Computer and operating system: You need a sound capable computer (PC or a Mac) that is connected to the Internet. Your internet provider should support TCP/IP software and the speed of your connection should be at least 28.8 Kbps. Recommended minimum hardware requirements are:
For a PC
For MAC
Audio Software: RealAudio Player G2 or better is required for the audio portion of the lectures.
Note for Macintosh users: If you are using an early model Mac and are not certain if it is capable of running RealAudio G2 check the Apple Archive. Select the machine you have and look for the logic board specifications.
You can access WebCT in most of the computer labs; however, not all computer labs have the RealAudio software on the machines.
Labs that have computers with RealAudio software include:
1340 Molecular Biology Building, 105 Bessey Hall and 241 Science II. These labs are not open 24 hours a day, so be aware of their schedules.
Durham 91, Durham 136, and Durham 206 are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Labs in the Residence Halls with Real Audio capability include Friley 2420, Knapp-Storms C1103, Maple-Willow-Larch C3112, Maple-Willow-Larch 3114, and Welch-Roberts 2223. These labs are also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while classes are in session during the spring and fall semesters.
You are expected to provide your own headphones for listening to the Real Audio portion of the lectures. Headphones with a mini-jack plug are required for compatibility with the computer's sound card. Please use headphones to minimize any distractions to other lab users.
We recommend you get the latest version of either Netscape's (see note below) or Microsoft's browser. The browsers are very similar, so which is better is a matter of personal preference. Read How do I download and install programs over the Internet for download sites and instructions on how to download.
NOTE: Netscape Navigator and Communicator:
Netscape 6.x does not currently work for all applications used in these web based courses. At this time we recommend using Netscape 4.x. These older versions may be obtained at:
http://home.netscape.com/download/Select either Netscape Communicator or Netscape Navigator.
The RealAudio System allows the playback of audio in real-time over the Internet. The RealAudio Player (which your computer must have) plays files encoded in the RealAudio format. The controls are much like a CD player's with play, stop, pause, reverse, and fast forward. Project BIO has the RealAudio Server which will deliver the sound to you. The server will hold the connection open as it delivers a continuous stream of audio. This way you don't have to deal with long download times.
Below is a link to the RealNetwoks support library that provides the system requirements for the various versions of the RealPlayer. Review the release notes to help you determine the version which best suits your system. Then read How do I download and install programs over the Internet for download sites and instructions on how to download.
Current Free Version RealPlayer
8 Basic
(There is no need to purchase the PLUS version. Look for the link to
the Basic version. You may need to study the page to find the link to
obtain this version.)
Older versions of the RealPlayer RealNetworks Support Library
Note: To Download previous versions of the RealPlayer go to the RealAudio Archives
Most modern computer programs are actually a collection of files that work together to perform a task. Since it would take a long time to download each of these files separately software authors will generally bundle all of the needed files into one "installation" file. Thus, when you download a program over the Internet what you have actually downloaded is a program that allows you to install the final program on your computer. Described below are the steps generally needed to successfully download and install software.
Note: The following assumes that you are using your Web browser to download the installation program you want.
Step 1 - Downloading the installer file.
Go to the site that has the file you wish to download.Netscape Navigator and Communicator
Microsoft Internet ExplorerReal Network's RealPlayer (Look for a link to the BASIC Free Player)
Real Network's RealAudio archive for older versions (G2 and above)
Read and follow any special download instructions (if available).
When you start the downloading process your browser should give you the option as to where on your computer you wish to save the file. Select a location on your computer to save the file. It is very important that you REMEMBER where you have saved the file and the name of the file you are downloading. (See note below.)
Note: Many people like to set up a special folder or subdirectory specifically to hold files they are downloading. This practice is highly recommended. You may wish to create a folder called 'download' on your hard drive.
Step 2 - Installing the program.
Once you have successfully downloaded the installation program locate the file you saved. Double click on the file and the installation process should begin.During the installation process you may be asked a variety of questions. If it is commercial software you may be asked for registration numbers and user identification. Provide the information requested and continue the installation process. Sometimes the installation process will ask for information regarding where you want to install the program or give options as to how much of the program you want to install. Generally it is advised that you use the defaults or recommended values.
Macintosh Users: Downloading installation files many times results in a couple of files appearing on your desktop. Typically you will find a file which has a ".hqx" extension and an installer icon may also appear (sometimes a new folder will appear). If the installer icon appears double click this icon and the installation process should begin. If a new folder has appeared open the folder you should find either an installer icon or the final ready to use program itself. After installation is complete it is safe to trash the ".hqx" and installer icons.
Windows 95/NT Users: It is recommended that you use the "Install/Remove Programs" application which is located in the Control Panel. After installation is complete it is safe to delete the installer program that was downloaded.
If your system doesn't meet the minimum requirements for RealPlayer you can download previous versions of the RealAudio Player from the RealAudio archive.
Project BIO intends to utilize software which provides a trouble free user interface to the course materials. We recognize that there will be occasional setup and configuration problems. Most of the software used provides on-line technical support and it is recommended that the student familiarize themselves with the on-line support available at the sites listed below.
Netscape On-line Support
Internet Explorer On-line Support
RealAudio On-line Support
Note: Persons having Internet access through commercial providers such as America On-Line or Compuserve should carefully check for special installation instructions that may be needed for the software to work properly.
Note for Macintosh users: RealAudio Player 3.0 and above may not work on older Macintosh models particularly those in the LC, Quadra or Performa series because they do not have the floating point co-processor needed to run the software. In this situation you need to use the 2.0 version of the RealAudio Player. It may be obtained from the RealAudio archive.
For quick assistance you might wish to try the Technical Assistance Request Form. Here you will be able to pick from a list of common problems and perhaps get the answers you need.
or you can contact:
Doug Bull
E-mail: ddbull@iastate.edu
Phone: 1-515-294-7255