Virtual Language Lab Help
Windows XP Firewall Issues | Passwords and Error Messages | Getting Passwords | QuickTime Help and FAQ | Contact Us
Windows Users: After Feb 1, 2005 Audio and Video won't play (XP Firewall Issues)
If you are suddenly (as of the about beginning of February 2005) unable to hear or see the media files in our Virtual Language Lab, it is likely that you need to change your Firewall settings because
Quicktime Streaming is being blocked and the files can no longer get through to your machine.
Here's what to do:
For more information about XP's firewall, see Microsoft's web site (www.microsoft.com. Microsoft provides a more general set of instructions for configuring your Firewall at:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/smallbusiness/prodtech/windowsxp/cfgfwall.mspx. Look especially at the section on Configuring Windows Firewall Exceptions.
Updated 2/16/2005
Passwords and Authentication Errors
Keep getting a 401 (or 403) Authentication Error Page?
If you typed in a username and password once, but it didn't seem to work and the browser won't let you re-enter it, here are some tips on what to do...
Netscape 7.1
- Quit out of Netscape and then restart it. If that doesn't work...
- Windows: On the browser menu bar go to Edit >> Preferences >> Privacy & Security >> Passwords. Uncheck the box that says "Remember passwords". Quit and restart Netscape.
- Mac OSX: At the menu at the top of the screen, go to Netscape >> Preferences >> Privacy & Security >> Passwords. Uncheck the box that says "Remember passwords". Quit and restart Netscape.
Internet Explorer (6.0)
- Try quitting and restarting the browser. It should prompt you for a password the next time you try to load the page.
Safari
- At the menu at the top of the screen, go to Safari >> Reset Safari. This will delete any saved passwords.
Make sure you have the password and username correct, of course. They are CASE SENSITIVE. Generally we use all lower case unless we've specified otherwise.
More about passwords.
Passwords
WHY PASSWORDS?
For copyright reasons, access to many of the AV files on our server is restricted to UO students. All students using the Virtual Language Lab need a username and password.
Passwords are subject to change each term - usually on the first day of classes. Stop by the Yamada Language Center, 121 Pacific Hall, with your student ID to get the new password information.
Note that passwords are CASE SENSITIVE! If you are having trouble but know you have the right username and password, try typing everything in lower case (small) letters.
TO GET A PASSWORD:
- On-Campus and UOnet users click here. (Hint available ONLY until end of week 2!)
- Contact your instructor ... or ...
- Come to the Yamada Center (121 Pacific Hall) and show us your Student ID.
We can't give password information out over the phone - sorry!
Why can't I get it to work?
Windows Users
If you are using Internet Explorer 5.5 SP2 or 6.0, you may not be able to view QuickTime content in your browser. To fix this problem, go to http://www.apple.com/quicktime and download Apple's ActiveX control (you should be prompted to download it as soon as you get to the site). Once you have this installed, you should be able to view the AV materials on our site. Please let us know if you still experience problems. Mac users and Netscape users are unaffected.
QuickTime Help
Many calls we've gotten in the past have come from students with QuickTime problems. (QuickTime is the browser plug-in you need to hear the lessons).
If you've installed QuickTime correctly (the big blue Q is visible when loading and/or the play bar is visible) but the file seems to choke and die as you play it, it may be that your machine is too old or your connection too slow to play the lesson.
- Check the system requirements (below).
- Be sure that you've chosen the right connection type - if you are connection via modem you must choose "Modem 28K-56K". (You can change this on the page where you select a chapter.)
Frequently Asked Questions
"It says I need to download a plug-in. What does this mean?"
You need to download and install a plug-in (a piece of software to be used by your browser) called Quicktime in order to listen to the lessons. You can download Quicktime 5 for free from Apple's web pages http://www.apple.com/quicktime/.
"I downloaded Quicktime, but it still won't work!"
Be sure that you install QuickTime once it is downloaded. To install, double click on the QuickTime installer application (probably downloaded onto your desktop unless you specified elsewhere) and it will open up and walk you through the installation process. Be sure you are on-line while you install -- the installer needs internet access to finish downloading parts of the program.
Instructions for Installing Quicktime.
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What you need to use the Virtual Language Lab
System Requirements
For system requirements for the latest release of Quicktime, see:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/system_req.html.
Macintosh - A 400 MHz PowerPC G3 or faster Macintosh computer. At least 128MB of RAM. Mac OS X v10.2.8-10.3.x
Windows - A Pentium processor-based PC or compatible computer. At least 128MB of RAM. Windows 98/Me/2000/XP
Users with older systems than those listed above may be able to view some content. Please read the system requirements on Apple's site for more information:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/system_req.html.
Access
NOTE: For copyright reasons, many of the exercises in the VLL are password protected.
To get a password, contact your instructor or come to the Yamada Language Center and show your Student ID. We cannot give out password information over the phone.More about passwords.
Quicktime 5 or 6
This is the software that allows you to listen to or view the AV files. You must have it to use the Virtual Vanguage Lab. Download it FREE from http://www.apple.com/quicktime.
Headphones
Headphones are recommended - especially if you are in a computer lab! Ask the lab monitor for a pair or use the headphones from your portable CD Player, etc.
Workbook/Lab Manual
You'll need your workbook or lab manual, and possibly your textbook. For the most courses only the audio and video files are on-line.
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Contact Information
If you have questions or find a technical problem with the Virtual Language Lab, please see our contact/hours page.
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