WebCT Information

How do I access Vista?

• Use Internet Explorer, Netscape or Mozilla browser (Safari also works for Mac users). Do not use AOL.
• Point your browser to http://lss.at.ufl.edu. Bookmark this page. This is where you will always access Vista. Do not bookmark any other page.
• Under the “WebCT Resources” heading note the Student Demos and the Students: A Vista Introduction links, where you can find tutorials and information on using Vista. Also note any announcements regarding Vista on the right side of our web site.
• Under the “WebCT Resources” heading, click on the WebCT Browser Tuneup link. Follow the step-by-step instructions to configure your browser to allow Vista to run properly.
• Click on the Check Java link to see if your computer has the correct version of Java. You will need Java 1.4.2 or higher from Sun Microsystems. Java from Microsoft will not work with Vista. If you need to download the correct version, click on the Download Java link.
• Click on the VISTA link, choose the University of Florida, and login using your GatorLink username and password. You will see a listing of all your Vista courses. Click on the link for the course you wish to enter.

If you are not able to login after following these instructions, contact the UF Computing HelpDesk at 352.392.HELP (4357), Mon – Thur (7:30 AM – 10:00 PM), Fri – 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sun – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can also email the HelpDesk at helpdesk@ufl.edu, or come by the HelpDesk at the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) building, Room 520, between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

Navigating – Do not use your browser’s back and forward buttons. Navigate by clicking links or breadcrumbs. You can open a tree view of the site by clicking the icon at the top left. Navigate using the tree view by clicking where you want to go.

Email – A green check will appear on the Mail icon when you have a new email. The email tool is internal to this course in Vista. You can’t email your friend or grandmother (unless they happen to be in this class). You can’t attach files larger than 250KB to a Vista email. You can forward your Vista email to another account by clicking the icon. But you can’t reply from your other account; just read it and then go to Vista Mail to reply.

My Grades – A green check will appear on the My Grades icon when there are new grades posted. You will be able to see your grades as soon as they are released.

Discussions – Be aware that when you are participating in a discussion in Vista, everyone in the course can see all posts and who made the post. Be responsible for your words.