as RealDownload, GetRight, Go!Zilla, NetAnts, ReGet, NetVampire, Download Accelerator Plus, FlashGet, etc.

Install a pdf file reader

Acrobat Reader or similar software is required to view PDF files. Most lecture notes are stored in this format. It is a free program and you can download it from the UOW Software Downloads pages.

Technical Support

If you are having technical problems with the eLearning Space, or strange error messages that you can't decipher are being displayed:

• Complete & submit the eLearning Self Help form.

Last reviewed: 15 April, 2008