The following information is provided to ensure the proper operation of this course. Please read this entire document.

System Requirements:

• Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0
• Intel Pentium Processor, 133 MHz or faster (recommended)
• Windows-compatible sound card
• 4x or greater CD-ROM drive
• 16 MB RAM
• Web browser software
  • Netscape Communicator (4.x recommended)
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (4.x recommended)

Downloading the Latest Browsers:

If you have Internet access, the latest version of both Netscape Communicator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are available free of charge from their respective Websites:

• Netscape Navigator
• Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE)

This course has also been tested successfully with the 3.x versions of both browsers. We do, however, suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of your preferred browser.

Use of Frames:

This site makes use of frames. You should not use the Back and Forward functions of your browser to navigate, as you will not usually end up where you intended. In fact, the content of the individual frames could eventually not match each other. To navigate between sections or pages, use only the menu bar on the left side of the screen or the directional arrows at the bottom of the pages when you are in the main body of the course.

Running Other Programs:

It is strongly suggested that you close all other applications while you use this course. Browsers require a significant amount of processor capacity, so the usability of the course will be compromised if you keep other applications open.

Downloading Additional Software:

While not required, we also recommend downloading and installing the latest version of Microsoft's Media Player. This software will assist your browser in playing the audio portion of the course.

Audio Issues:

This course contains a number of audio (sound) clips. While not critical to the course, they do add insight to the decision-making processes described in the course. In order to maximize the audio quality, please consider the following suggestions:

1. Make sure your sound card is properly installed and configured
2. Make sure that your speakers are "on" and plugged into the correct socket on the sound card
3. Make sure that the volume is set to an audible level
4. Make sure that "Mute" is not enabled
5. Make sure that no other program is using the sound card–only one program can use the audio services at any given time

When you select a link to an audio clip, your browser will open a window containing audio controls. Each player gives you VCR-type player controls, allowing you to pause, play, stop and rewind the audio clip. The "slider" control allows you to adjust the volume. When you are finished listening to the clip, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the player window.

Note to Netscape users: If you click on an audio file link and get a message that states "WAV error: Unable to find c:\program files\netscape\communicator\cache\filename", you must clear Netscape's disk cache. To do so, select Edit|Preferences|Advanced|Cache from Netscape's top menu, click the "Clear Memory Cache" and "Clear Disk Cache" buttons, and then reload the page. You may need to exit Netscape and then re-open to clear this error. This error is caused by an internal fault in Netscape and is not a problem caused by this course or your computer hardware.

Screen Resolution:

Run your browser window at full screen (i.e., hit the maximize button). Your screen resolution should be set at a minimum of 800 x 600 pixels, 16 bit color. In addition, your toolbars should be turned off (via the View menu). Running at 640 x 480 resolution is not recommended. You will have to scroll pages more frequently, and your need to scroll may not always be obvious as information at the bottom and sides of the page may not be visible. If you MUST run at 640 x 480 resolution, be sure to keep your toolbars turned off or necessary navigation buttons will not be visible.

Running at screen resolutions higher than 800 x 600 may make some graphics and animations appear too small on the screen for some viewers. To set your screen resolution in Windows, select Start|Settings|Control Panel|Display|Settings. You should see a dialog box similar to the following:

Drag the pointer in the "Screen area" box until the text reads "800 by 600 pixels." Then use the "Colors" drop-down box to select the highest number of colors that your video card will support at that resolution. Click "OK" to make the change. You may be asked to reboot your system.

Font Size:

The information layout was designed to be viewed with a default font of Times Roman 12 point in Netscape, or "Medium" font in Internet Explorer. If you have another default font selected, you should probably change it now or you may experience text layout problems. To do this in Netscape, select Edit|Preferences|Appearance|Fonts and make the appropriate selections in the boxes. In IE, select View|Internet Options. On the General tab, click Fonts and change the font type in the Proportional Font box and/or the font size.

To Minimize Scrolling:

We recommend that you close your browser's toolbars. In Netscape 3.0, select Options in the main menu bar and uncheck "Show Toolbar", "Show Location", and "Show Directory Buttons". In Netscape 4.5, select View|Show and then uncheck all of the toolbars. In Internet Explorer 3.0, select View and uncheck "Toolbar" and "Status Bar". In Internet Explorer 4.0, select View|Toolbars and uncheck the first three choices.

In the Decision Making section there are several locations where the screen is divided into two or three frames (boxes where different text and/or graphics are displayed). You can change the size of these boxes by putting the cursor over the frame dividing bar. When it changes to a two-ended arrow, you can hold the mouse button and drag it to whatever size you would like.