MathinSite
Troubleshooting

The Applets

A Java applet is a piece of software that runs over the Internet through a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, etc. In order for the software to work, the Java Run Time Environment has to be present on the user's computer AND it has to be "enabled".

If you are reading this page because you tried to run one of MathinSite's applets and nothing happened, we recommend that you consider the following:

  • Does your computer software include the latest Java Run Time Environment (JRE)? Netscape and Opera are two browsers that come with a JRE preloaded and installed for use. Unfortunately the latest versions of Internet Explorer don't. In which case, from IE's top menu, choose Tools -> Advanced and scroll down the list until you see a reference to "Java" and/or "Microsoft VM". Preferably, you should see something like, "Java (Sun) Use Java X v.X.X.XX for applet" (where the Xs refer to version numbers) AND the checkbox should be ticked. Ticking this box before exiting should ensure the applets run. However, if this doesn't appear, we recommend that you download the latest Java JRE from the Sun site at http://java.com/en/index.jsp. Click on their "Get It Now" link and follow the instructions. You may like to update your JRE from this link anyway to obtain the latest version.

NOTE: you will need administrator rights to install this software on your PC. If it refuses to install, contact your System Administrator.
  • Did some applets work, but not others? Some of the earlier applets work well with early versions of the JRE installed on your computer, or even Microsoft's 'Virtual Machine' (VM). However, some of the later applets need at least JRE2 (such as the "First Order Digital Systems" applet). If this is the case then, as above, visit http://java.com/en/index.jsp and download the latest JRE.
  • Are you using an applet whose executable files you have downloaded from the web site? MathinSite's applets are coded such that they will only run directly from an Internet link to the MathinSite web site.
  • Is your computer guarded by a firewall? Most Firewalls (e.g. Zone Alarm) allow the user to 'switch off' Java software or javascript scripting code from the web. This is to avoid receiving malicious Java software from external sources. Since the main thrust of MathinSite is the use of Java applets, this should be enabled (at least during the MathinSite session). Check your firewall's properties.

The Worksheets

One of the important criteria for a successful session with MathinSite is to be able to takeaway a hardcopy of your experiences using the applets. In order to further this aim, all worksheets on the site are freely available for download and for printing by the end-user (but beware infringing any copyright requirements). If you cannot download these, then the most likely reason is that your set up does not include the Adobe Acrobat reader. This is freely available for download from the Adobe web site at http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

The ScreenCams

These are self-executing files diected at PC/Windows users. Since they are self-executing, no further software is needed to run them. For further information see MathinSite's ScreenCam page.

Anything we've missed? Contact MathinSite.


© P. Edwards & P.M. Edwards, March 2004.
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Last Updated: 26 March 2004