Support for Software Compatibility

As most computer users are aware technology advances quickly.  It seems as though every few months there are new software and hardware advances.

This page will provide links to upgrades and support that will help to keep your software in tune with the new technology*. If you are having compatibility issues the following links may be of help. Please click on the links for downloads and support for software, security and other tech issues.

*Disclaimer:  As with any download from the Internet it is important to scan for viruses or other malicious software that could possibly cause problems with your computer.  NeLSC can not guarantee the security of any website.

Microsoft Office Suite Help and Tips

• How to use earlier versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to open and save files from 2007 Office programs: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/924074
  
• Microsoft Readers for various Microsoft office products.  This allows users who do not have Microsoft office software such as Power Point or Word to download and read files:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results.aspx?pocId=&freetext=microsoft reader&DisplayLang=en

Resources for Office software

• If you do not have Microsoft Office software there is a free download of an office suite: Libre Office is the power-packed free, libre and open source personal productivity suite for Windows, Macintosh and GNU/Linux, that gives you six feature-rich applications for all your document production and data processing needs:  Please go to http://www.libreoffice.org/* for more information and for a download of this free office suite. (This suite replaces Open Office which is no longer supported.)  *Disclaimer:  As with any download from the Internet it is important to scan for viruses or other malicious software that could possibly cause problems with your computer.  NeLSC can not guarantee the security of any website.

• A good resource for freeware and low cost resources for creating multimedia content that you may want to use for class assignments and projects can be found at http://www.shoestringmedia.org/

Browser Issues: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari

• Internet Explorer 8 may not be downward compatible for some applications - This situation may be rectified by clicking the "Compatibility Icon" to the right of the URL Address button.
• Firefox may be blocking unsecure URL's please click here for more information.  Users can allow  URL's that they know are secure.
• For classes using an online component, we suggest that you download the free version of Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox in addition there is a MAC OS X browser from Mozilla called Camino. Use one of these browsers whether or not AOL is your Internet Service Provider.  Otherwise, if you are using the AOL browser, the built in shortcuts may cause problems with most North Online course tools.
  
• Internet Explorer 9 is available only for Vista or Windows 7 for a free download please go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/downloads/ie  It has been found that there may be some compatibility issues with our ANGEL courseware so please click the "Compatibility Icon" to the right of the URL Address button.
  
• Firefox, Version 23 (04/10/13) or higher has a new feature:  Mixed Content Blocker This is a security feature that will block many MITM (man-in-the-middle) attacks. For an overview of this new feature click here.
• If you experiencing issues viewing your Canvas course materials and/or videos please click "What Browsers does Canvas Support" There have been recent Browser updates and some users have found that Canvas does not work as expected.

Computer Operating System Issues: Windows

• Get additional features for Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking that improve the performance, reliability, and security of Windows-based communications. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=279469a6-c3e5-4fd6-8ce0-96dd1db2d09f&DisplayLang=en
  
• The Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update is a package of software updates that address common application compatibility issues in Windows Vista.  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929427

Computer Operating System Issues: MAC/Apple

• Known issues with OS 10.7 Lion and Adobe PDF's go to: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/905/cpsid_90508.html#main_Acrobat_family
  
  Adobe Reader plug-in and Acrobat plug-in are not compatible with the Safari 5.1 browser, included with Mac OS 10.7 and for 10.6 in July 2011. Adobe Reader and Acrobat will continue to work as standalone applications on Mac OS 10.7 and 10.6, and will render PDF documents outside of the browser. In addition, Safari 5.1 renders PDF documents natively. However, the Adobe Reader and Acrobat plug-ins will not function as expected in LiveCycle and Acrobat workflows that require either plug-in to render PDF documents in Safari 5.1.
  For additional information see Apple Safari 5.1 and Adobe Reader/Acrobat Advisory.

Computer Operating System Issues: Chrome Operating System

• It is important to note that Notebook computers using the Chrome OS are not well supported by Canvas and you may not have access to all the required tools and class materials.
• If you are able to download the Internet Explorer APP you may be able to access your class materials.  Or contact tech support for your system.  For more information about Chrome OS.

North Seattle's e-Learning office is available to help our learners with tech support. We want our learners to have the best possible experience with their online learning classes. Our office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.  You can reach us by phone 206.934.3738 or by email [email protected].  Any message left after normal business hours will be answered the next business day.