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What are the minimum computer requirements for using Vista 8?

ANSWER:

Below are suggested minimum computer configurations for using GeorgiaVIEW Vista:

Platform:

  • PC (Windows Vista/Windows 7)
  • Mac (10.5+/10.6+)

Hardware:

  • 128 MB of RAM
  • 2 GB of free disk space
  • Sound card with speakers (for courses with multimedia)
  • Ethernet or Wireless network card (for high-speed Internet connection) or 56K modem (for dial-up Internet connection)
  • T1, DSL, Cable, or Satellite high-speed connection (56K dial-up will work, but the online course system will run slowly).

Required Software:

  • Java (JRE):  In order for GeorgiaVIEW Vista to function properly, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) MUST be installed on your computer.  Only ONE version of Sun's Java should be installed on any Windows computer used for GeorgiaVIEW Vista access.  (Multiple versions of Java do not seem to cause similar problems on Apple computers.)
    Windows users:  Check Add/Remove Programs to review your Java installation(s).  Neither the built-in Vista Browser Checker, nor the USG Browser Checker can tell you whether you may have multiple JRE versions on your computer.
Software that may be required for your course:

Sometimes new versions of Java may cause problems with GeorgiaVIEW Vista.  So, if Vista is working well on your computer, there is no need to update your Java, should you be notified that a more recent JRE version is available.  A newer version of Java is unlikely to make GeorgiaVIEW Vista run faster or better.

If you decide or need to update Java on your Windows computer, always check to ensure that only ONE version is installed  following the update.  Delete older, multiple versions.  If you notice unexpected behavior from Vista following a Java upgrade, uninstall the upgrade and install an older version.  Contact an agent through the Request Support tab for assistance.

No  version of Java recommended over others for optimum use of Vista.

  • Uninstall any previous versions of Java. You must have only one version on your machine.
  • Click here to download the most recent version of Java.
  • Follow the instructions on the Java Downloads site.
  • When installing Java, follow the prompts to install the Typical Java installation.  
    Be patient during the install process!
  • Restart your computer to complete the installation process.

Macintosh Users:  Apple Computer supplies their own version of Java. Use the Software Update feature (available from the Apple menu) to ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of Java available for your OSX Mac.

Browsers: Microsoft Windows & Apple Macintosh computers

NOTE:  Never download BETA versions of browsers - these are not compatible with Vista.

Click here to view a web page listing the Supported Browsers for Vista 8

* All configurations marked as Compatible have undergone a limited engineering analysis to test areas of the online course system that may have browser issues. 

IMPORTANT: Some browsers allow style sheets to be disabled. If your browser has this feature, do not set it to disable style sheets.

Browser Toolbars:

Uninstall Yahoo, Google, AOL, or any other Browser Toolbars

Although the browser toolbars are useful tools for searching the Internet, we recommend that you uninstall these so that your online course will function properly. In your browser, your toolbar (if you have one) will be immediately under the line on your browser where you can type in a web address. 

For example:

http://www.presidiumlearning.net/kb/images/Bb71/A_googleToolbar.gif
  
To uninstall browser toolbars:

  • Click the Start button on the bottom left of your screen.
  • From the Start menu, select Control Panel (if it is visible) or select the Settings option, and then click Control Panel from the secondary menu. A new window will appear. 
  • For Windows XP, double-click Add/Remove Programs; for Windows Vista, under Programs, click Uninstall a program. 
  • Locate the toolbar, click on it, then click Change/Remove (XP) or Uninstall (Vista) and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the toolbar.
    •  

Pop-Up Blocker Programs: 

While doing online course work, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to configure your browser to allow pop ups for the URL (web address) of your online course site.

Depending on the pop-up blocking software you are using, you may be able to set the URL (web address) of your online course site as an allowed site, or you may need to disable the pop-up blocker completely.

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 the online course system from performing properly.

To configure your browser to allow pop ups for the URL (web address) of your online course site:

(a) In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Turn ON pop-up blockers > Pop-Up Blocker settings > In the box Address of Web sit allow: type the URL (web address) of your online course site

(b) In Firefox, go to Tools > Options > Check Block Pop-up windows > Click Exceptions.  In the box titled Address of web site: typethe URL (web address) of your online course site

(c) In Safari, use the Command+k key combo to toggle the pop-up blocker on or off.

(d) Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name. Set the URL (web address) of your online course site as an allowed site. Examples of popular pop-up blocking applications include:

  • Pop-Up Stopper (not for Mac)
  • Pop-Up Defender (not for Mac)
  • Pop-Up Zapper
  • Popup Eliminator

(e) Pop-up blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Set the URL (web address) of your online course site as an allowed site.

Note: Examples of other programs that include pop-up blocking functions include the following. Click the links to read how to configure the pop-up blocker to allow the URL (web address) of your online course site as an allowed site for that specific program. If there is no link, refer to the Help in the affected program.