For your Notes on the Web, about any descent browser will due. However, for various web sites linked from your Notes on the Web, and for all functions of Blackboard, Internet Explorer (latest version preferred) is probably your safest bet, although I personally use the most recent versions of Firefox.

• Note: JavaScript & Cookies must be enabled. There are a number of pluggins that are required to view various graphics, etc. Some of these a listed in this table.

By default, web browsers store visited web pages on a computer's hard drive (cache). These pages are erased either after a number of days or after the maximum file size is reached. These options can also be set by the user.

Since the content of this BIO 1114/BIO1114L course can change on a daily basis (such as when I am updating or adding information to your notes), it is important that you make the following modifications to your cache settings.  If you do not, your computer may use previously cached old versions of the page.

If you are using Firefox -click on TOOLS -click on CLEAR PRIVATE DATA -click on the make sure CACHE is checked in the list. -click on CLEAR PRIVATE DATA NOW -now when you refresh or revisit any web page, the lastest version should display. NOTE: Don't check "Saved Passwords" or all of your saved passwords will have to be re-entered when you.

If you are using Internet Explorer (version 5 or higher) -click on TOOLS -click on INTERNET OPTIONS -click on DELETE FILES (in the middle of that screen) -click on OK Now click on SETTINGS (it is to the right of the "delete files) -have the dot beside "Every visit to the page"

• Not all of these may be used, but here they are in case you need them. 

• Acrobat Reader -View and print millions of documents on the Web with the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader. You WILL need to have Acrobat Reader on your computer.
• Apple Quick Time -Quick Time lets you add more than 200 digital media capabilities and components to your Mac or PC.
• Chemscape Chime - Note that you must register first with MDL before being permitted to download the Chime software.  This plugin allows the viewing of certain 3-D graphics at required web sites you will use during the semester.
• Excel Viewer - allows you to view the Microsoft's EXCEL files on this system if you do not own EXCEL - Do NOT install if you have EXCEL on your computer.Use the search feature on the web site and select Excel for the program and "viewer" for the key word.  It will then give you choices to download.
• Mozilla Firefox - I like using this brower for most everything; however, there are times when only Internet Explorer or Netscape will do (e.g. with Chemscape Chime).
• Internet Explorer - standard browser, but oh so subject to viral hijacking!
• Microsoft Media Player - Windows Media Player supports Windows Media (WMA,ASF), MP3, WAV, MIDI, AVI, and other formats.
• Netscape - standard browser that will allow viewing of all web animations with appropriate plugins
• PowerPoint Viewer - allows you to view the Microsoft's PowerPoint files on this system if you do not own PowerPoint - Do NOT install if you have PowerPoint on your computer.  Use the search feature on the web site and select PowerPoint for the program and "viewer" for the key word.  It will then give you choices to download.
• Real Networks RealPlayer -Play online audio and video content. Note that you should want to download the free version, NOT the "free trial" version.  One is truly free while the other cost money if you wish to keep using it beyond the free period.
• Shockwave, Flash & Authorware - Macromedia's Shockwave, Flash and Authorware Player plug-ins let you experience automation and entertainment in your Web browser. The new Shockwave 7 provides auto-updating of the player.
• Word Viewer - allows you to view the Microsoft's WORD files on this system if you do not own WORD - Do NOT install if you have WORD on your computer.Use the search feature on the web site and select Word for the program and "viewer" for the key word.  It will then give you choices to download.
• Other plugins and add ons to your browser may be required by certain web sites. If so, they will nearly always offer you a link to download those items. If you have trouble, please contact Mr. Bill Adams (see contact information earlier). Be sure to have the specific name of the plugin you need before calling Bill.