Configuring Your Computer

One of the advantages of taking an online class is being able to login from your home computer or laptop at a time that is convenient to you. However, in order to do so, it is important that your computer and web browser are properly configured to insure that all eLearning functions will work correctly. For more information, please visit the D2L Help Center.

Principally a proper configuration includes:

  • Compatible web browser
  • Pop-ups enabled (for *.view.usg.edu)
  • Correct version of Java installed
  • Javascript enabled for your web browser
  • Cookies enabled
  • Various plugins (Acrobat, Flash, Quicktime, etc.)

Web Browsers
One of the first steps that you should take is to run the Browser Checker utility (below) which will help determine if your current setup is compatible. This will help identify which components of your computer will need adjustments.

D2L supports a wide range of client computer configurations. However, upgrading to the newest browser version is not recommended, since D2L may not have had an opportunity to evaluate the new version.  If your current software configuration allows you to access D2L as expected, we recommend maintaining the software you have and NOT upgrading.  You may wish to disable any "automatic updates" until you have completed your D2L Online Courses at the end of each semester.

D2L supports most popular web browsers.  However, upgrading to the newest version of any browser is not recommended.  If your web browser seems to have problems with D2L, either downgrade to an older browser version or download and use another browser.

         >>Start the Browser Checker

Allowing Pop-Up Windows
Most web browsers by default are set to block pop-up windows. Since some of the functions in eLearning rely upon pop-up windows, you will need to turn the pop-up blocker off for the eLearning site. If you manually designate the domain for which site to allow pop-up windows, please use “*.view.usg.edu”.

Java and Javascript
Many of the functions in eLearning rely upon Java scripts and applications. Therefore you must have javascript enabled for your web browser (most normally do). You should also insure that you do not have multiple versions of Java installed on your machine (this is not an issue for Mac users). The most recent version of Java seems to work fine and is available at java.com. For more information regarding Java, please visit the Online Support Center.

Cookies Enabled
Cookies are normally allowed by default on most browsers. The browser checker will tell you whether or not your browser is allowing cookies. If you need to enable them you can follow the instructions here. Firefox | Internet Explorer | Safari | Chrome

Browser Plug-Ins
Some courses may include audio, video, or animation files which may require that your web browser has the appropriate plug-in installed. Below are links to some of the more commonly used browser plug-ins:

          Adobe Reader (for PDF Files)
          Adobe Flash
          Adobe Shockwave
          Apple Quicktime
          Flip4Mac (allows Mac computers to view WMV files)
          Microsoft Word Viewer (if you do not have MS Word or Office)