Center for Academic Technology Support
Downloads
This page contains software and plug-ins that will enhance your browsing experience.
Internet Browser
Importance: MUST HAVE
Explanation: An Internet Browser is the basis for using the Internet. Through it you will access Vista. If you can view this page, you are using an Internet Browser. We have included links to download two of the most popular, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Other browsers are also available, but not as compatible with Vista. Cost: Free.
Download (Windows Only) : Microsoft Internet Explorer 
Download (All Platforms): Mozilla Firefox 
Java Plug-In
Importance: MUST HAVE
Explanation: Java is a plug-in that allows Java applications and applets to run. Vista makes extensive use of Java and therefore is a must have. There are many different run-times (versions), and the link below is to the version that works best with Vista. Cost: Free
Download (Windows Only): Java Plug-In 
Download (Macintosh Only): Java Plug-In
Download (Linux Only): Java Plug-In
Test your Java: If you can see the Java version your Java is working:
RealPlayer Plug-In
Importance: Recommended
Explanation: Many courses make use of streaming audio and/or video. Much of this uses the Real format. In order to view these streams, you must have RealPlayer installed. Cost: Free.
Download (Windows Only): RealPlayer 10 
Download (Macintosh Only): RealPlayer 10
Download (Linux Only): RealPlayer 10
Test your Realplayer: Click here. If you can see it, you're working.
Adobe Acrobat Plug-In
Importance: Recommended
Explanation: Many courses make use of the Portable Document Format (.pdf) from Adobe. To view these files, you'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Cost: Free.
Download (All platforms): Adobe Acrobat Reader 
Test your Acrobat Reader: Click here. If you can see the document, you're working.
Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer
Importance: Recommended (If you don't have Powerpoint)
Explanation: If you need to view Powerpoint (.ppt) documents or shows, and you don't already have Microsoft Powerpoint, you will need to get the viewer in order to view and print the slideshows. Cost: Free.
Download (Windows Only): Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer
Test for Powerpoint Viewer: Click here. If you can see the slide, you're working.
Importance: Recommended
Explanation: Macromedia Flash content is all over the Internet. From banners and ads to multimedia course presentations. To assure you can view this content, get it now. Cost: Free.
Download (All platforms): Macromedia Flash Player 
Test for Flash Player: Click here. If you can see the movie, you're working.
Apple Quicktime Plug-In
Importance: Optional
Explanation: Quicktime allows an additional type of video or audio to be used in Vista. Cost: Free.
Download (Windows / Macintosh Only): Apple Quicktime 
Test for Apple Quicktime: Click here. If you can see the movie, you're working.