Technical HOWTOs

TECHNICAL HOW-TOs

Select any of the items below to access step by step instructions for technical tasks you will frequently use in your Distance Learning class. Both Word (.doc or .rtf) and Web (.html) versions are available for each item.

We welcome your input in updating the list and including additional tools you may need help with. Please email the Distance Learning program and let us know what other tools or resources you would like us to include here.

Step by step instructions for Clearing the Cache:

MAC Web (HTML) version
MAC WORD (.doc) version

PC Web (HTML) version
PC WORD (.doc) version

Clearing your cache allows you to see the newest version of a Web page. For example, if your instructor has put up a new announcement or a new link and you can’t see it, you need to clear your cache.

Step by step instructions for downloading the Java Plug-in:

Download Java Plug-in

Your course is likely to include features that require the installation of a plug-in that will enhance the capabilities of your browser and allow you to access the necessary files.

If you have any difficulty downloading, installing, or configure the settings of the Java plug-in on your computer, contact the Helpdesk at Ext. 4818 (LBCC online students and staff only)

Step by step instructions for Participating in an e-Learning Discussion Forum:

Web (HTML) version
Microsoft Word (.DOC) version

Many distance learning courses will require students to participate in a Discussion Forum as a way to share ideas and build a learning community among classmates. Follow these step by step instructions to post your comments to a Discussion Forum.

Step by step instructions for entering a Student Bio:

Web (HTML) version
WORD (.doc) version

The Student Bios use the same interface as the Discussion Forum. To learn how to post your bios to your distance learning course, access the Discussion Forum step-by-step instructions.

Step by step instructions for getting an email account:

Yahoo Free Email

Web (HTML) version
WORD (doc) version

You may obtain a free email account from various Web services. Click the link above for instructions that describe how you get an email account with Yahoo.

Step by step instructions for attaching a file to an email message:

Web (.HTML) version
Microsoft Word (.DOC) version

Often throughout your Distance Learning course experience, you will be asked to attach a file to your email. Your instructor may ask you to attach your assignment, an essay, a chart or any other file to an email message you are sending.

Step by step instructions for detaching and saving a file attached to an email:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

Course materials and information may be sent to your email account in the form of an attachment. You will need to save this attached file to your local computer for viewing and other uses.

Step by step instructions for downloading and saving a Word Document:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

You can download and save the syllabus from a web enhanced course or any text document from a web page on to your computer. The syllabus is “.doc” file and can be opened in many different word processor programs such as Microsoft Word. Other files such as ".rtf" or ".txt" can be saved in the same manner.

Step by step instructions for saving a file as a Rich Text Format (RTF) document:

Web (HTML) version (MAC)
Rich Text (RTF) version (MAC)

Web (HTML) version (PC)
Rich Text (RTF) version (PC)

Often throughout your Distance Learning course experience, you will be asked to detach a file From your email. Your instructor may attach your assignment, an essay, a chart or any other file to an email message you are receiving. When you save a attached document to your computer Hard Drive or Floppy Drive, it can be opened in many different programs. For example, you can open a Microsoft Word document by using Microsoft Word if it is installed on your computer.

Step by step instructions for connecting and disconnecting a Flash storage device:

Web (HTML) version (MAC)
Word (.doc) format (MAC)

Web (HTML) version (PC)
Word (.doc) version (PC)

When connecting and disconnecting a FLASH USB storage device to access the files stored on it, it is important to follow specific steps carefully in order to avoid losing any data on the device.

Step by step instructions for copying and pasting a URL into Word, or another document, and creating a working hyperlink (PC and MAC):

Web (HTML) version
Word (.doc) version

At times, your instructor will ask you to include the URL link in your Word, or other document. These links provide step-by-step instruction on how to copy and paste a URL from browser into a Word document.

Step by step instructions for allowing pop-up windows:

Web (HTML) version
WORD (.doc) version

At times it will be necessary to prevent your Web browser from blocking desirable pop-ups. To learn how to enable pop-ups when needed, access the Allow Pop-ups step-by-step instructions.

Step by step instructions for downloading and installing Adobe Reader:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

At times, your course will include links to .PDF files. The advantage of using .PDF files is that they can include files that were created by any software, and one does not have to have that software in order to open the file. The only thing needed to open a .PDF file is Adobe Reader.

Download Adobe Reader

Step by step instructions for downloading and installing QuickTime plug-in:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

Your course is likely to include movies to help you learn the material. To watch these movies you will need to download, install and configure the settings of the QuickTime plug-in on your browser.

If you have any difficulty downloading, installing, or configure the settings of the QuickTime plug-in on your computer, contact the Helpdesk at Ext. 4818 (LBCC online students and staff only)

Download QuickTime Plug-In

Step by step instructions for downloading the Authorware Web Player:

Download Authorware Web Player

Your course is likely to include a variety of tutorials, practices, and self-assessments that you can use to learn the course material and ensure your comprehension of the course content.

Some of these files may be in a format that require the installation of a plug-in that will enhance the capabilities of your browser and allow you to access these files. The plug-in most frequently used in LBCC online course is Macromedia's Authorware Web Player.

Step by step instructions for downloading and extracting a .ZIP file:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

Your course is likely to include a variety of activities that you can use to learn the course material. Some of these files may be too large and therefore compressed using a ZIP utility and saved as .ZIP files. To access these files, you will need to download the .ZIP file to your computer and then unzip (extract) it. After you extract the file you will be able to launch it from your computer without being connected to the Internet and your course Website.

Step by step instructions for downloading and extracting a .SIT file:

Web (HTML) version
Rich Text (RTF) version

Your course is likely to include a variety of activities that you can use to learn the course material. Some of these files may be too large and therefore are compressed and saved as .ZIP files. To access these files, you will need to download file to your computer and then extract it. After you extract the file you will be able to launch it from your computer without being connected to the Internet and your course Website.

At times, you will have to work with a file that is very large in size (e.g. a media rich PowerPoint presentation). By compressing your file(s) / folder, you reduce their file size so they are easier to store or send via email.

Step by step instructions for working with compressed (.ZIP) files or folders :

Web (HTML) version (PC)
Microsoft Word (DOC) version (PC)

Web (HTML) version (MAC)
Microsoft Word (DOC) version (MAC)

Your course is likely to include a variety of activities that you can use to learn the course material. Some of these files may be too large and therefore are compressed and saved as .ZIP files. To access these files, you will need to download file to your computer and then extract it. After you extract the file you will be able to launch it from your computer without being connected to the Internet and your course Website.

At times, you will have to work with a file that is very large in size (e.g. a media rich PowerPoint presentation). By compressing your file(s) / folder, you reduce their file size so they are easier to store or send via email.