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Computer Setup Guide for Canvas as of 10/01/2019

It is important that you prepare your computer to be configured properly while using Canvas. Please use the information below to make adjustments to your computer.

There are five main sections to verifying that your computer is properly configured - Browser Setup, Java Check, Citrix GoToMeeting/GoToTraining, MS Office, & Plug-ins.


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Browser Setup

Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release.

If you pass all checks listed below, you should be able to use the main features of Canvas.
 

Browser
Check

Warning
Browser:
Version:
Platform:

For a list of supported Browsers, please refer to the Canvas Guide for Browsers.

*If you receive the "Warning" indicator it means you are currently running a newer version than Canvas currently supports.

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Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office is the UAB campus supported office document software and is required for all documents submitted within your distance accessible courses.

Microsoft Office is a suite of applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access (for creating databases). In an effort to better serve our students UAB has moved all student email from UAB's central Exchange system to Microsoft's Office 365 system. This change not only upgrades your @UAB email account but will also provide access to new features such as Microsoft Office (download), OneDrive web storage and web apps

More information on how to download Office 365 can be found on the UAB IT Website.

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Citrix GoToMeeting/GoToTraining

Citrix is a platform of tools that provides synchronous video and audio interaction, display, and collaborative tools for online and blended courses.

To access Citrix GoToTraining/GoToMeeting within Canvas, please click on the “Virtual Classroom” link located on the left navigation panel of your course. 

To test your connection prior to joining please visit the Citrix Support page.

 

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Plug-ins

Plug-ins are third party applications that enable extended functionality to your browser.

Flash is required in several places in Canvas: media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas. Please note that some browsers may no longer support Flash.

Download Flash

The Java plug-in is required for screen sharing in Conferences. Please note that some browsers do not support Java. Otherwise, there are no other browser plug-ins used by Canvas.

Download Java