If you are viewing this Website in a lab, ask the instructor if the computers are preconfigured for this Website. If they are, ignore the directions on this page. If you are using your own computer or one that has not been preconfigured, follow directions below.

The following information is provided to ensure the proper operation of this Website. Please read the entire page. At the end, you will find the Quick Start Procedure that summarizes the technical requirements that, when met, make the module run as it was intended.

Supported Browsers

This Website has been tested using the following browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x and Netscape Communicator. In all cases it is imperative that the JAVA capability is enabled.

While we would not presume to recommend one commercial product over another, we do recommend that you download and install the latest version of your preferred browser. To make sure that you are using the latest version of your browser, please click one of the links below.

Shockwave Plug-in

This Website uses a software plug-in called Shockwave. If you see a cube orbiting a globe below, Shockwave is already installed. If you do not see the animation, review the Disclaimer Notice then click Install Shockwave.

Processor Speed

The speed of your computer's processor is just as important as your Internet connection speed for rapid access and navigation on the Web. Although not required, if you have a choice, view this Website on a machine with a faster processor.

Screen Resolution

• Run your browser window at full screen (i.e., click the maximize button)
• Set your screen resolution at 800 x 600 pixels, 16-bit color. Screen resolutions higher than 800 x 600 pixels make some graphics and animations too small on the screen for some users. Running 640 x 480 is not recommended. You will have to scroll pages more frequently and may miss small graphics, some text, and some navigation options.

Graphics Preload Option

At the beginning of each major section of this Website, you will be given the option to preload graphics used in that section. Selecting the preload option greatly increases the usability of the material. While the preload process may take a few minutes, once the graphics have been downloaded to your cache, they will appear much more quickly on the pages you review.

The size of your machine's cache determines whether or not you can preload an entire section's graphics at one time. This Website uses many large graphics and animations that take up a significant amount of cache. It is important that your browser's cache is large enough to hold an entire section's graphics. If the cache is too small, the latest graphics will overwrite the oldest ones, defeating the purpose of the preload. If possible, maximize your computer's cache to several Mb (10 Mb would be ideal).

Running Other Programs

It is strongly suggested that you close all other applications while you use this Website. Browsers require a significant amount of processor capacity, so the usability of the module will be compromised if you keep other applications open.