Before you start using WebAssign, or if you encounter problems when working in WebAssign, check to see if your system meets the following requirements.
Browsers Supported for WebAssign
WebAssign is tested and supported for the following Web browsers:
- Mozilla Firefox, version 3 or later, for Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows
- Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 7 or later, for Windows
(Note that Internet Explorer 6 is not recommended for use with WebAssign) - Apple Safari, version 3 or later, for Mac OS X and Windows
Current releases of other modern browsers are expected to work but have not been tested. If you encounter problems when using another browser, try using one of the supported browser versions.
Browser Plug-Ins Required for Some WebAssign Content
Some WebAssign content and tools require the following browser plug-ins:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 8 or later
- Adobe Flash Player, version 10 or later*
- Adobe Shockwave Player, version 11 or later
- Java, version 6 (build 1.6.0) or later
If you encounter problems when using advanced features of WebAssign such as mathPad or eBooks, check to be sure that you have supported versions of these plug-ins installed.
Additional learning resources provided by textbook publishers or instructors might require other software.
*NOTICE TO MAC USERS:
Flash Player version 10.0.32.18, released by Adobe in July 2009, has a known bug for the Mac OS that causes the Flash-based Math Answer Entry Palette found in some Cengage Learning math titles to run ineffectively. While Adobe corrects the bug, it is recommended that Mac users currently running Flash version 10.0.32.18 download an earlier version of Flash to have a more consistent user experience.
Check which version of Flash is currently installed on your browser.
If you are running Flash version 10.0.32.18 on a Mac, and need instructions to correct the problem, or if you want to download the instructions to share with your students, click here. {Here should open the attached document}
Automatic Plug-In Version Checking
When you log in to WebAssign as a student, WebAssign checks your scheduled assignments for certain questions identified as requiring either Java version 6 or Adobe Flash Player version 10. If any of your assignments include these questions, your system is checked to see if you have the required plug-in version installed.
If you do not have the required plug-in version installed, a warning is displayed on your Home and My Assignments pages informing you about the required plug-in version.
Note: WebAssign does not perform a comprehensive check of all assignment questions to determine all plug-in requirements. You should be aware of the following:
- Questions using pencilPad or the WebAssign graphing tool require Adobe Flash Player, version 7 or later.
- Questions created by instructors might require other plug-ins or plug-in versions.
Click the plug-in icon in this warning to obtain and install the required plug-in.
Required Connectivity and Recommended Connection Speeds
WebAssign is a Web-based application and requires Internet access. For best performance, especially when working with media-enhanced eBooks or assignments, use a broadband connection such as Cable or DSL.
If broadband Internet access is not available in your area, use a dial-up connection speed of at least 56K.
Installing Browsers and Browser Plug-Ins
Use the following links to obtain installation instructions and downloads for the supported browsers and browser plug-ins.
Computer Lab Set-Up
Computer Lab Quick Start GuideLockDown Browser Installation Test
Click the "Test LockDown Browser Installation" button below to see if LockDown browser has been installed on your computer.
If LockDown Browser is installed correctly, you will see the following confirmation message:
If you do not see a confirmation page — you might see a browser message that it cannot open the address associated with the ldb protocol — install LockDown Browser as described below.
Firefox
Internet Explorer
Need to install LockDown Browser?
WebAssign LockDown Browser can be installed only on computers that are running either Windows XP or later or Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
To install LockDown Browser on Windows:
Download the installation file at www.webassign.net/v4extra/InstallWebAssignLDB.exe.
Run the installation file and follow the instructions in the InstallShield Wizard.
To install LockDown Browser on Mac:
Download the installation file at www.webassign.net/v4extra/InstallWebAssignLDB.zip.
Double-click the downloaded zip file to extract the package file.
Run the extracted package file (Install_WebAssign_LockDown_Browser.pkg).
Acknowledge the security warning and follow the instructions in the installer.