NDSU Distance & Continuing Education (DCE)

General System and Equipment Requirements:

Wimba Collaboration Suite

Technical Support

Instructors and students with Wimba-related questions should be directed to Wimba's 24/7 Technical Support Center.

Wimba 24/7 Technical Support
Phone: 1-866-940-0065
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In addition, comprehensive technical support is provided on this site as well as from Wimba.com.

• Students: http://www.wimba.com/services/students/
• Instructors: http://www.wimba.com/services/instructor/

Equipment Needed for Wimba Live Classroom and Wimba Voice Tools

Wimba is compatible with both PC (Windows) and Mac (OS 10+).

Student Minimum Recommendations

• 128MB RAM (256 MB or higher recommended)
• Internet access at 56K or better (To utilize video content, broadband is required)
• Soundcard
• Computer speakers or headset for listening (Headset/microphone combo required for voice)*

Instructor Requirements

• 256 MB RAM (higher recommended)
• Broadband Internet access
• Soundcard
• Headset/microphone combo for recording/sending voice communication*
• Webcam for recording/sending video communication

*For best sound quality, Wimba recommends using headsets (such as Plantronics DSP 500) instead of external speakers or microphones, particularly built-in microphones of laptops.

Supported Operating Systems, Browsers, and Java

Windows Vista, XP, 2000

• Supported Browsers
  • Internet Explorer, Version 6 - 7
  • Mozilla Firefox, Version 1.5 - 2.0
• Unsupported Browsers
  • AOL, Opera
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.6 (6.0), 1.5 (5.0), 1.4
  • Available free from: http://www.java.com
• Special Notes on Using Windows Vista: Wimba Classroom server must be running 4.3.3 or higher.

Mac OS X (10.5, 10.4, 10.3)

• Supported Browsers
  • Safari 1.2 - 3.0
  • Mozilla Firefox 1.5 - 2.0 (only partially supported)
• Unsupported Browsers
  • AOL, Opera, IE, Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.1+
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5 (5.0), 1.4
  • Available free from: http://www.java.com
• Special Notes on Using Mac OS X: Presently, only the Safari browser is supported on Intel-based Macs. The ScreenGrab feature is not compatible with Mac OS X. Mac OS X 10.3 is not supproted for Wimba Classroom 5.1.1+.

Linux

• Supported Browsers
  • Mozilla 1.0 - 1.7
  • Firefox 1.5 - 2.0 (only partially supported)
• Unsupported Browsers
  • Opera
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5 (5.0) (Manual installation is required. Reference instructions at http://www.java.com for instructions).
  • Available free from: http://www.java.com
• Special Notes About Using Linux: Presenters cannot display content via Application Sharing using Linux. However, participants using Linux can view Application Sharing content. WimbaMedia is only compatible with Linux on Wimba Classroom versions 4.2+.

Web Cameras

Optional cameras: Cameras are only required if you wish to send video of yourself. It is not necessary to have a camera to view video of other participants.

Recommended Brands and Models

• Apple: iSight
• Creative:
  • Live! Cam Video IM Pro
  • Live! Cam Voice
  • WebCam Live! Motion
  • WebCam Live! Ultra
• ecamm:
  • iMage webcam
• Logitech:
  • Orbit MP
  • Pro 3000
  • Pro 4000
  • Pro 5000
  • QuickCam Express
  • QuickCam Fusion
  • QuickCam Messenger
  • QuickCam Notebook Deluxe
  • QuickCam Communicate STX
• Microsoft:
  • LifeCam NX-6000
  • LifeCam VX-1000

Special Notes about using Web cameras: Wimba also will work with several other brands and models not listed here. These are listed for purchasing advice. If your computer/laptop features a built-in camera, these will often work as well. Because Wimba video is compressed for transmission via the Internet, budget-conscious Wimba participants can utilize affordable camera options with success. When installing a webcam, users should navigate to the webcam manufacturer's website and download the most recent software for the camera, rather than using the software that comes packaged with the camera. This will ensure that the most up-to-date software is installed.

Headset Microphones

For best sound quality for participants: Wimba recommends using headset/microphone combinations instead of external speakers or microphones, particularly built-in microphones of laptops. External speakers used in conjunction with a microphone can create audio feedback that interferes with audio reception.

It is not recommended to use your computer's built in microphone for the class. A headset with a microphone mouthpiece is preferred. Here are a few other points to consider when purchasing a headset:

• Model/Brand - Since manufacturers switch models quickly, we recommend a headset from an established brand such as Logitech, Platronics (Plantronics DSP 500) or Radio Shack.
• Check that it has a volume adjustment and a mute feature.
• Jack inputs are preferred over a USB (USB inputs are compatible but require additional configuration).
• Price range will vary with brand and model, but many acceptable products are available starting under $20.

Testing Equipment - Prior to Class or a Meeting

It is higly recommended to utilize the Wimba Wizard prior to accessing a Wimba Live Classroom session for the first time. Complete instructions can be found in the online Quick Guide: Student Guide to Using Wimba Classroom.

If you experience technical difficulty with Wimba Live Classroom:

• Attempt to repeat the Wimba Wizard to ensure that a compatibility test has not been missed.
• Check out the Wimba Support Center page on the web at: http://www.wimba.com/technicalsupport/
• Contact the Wimba 24/7 Technical Support hotline: Phone: 1-866-940-0065 or by email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Notify your instructor or meeting presenter that you are experiencing difficulty.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Make sure all Pop-Up Blockers are turned off as well as any Google or Yahoo Toolbars. Sometimes invidual computer security settings are set at a level high enough to interfere with Wimba function.
• If Wimba does not run properly in one browser try another, for example, switch from Internet Explorer to Firefox.
• Some cameras will interfere with audio. You may need to turn your camera off during a presentation in order to get audio.
• Exit the Wimba Live Classroom (using the Exit link located in the lower right hand corner) and re-run the Wimba Wizard, then enter the room again.

During a Class:

• If you are experiencing audio problems with your headset, here are a few options:
  • Exit out of the room (using the Exit link located in the lower right hand corner) into the Lobby.
  • Unplug your headset, plug it in again and re-enter the Wimba Room.
  • If you are still experiencing audio problems, another option is to dial in to the event. Select phone icon (located on the Media bar or on the Wimba Live Classroom page in Blackboard) to view the phone number and access code for your specific class or event.
  • Please note: If you dial in for the web conferencing class/event, you will be billed for the charges by your phone carrier.