Distance Learning - FirstClass

Virtual College @ North Seattle Community College

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FirstClass Tutorial: Installation

TO INSTALL FirstClass ON YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER:

Go to http://fc.northseattle.edu
(You must go to this web site to correctly install the FirstClass software. The following steps will show you what you need to do to for this installation) There are three options for using First class:

Download the native client "Option 1". (This is the preferred option.) The FirstClass client software provides a desktop application that is optimized for fast, streamlined access to the FirstClass server.

There is also a Windows plug in available which is viewed using the web after the plug in has been installed. This is a more robust web version but only available using Windows. After initial installation you will need to go to http://fc.northseattle.edu/ and select "Option 2" to access the login page.

If for some reason you can't use the downloaded client, you can try the (somewhat limited) Web Client "Option 3". This version does not have text editing tools.

Choose the version you want to install. Mac OS or Windows

After you select the correct version for your computer steps similar to the following will appear. To correctly install the North Seattle client software you will need to complete all of the following steps.

Step 1:
Download the Windows client by clicking here. Wait for the installation to finish. Accept the defaults on the various dialogs. After completing Step 1 a Login Box may appear, please do not attempt to login until you have completed Step 2 which will put the correct Server in place. If you attempt to login before you have completed Step 2 you will be unsuccessful.

Step2:
(Important)
Once the installation is complete click here. Please see Additional Issues below for more information if you are using Windows XP.

(Step 2 above is very important as it will place the correct server in your login. If you fail to complete this step you will be unable to login and will get an error message "Unable to find Server".)
If your computer is unable to complete step 2, you can easily fix this problem by reading below regarding updating to the correct Server within the login box.
If at any time you get the error message "Server not found - error 1044" please double check to make sure that the correct server is filled into the login box as below.
Please make sure that your FirstClass Login looks similar to the one below, with the Address and Server filled in exactly as you see it.

Additional Issues
If you are using Windows XP there may be an additional issue that could prevent the software from installing correctly. After downloading and installing the software click on Step 2 (this will put the correct server in place) then before logging in the first time you will need to click the "Save" button as shown below. This will set the server so that the next time you open the login box the correct settings will be entered.

If you are using a MAC you will follow the instructions above and the install will put a .dmg file on your computer. This basically is a volume file that contains the information your computer needs to install FirstClass. Locate the .dmg file and drag it into your "applications folder". You will then need to locate the FirstClass executable file and click on it to completely install the software on your computer.

The First Class login screen should read fc.northseattle.edu in the Server box, if it does not say that, click on 'Setup' located to the right of the server address. On that page about 1/3 way down where it says 'Server' type in fc.northseattle.edu - then click on save. (Please see the dialog box below)

Please click here for a brief video of the setup procedure.

Please click here for a brief audio tutorial about installing FirstClass.

Now try to log in again, if you are still having difficulties it could be a pop-up blocker or firewall issue. You may need to reconfigure your Firewall or Virus protection software to allow for access to the class server. If you have Windows XP with a firewall please follow this link to the Microsoft website that will explain the new security features. If you have any other virus protection such as Norton or McAfee with a built in firewall this will also need to be reconfigured to accept the fc.northseattle.edu server. It has also been discovered that some Internet Providers have firewalls at their end such as AOL and you will need to contact your IP for technical support to help with this issue. If you continue to have difficulty with this step please contact the Distance Learning office at 206 527-3738 or Distance@sccd.ctc.edu.

To login you will access FirstClass by clicking on the FirstClass icon that was placed within your computer programs which you can locate from the Start button or you can select the option to create a shortcut on your desktop. The Login dialog box shown above will appear.

Enter your User ID: Your first initial followed by your complete last name. (all lower class)
Enter your Password: The last 6 digits of your SID.
Click on the Login button and you will then be connected to the FirstClass server. (Before you Login it is important to be connected to the Internet (Online) or you will get an error message stating that you are not able to Login)

LOGIN to FirstClass using FirstClass Plugin for Microsoft Explorer

Go to http://fc.northseattle.edu/login select Download the FirstClass software doorway and scroll down to the "Click Download now to begin the FirstClass Plugin installation." This will install the plugin onto your computer. This plugin can only be used with Microsoft Internet Explorer but it will give you a full featured FirstClass desktop in a web environment.

LOGIN to FirstClass using the web client.

Go to http://fc.northseattle.edu/login

You will see a similar login screen as above and you will login as above. The web server is somewhat limited in use and features. There have also been problems with using the FirstClass web server on a network with firewall protection. You may be unable to download or login to either version of FirstClass on a network with firewall protection and you should contact your network administrator for more information.

Please click here for a brief audio tutorial about logging into FirstClass

Introduction to FirstClass

FirstClass Desktop