Chapter : Preparing To Use WebCT

Checking for Necessary Plug-Ins

Plug-ins are software packages that work with your web browser to allow you to view and access different types of information and media. For example, to view certain movie files you will need a particular media player plug-in, like QuickTime or RealPlayer. WebCT Vista requires an up-to-date version of Java. Another very prevalent type of plug-in required in WebCT-based courses is the Acrobat Reader plug-in, which allows you to view Acrobat PDF files, which may include articles, handouts, etc.

Java® allows you to view and use some of WebCT's interactive tools. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Acrobat Reader® allows you to view and Print PDF documents. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html

The following plug-ins are required for courses that use multimedia elements, but will not be required for every course:

RealPlayer® allows you to stream Real® video and audio files. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.real.com/products/player/playerdl.html

Shockwave® allows you to view animations and interactive content. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi

QuickTime® allows you to view QuickTime® and other major audio and video files. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/index.html

Flash® allows you to view animations and interactive content. You can download the latest version of this plug-in from:
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi

Once you’re confident that your computer’s web browser and all necessary plug-in’s are up-to-date, you’re ready to begin working in WebCT!