D2L+Help



**Getting Started**
If you are taking a Distance Education class, you will be accessing your online course materials through Desire2Learn, the district Learning Management System. The following information will help you prepare your computer to ensure the best experience in Desire2Learn.

**System Requirements**
Mac OS X || Windows 7 || Minimum resolution of 800 x 600 || Resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater || - Firefox 3.0 + - Internet Explorer 7 + - Safari 3.1 + - Firefox 3.0 + || **Windows:** - Firefox 3.5 - Internet Explorer 8 - Firefox 3.0 || - iOS 4 with Safari - Android 1.5 - Android 2.1 - Blackberry 6 ||  ||
 * ~  ||~ Minimum Requirements* ||~ Recommended* ||
 * ~ Operating system || Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, Win7
 * ~ Video || SVGA monitor
 * ~ Internet speed || 56K modem || Cable modem, DSL ||
 * ~ Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) || JRE v1.4.2.x, 1.5.x, 1.6.x || JRE 1.6 update 22 ||
 * ~ Browser || **Windows:**
 * MAC OS X:**
 * MAC OS X:**
 * ~ Mobile Web || - iOS 3 with Safari
 * ~ Java script || Enabled || Enabled ||
 * ~ Cookies || Enabled || Enabled ||
 * Requirements and recommendations subject to change due to developments in technology.

**Plug-ins & Downloads**
All plug-ins listed here are free and safe. If you do not already have these plug-ins, click the links below, and follow the instructions to to download and install them on your computer. Depending up the content in your courses, you may need some or all of the following downloads.

**Required**
> Allows you to fully utilize the features of Desire2Learn. Click the above link to make sure you have the recommended version for your system. > > //**Note:** If you have trouble installing the recommended version, you may need to __ uninstall earlier versions __//. > Use the Software Update feature (available through the Apple menu) to make sure you have the recommended Java version for your computer. Make sure Java is enabled in your web browser.
 * __ Java __ //(For PC Users)//
 * Java //(For Mac Users)//

**Strongly Recommended**
> Regularly update your computer with the latest software from Microsoft to boost the security and reliability of your Windows PC. > Allows you to view PDF files. > Allows you to view various multimedia activities and web animation. > Allows you to open Office 2007 files if you are using an earlier version of Office. > Allows you to view various online video formats.
 * __ Windows Update __ //(For PC Users - Note: You must be using Internet Explorer to run this service.)//
 * Apple Software Update //(For Mac Users - From the Apple menu, select Software Update)//
 * __ Adobe Reader __
 * __ Adobe Flash Player __
 * __ Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack __ //(For PC Users)//
 * __ Quicktime __

**If Needed**
> If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download this free, open source alternative. > //**Note:** If you choose to use Open Office, please consult with your instructor regarding the file types they can accept. You can use the Save As function of Open Office, and choose Save As Type to save your files in a format that is compatible with Microsoft Office, for example.// > Allows Mac users to view WMV videos using the Quicktime player. > Allows you to view WMV videos.
 * __ Office Online File Converters and Viewers __
 * Converters allow you to open files created by people using different versions of your Office programs.
 * Viewers provide a means for people who don't have Office programs to see your work. You can provide them with the appropriate viewer along with your Office files.
 * __ OpenOffice.org __
 * __ Flip4Mac __ //(For Mac Users)//
 * __ Windows Media Player __ //(For PC Users)//

**Trusted Sites**
If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, you will need to set **d2l.vcccd.edu** as a trusted site. Mozilla Firefox and Safari do not have a Trusted Sites setting.

**Internet Explorer**

 * 1) Click **Tools > Internet Options**.
 * 2) Click the **Security** tab.
 * 3) Click the **Trusted Sites** button.
 * 4) Click the **Sites** button.
 * 5) In the **Add this web site to the zone** area, type **d2l.vcccd.edu**, and click **Add**.
 * 6) Make sure the **Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone** box is//unchecked//.
 * 7) Click **Close** to close the Trusted Sites window.
 * 8) Click **OK** to to close the Internet Options window.

**Pop-up Blockers**
You will need to configure your browser's pop-up blockers to allow pop-ups from Desire2Learn.

**Internet Explorer**

 * 1) Click **Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Pop-up Blocker Settings**.
 * 2) In the **Address of web site to allow** area, type **d2l.vcccd.edu**
 * 3) Click **Add**. Then click **Close**.

**Mozilla Firefox**

 * 1) Click **Tools > Options**.
 * 2) Click the **Content** button.
 * 3) Click the **Exceptions** button next to the **Block Pop-up Windows** option.
 * 4) In the Address of web site area, type **d2l.vcccd.edu**
 * 5) Click **Allow**. Then click **Close**.
 * 6) Click **OK**.

**Safari**

 * 1) Click **Safari** **> Preferences.**
 * 2) Click the **Security** button.
 * 3) //Uncheck// the option to **Block Pop-up Windows**.
 * 4) You may wish to //check// this option again when you are not using Desire2Learn.

**Toolbars**
In additon to your browser's pop-up blockers, you may have installed toolbars such as Google, Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, etc. which include their own pop-up blockers. These blockers will need to either be disabled or configured to allow pop-ups from **d2l.vcccd.edu**.

**File Downloads**
You will probably be required to download a number of files via Desire2Learn. You can change some browser settings to determine how your browser handles file downloads.

**Internet Explorer**

 * 1) Click **Tools > Internet Options.**
 * 2) Click the **Security** tab.
 * 3) Click the **Custom Level** button.
 * 4) In the **Settings** area, scroll down to the **Downloads** section.
 * 5) Under **Automatic prompting for file downloads**, choose **Enable**.
 * 6) Under **File Download**, choose **Enable**.
 * 7) Click **OK** to close the Security Settings window.
 * 8) Click **OK** to close the Internet Options window.

**Mozilla Firefox**

 * 1) Click **Tools > Options**.
 * 2) Click the **Main** button.
 * 3) In the **Downloads** section, set the options for how you would like your browser to handle file downloads.
 * 4) Click **OK**.

**Safari**

 * 1) Click **Safari > Preferences**.
 * 2) Click the **General** button.
 * 3) Set the options in the **Save downloaded files to** section.
 * 4) Close the **General** window.