Web Browser Settings
For WebCT to work correctly, your web browser must be set to enable Javascript and cookies, and in some cases Java. Also, if your browser blocks "pop up" advertisements, you must allow the WebCT site to send pop-ups in order to take a quiz or use the chat. Also, Internet Explorer may block downloads unless WebCT is on the "Trusted Sites" list.
Below are instructions for
Firefox annd Netscape 8
Internet Explorer for Windows- Netscape 7 and Mozilla/Seamonkey
- Internet Explorer for Macintosh
- Safari for Macintosh
Cookies are brief text messages that a web site can store on your computer. These can be retrieved later in order to identify you, or in the case of WebCT to track whether you have logged in or not. Some people turn cookies off in order to protect their privacy, however if you turn cookies off you will not be able to log on to WebCT. If you are concerned about privacy, the latest versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer allow you to control which web sites store cookies so you may want to upgrade your browser.
Javascript is a simplified programming language that is built into most web browsers, and allows the web site to become more interactive (it is not the same as Java, although people often get confused between the two). Some people turn off javascript in order to avoid annoying things like pop-up advertisements, and also because older browsers have some security and privacy problems with javascripts. Since WebCT is an interactive web site, javascript is absolutely required. If you are concerned about the use of javascript, upgrade your browser to the latest possible version since that will include all of the current security and privacy fixes. Netscape 7 also allows you some control over what Javascript can do.
Java is an advanced programming environment that allows you to run additional software inside your web browser. WebCT uses Java for the Chat and the Whiteboard. If you need to use the chat or the whiteboard, turn Java on.
Pop-up blockers stop annoying advertisements from popping up when you visit some web sites but can also block legitimate web pages, including the WebCT quiz page and the chat page. Pop-up blockers are built in to the latest versions of Mozilla, Netscape, and Internet Explorer, and they can also be part of "toolbars" like the "Google" search toolbar.
Setting Preferences in Firefox or Netscape 8.0
Click on the "Tools" menu, then on "Options" (on a Macintosh, click the "Firefox" menu then "Preferences"). When the preference window appears, click the "Content" icon. Make sure the that "Block Popup Windows" is turned off or that you add webct.rutgers.edu to the "Allowed Sites", and that the options for Java and Javascript are turned on.
Next, click the "Privacy" icon. Make sure that the option to "allow cookies" is turned on.
Setting Preferences for Netscape 7 (also Mozilla 1.x, or Seamonkey)
In addition to the following instructions, make sure you allow "pop ups" using the "Tools" menu, or from the "Privacy-->Pop-up" section of the preferences. You can allow pop-ups only from the WebCT site while still blocking them from other sites by adding "webct.rutgers.edu" to the list of allowed sites.
The images below are based on Netscape 7.0. If you are using Mozilla or a newer version of Netscape, there may be some minor variations between the images below and what you see on your screen.
In the Windows version of Netscape 7, click on "Edit" then "Preferences". On a Macintosh, click "Netscape" (or "Mozilla") then "Preferences". In the preferences window, click on "Cookies" (you may need to click the triangle next to "Privacy and Security" first). Set cookies to either "enable all cookies" or "Enable for the originating web site only."
Next click "Advanced" and make sure "enable Java" is checked.
Finally click "Scripts & Plugins" (you may need to click the triangle next to "Advanced" first), and make sure "Navigator" is checked.
Setting preferences for Internet Explorer 6 (Windows)
You may alter the following settings somewhat, but the these settings are guaranteed to work. Click on "Tools" then on "Internet Options" and on the "Security" tab. Click the "Internet" globe icon, then set the slider to "medium" or click the "default level" button" (earlier versions of Internet Explorer mary use different wording but should be very similar).
Next, click the "Trusted Sites" icon, then click "Sites".
Type "https://webct.rutgers.edu" in the box, and click "Add", then "Close".
Then click the "Privacy" tab, and set the slider to "Medium" or click the "default" button.
To enable Java, you can try the settings in the "Advanced" tab, but it may be easier and more effective to download the Sun version of Java which is more standard than the built-in Microsoft version.
Setting Preferences for Internet Explorer for Macintosh
Click "Edit" then "Preferences". In the preferences window click "Web Content" and make sure "Enable Scripting" is checked.
Then click "Java". Make sure "Enable Java" is checked and that "Applet Host Access" is chosen in the network access.
Finally click "Cookies" (you will probably have to scroll down to see it) and make sure "Never Ask" is chosen (be careful not to choose "never accept"!)
Safari for Macintosh
Safari is not fully supported, but it will work for 95% of what most people do. If you run into problems with Safari, try using Firefox. To set up Safari, click the "Safari" menu, then choose "Preferences". Click the "Security" icon, then turn on plugins, java, and javascript, turn off "block popup windows", and set "Cookies" to "always" or "only from sites you navigato to".
