Seminar on Industrial Modernization: Policy, Practice and Evaluation - Fall 1997

Instructions for Internet Participants

Hardware | Software | Real Audio Test | Materials | Access Control | Profile | Problems
Listserv | Evaluation | Further Information

Last updated: January 15, 2004

Hardware requirements

The hardware "pre-requisites" are: an internet-connected computer (the faster the better), with sound card (16-bit or better preferred) and speakers. Minimum dial-up modem speed: 28.8 bps. Faster connection speeds will result in improved quality and response.

Software requirements

Fall 1997 Seminar. Four types of software are required for the seminar. All can be downloaded either for free or for a small charge.

1. Web Browser--to view presentation and course material

• Please use a table- and forms-capable browser (e.g., Netscape 2.0 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher)

2. Real Audio Player--to listen to presenters and the seminar discussion

• Please begin testing the Real Audio Player software. If you don't have the Real Audio Player software (plug-in), you can get it here! Available for Macintosh 68k, Power Mac, Windows 3.X, Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2, Irix, Sun OS, and Linux.
• Once you download, please test with the sample audio files here!  
• If your sound quality isn't good, please raise the .wav volume to its maximum setting (for Win95 operating systems, go to "Accessories," "Multimedia," then "Volume Control" to find the .wav setting).

3. E-mail software--to ask questions and communicate with other participants outside the live seminar session

• Please use e-mail software capable of reading file attachments (e.g., Eudora). A listserv address for the class has been established, so you can send messages to the entire class by using this address: sim@list.gatech.edu

4. Acrobat Reader Version 3 - by Adobe Systems - to read and print articles posted to the course web site.

•  Select here to download the Acrobat Reader. Available for Macintosh 68k, Power Mac, Windows 3.X, Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2, Irix, Sun OS, Hp-Ux, OSF1, Aix, and Linux. For best results, make sure you configure the Acrobat Reader "plug-in" to your browser. This will allow you to directly view/print course materials and slides in your web browser window.

Real Audio Bandwith and Test Sites

The real audio player is sensitive to the memory size and speed of your computer and the bandwith capability of your internet connection. To test the capabilities of your real audio player at various bandwiths, use the following test sites and files:

If you have problems on real audio playback, try the following:

• Make sure you have dowloaded latest version of real audio - real audio player 3.0
• Maximize available memory by not running any other programs except the browser and chat room
• Re-dial - if on a modem - to get a better telephone link
• In real audio player, [VIEW/PREFERENCES] make sure you have bandwith set to correct speed. If problems continue, you could try to lower this setting. Explore other adjustable settings (e.g. if you only have an 8-bit soiund card, which is not recommended anyway). Set network timeout to at least 30 seconds.
• If volume is low, turn up volume setting on real audio player, speakers, AND on your sound card software control settings.
• Otherwise, go to "technical problems" (see below).

Seminar Materials

We will mail seminar materials to you prior to the first class. However, most materials will be accessible from our electronic library here!

Listserv

An electronic group mailing list (or "listserv") for this course has been established for participant and student group communications. For instructions, select here. Registered internet participants have already been added to this listserv.

Profile Form

We would like all participants to complete a brief information form here. [If you have not yet completed the profile, select here]

Access Control

Certain areas of the web site allow access only to registered seminar participants and students. A login and password is required. Access is also controlled for internet participation during the live classroom broadcasts. Registered seminar participants and students will separately receive details about access control.

Evaluation

We will be asking all participants and students to complete a brief evaluation at the end of each session. We also encourage comments and suggestions for improvement. The form can be completed and posted on-line, using your web browser. [Select here].

Technical Problems

You will probably face some technical difficulties in using one or more software elements of the course. None of this stuff works seemlessly (yet). Unfortunately, we have very limited resources to offer technical assistance to internet participants. If you have problems, we suggest the following:

• Review the instructions at the web site you are downloading from and look in the help files provided with each software element. Take a look at any "readme" files. You may find the answers here.
• Look at the technical support areas of the software web sites:
• • Netscape Browser | Microsoft Internet Explorer | RealAudio Player | Adobe Reader
• Ask your work or college computer support specialist (if you have one!)
• Post your problem to the course electronic mailing group, by mailing to: sim@list.gatech.edu

Further Information

For further information, contact Jan Youtie at 404/894-6111 or by e-mail.

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Georgia Tech Policy Project on Industrial Modernization