Is Your Computer Ready?

Which Internet Browser Should I Use?

The latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari are all good choices for working in Canvas. Important note: If you need help downloading one of these browsers, Online Learning Help Desk staff will be happy to assist you! Contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Download Mozilla Firefox

Download Google Chrome
Download Safari (Links to an external site.)

It's a good idea to have more than one browser installed on your personal computer. Many times problems you experience online can be fixed by switching from one browser to a different browser.

I really like Internet Explorer (or Edge) - Why shouldn't I use it with Canvas?

Although officially Canvas supports Internet Explorer/Edge, it DOES NOT work well with Canvas! You will experience many problems if you use this browser. These problems include:

course content not opening correctly or showing up at all
problems submitting assignments (it will say a file is submitted, but it actually doesn't submit)
not being able to submit quizzes and exams

Firefox, Chrome (or Safari for Mac users) are the best bets when using Canvas.

What Internet Browser am I using? Check to see what browser you are using!

Go to http://supportdetails.net/ (Links to an external site.) and check the "Browser" box to see which browser you are using.

Browser Plug-Ins

Plug-ins are add-ons for your Internet browser that will make your computer work correctly with Canvas and other programs needed for your online coursework. To use all the features of Canvas, you need to have all the plug-ins necessary for your computer.

Below is a list of plug-ins. If you are on your personal computer click the corresponding link to go to its website to download and install it. If you are on a College, Library, or Work computer, you can skip this part.

Browser Plug-ins
Plug-in	What does it do?	Where to download?
Adobe Reader	Adobe Reader is required if you wish to download and save PDF files.	http://get.adobe.com/reader Links to an external site. *Important: When installing Adobe Flash make sure and UNCHECK the Optional Offer for McAfee on the first page!!*
Java	Java is a free program that makes it possible for many communication features to work effectively. *NOTE: With the release of Google Chrome Release 45, Java is no longer supported. If you are using Chrome and need Java, you may want to consider switching to using Firefox.*	http://www.java.com/en Links to an external site.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office Available for Employees!

One of the benefits of Richland’s software agreements with Microsoft is that all current employees are eligible to download and install Microsoft Office Professional on their home computers.

To access Microsoft Office, go to https://office.com, Links to an external site. and log in using your Richland email address and password. You will then be directed to the download page for Office and can download and install it on up to 2 devices.

If you have any questions about using Microsoft Office, feel free to email Student Tech Support at student.tech@richland.edu. They can help you with any downloading and installation questions or problems.

Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software protects your computer against viruses by scanning for malicious programs and then neutralizing or eliminating them.

Do you need anti-virus software?

YES! New viruses are coming out every day, so it is very important to keep your anti-virus software updated, and scan frequently in order for your computer to stay healthy and run properly.

Where can I get FREE anti-virus software?

If your computer is Windows 7, the Online Learning Office recommends using Microsoft Security Essentials for your computer's Anti-Virus program. It's free, easy to use, and updates on a daily basis. The program can be downloaded and installed directly from Microsoft: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download.

NOTE: Windows 8,/8.1/10 machines have the Windows Defender Program pre-loaded on them. Security Essentials is already included in Defender.

Should I have more than one anti-virus program on my computer?

NO! It is strongly recommended that ONLY ONE anti-virus program be used on your computer. If more than one is used, there is a strong possibility they will conflict with each other and cause problems on your computer.

How often should my anti-virus software run on my computer?

If you already have anti-virus software, make sure it is updated and scanning your computer continually (not just once a day, but all day long!)

Spyware/Malware Removal

Spyware/Malware programs secretly collects personal data for marketing purposes (such as your Web surfing history) and/or identity theft (such as credit card numbers, bank information, etc.). Spyware/Malware removal software blocks and/or removes these threats from your computer.

Do you need spyware/malware removal software?

YES!! Spyware programs can change your browser's home page, or add additional components to your computer that you don't need or want. It is very important to keep your spyware software updated, and scan frequently so your computer stays healthy and runs properly.

Where can I get FREE spyware/malware removal software?

If you do not have spyware/malware software on your computer, here is a link to a free spyware/malware removal program:

Malwarebytes: http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (Links to an external site.) (NOTE: Be sure to uncheck the box for the "free trial" of Malwarebytes Pro version)

Should I have more than one spyware remover program on my computer?

YES!! It is strongly recommended that you DO USE more than one spyware/malware removal program on your computer. Sometimes one application may detect a new threat that another may overlook, so having more than one on your computer is the best thing to do.

How often should my spyware/malware remover software run on my computer?

To protect yourself from spyware and malware, it is important to download and install a spyware/malware removal program on your computer, update the program and scan your computer daily.

Clearing Your Computer's Cache

When you visit Websites, your browser stores information, such as the Website you visited, files used to run an application, and other browsing information. This can cause display and Website access problems. It's always important to frequently clear your browser's cache.

Information on how to clear your browser's cache can be found in the following links:

How Do I Clear My Browser's Cache On a Mac? Links to an external site.

How Do I Clear My Browser's Cache On a PC? Links to an external site.