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Answers about technical/computer issues

Q. What is a Web Browser and why do I need one?

A. A Web Browser is the software that you use to surf the web. To take classes at NCU you will need to use Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher. Please download Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher.



Q. What Operating Systems can I use at NCU?

A. We recommend that you use Microsoft 98, ME, NT, 2000, or XP. While Windows 95 can be used to complete courses at NCU, if you do so you may not be able to watch any streaming video content because of an incompatibility between Windows 95 and Windows Media Player. Macintosh computers are not supported at this time.



Q. What is a Plug-In and why do I need one?

A. A Plug-In is a small piece of software that adds functionality to your web browser. In order to present animations and some of the dynamic portions of NCU courses we make use of the Flash Plug-In technology.



Q. What Plug-Ins do I need at NCU?

A. In order to present animations and some of the dynamic portions of NCU courses we make use of the Flash Plug-In technology. You will also need to have Windows Media Player installed.
Download the Flash 5 plug-in here




Q. My browser stopped responding in the middle of a course, what should I do?

A. When dealing with the internet, there are many levels at which problems can occur. It can be the result of issues with your hardware, operating system, browser, conflicts with other software and sometimes the server. Many issues can be resolved by restarting the browser or computer and logging in again. The next time you return to the course you were taking, you will be given the option to continue from where you left off. If problems persist, contact the Customer Care Center via email at ncu@nalco.com or call them at 866-288-3517.



Q. Can I browse while taking a course or be doing other things?

A. No. It is recommended that you limit your activity to taking the class. To ensure proper functioning, it is also recommended that you have no other programs running while participating in a course. Courses are designed to take the place of a classroom (for certification purposes). Any activity outside of concentrating on the course is prohibited.



Q. What's that white window for, and can I close it?

A. While you are working on an NCU course, the system opens up a window with the text "This window must remain open while the course is active" on it. The window is used by the software to allow the course to be presented to you. The window must remain open while taking the course and will be automatically closed at the end.



Q. The site just doesn't seem to work!

A. In order to present animations and some of the dynamic portions of NCU courses we make use of javascript. It is possible that you have Javascript disabled in your browser. Enable Javascript and retry entering the site. If you still have problems, contact the Customer Care Center via email at ncu@nalco.com or call them at 866-288-3517.



Q. What does a "Session Time-Out" message mean?

A. The Session Time-Out feature has been added as a security feature. If your browser remains open and inactive for a period of time that indicates you are no longer using the NCU site, our servers will log you out automatically. This prevents others from using your computer to access your courses or information. You may also get this message if you've attempted to get back into a course without signing in. If this message appears, proceed to the login before continuing.