TIES FAQ * Frequently Asked Questions

As we work together to build TIES as a working online curriculum, there are a few "Technical Notes" that we should be aware of. The following are common questions and answers related to the TIES project.  Check back frequently as new issues arise, answers will be posted here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I submit a report?

When submitting reports, etc., please note that you are encouraged to develop them in a word processor which allows you to do things like "Spell Check". Save those word processor generated files on your computer or to a floppy or Zip disc. This will become your personal filing cabinet.

After you have saved the file, "Cut&Paste" it into an e-mail to be sent to the appropriate recipients.

Can I just send my reports as an attachment?

Should your report be large (more than a full printed 8 ½ X 11 page of text), then we may want to use an "attachment" to an e-mail. In your individual email program, directions for attaching a document varies.  By clicking on help in your specific program and then searching for "attachments", the help feature on most programs will give instructions specific to your needs.  Once you have attached the file, you should type a brief description of the attachment in the body of the e-mail.

When we use e-mail attachments they need to be in .txt - .rft or
Word97 format (.doc). We have a broad array of platforms (Mac/PC), computer operating systems (OS versions / Windows versions) and word processing software in use within the Company. Attachments sent in formats other than .txt or .rft run the risk of not being accessible to others in the Company. Word97 appears to be a broader software installation than any other.

Remember, .txt or .rft first. Check the "Save As" command for your word processor and look for that option.

Can I send Email attachments through AOL?

AOL users need to be aware that long e-mails (more than the text of a printed page) will be turned into .mim (mime) files by the gnomes at AOL. This makes the file almost completely inaccessible (for all practical and ease of use purposes) to others! AOL users should create word processor files for larger communications in .txt or rft format and use the "Attach" command in the AOL Mail software.

AOL users beware! (You may have discovered this already, but it bears repeating.) If you attach more than 1 (one) file to an AOL generated e-mail, it turns all of your attachments into the dreaded .mim (mime) file! In these rare cases where you would need multiple attachments, please send more than one e-mail, each with it's own, singular attachment.

I have heard a lot of things about viruses.  Do I need to worry about them?

The use of attachments means that we are placing ourselves in a "Virus Possible" environment.

Protect yourself and your teammates! Be certain that your computer has a current version of a good virus protection software … and that you are running it when you receive e-mail and open attachments.

If you don't have virus protection software, visit your nearest  computer software retailer/super store and "get inoculated" by purchasing and installing the software. Packages are available for as little as $19 (some are even free over the Internet). Check with your dealer or local computer guru for the one that will best suit your
needs. Unfortunately, TIES cannot "recommend" one, as that might be considered a product endorsement, and we are not permitted to do that.

I have an older browser.  Is this going to be a problem?

If you can, you may want to consider "upgrading" your Browser to the most current version available. THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT – IT IS A SUGGESTION. Visit the Netscape, MS Internet Explorer, and AOL websites for check on availability. These should be "free" upgrades.

The upgrade process requires a download (allow at least 15 minutes - sometimes more depending on the speed of your modem) and then the installation process. Read the "Read Me" files they provide and follow the instructions that are posted on the site (in fact, print out that page and keep it handy by the keyboard). The absolute best times to download these files is very early in the morning (before the rest of the US wakes up).

Why do I get errors when I try to chat?

Chat room errors fall into generally two areas: 1. If you are using a MacIntosh and / or 2. Your browser isn't compatible with the chat software - if this is the case, see "I have an older browser..."

MacIntosh computers are fully compatible with the online institute of TIES.  TIES uses another online company called "egroups" for email listings and chats.  Email listings are NOT a problem, Unfortunately,  egroups does not support MacIntosh for chat groups.  If you use a MacIntosh, please email your project contact (President, CEO or project director) and inform them. They will then make arrangements for you and your team to access chat via another route.

I get "javascript" errors when accessing the TIES website.

Javascript errors can be caused by generally two different issues.

1. If your browser is lower than 4.0, it probably doesn't support javascript.  You will need to upgrade it (see "I have an older browser...") in order to access TIES.  While this may seem to be daunting... it is worth it... most web sites today have some type of javascript or other advanced coding in them.  Alternately, all of the javascript files within TIES are accessible through a regular text file wherever you see "click here for data" -

2. Javascript errors are also caused by the security permissions on your browser being set too high.  To check this:

A. Netscape Navigator:

Click Edit / Preferences / Advanced:

    You should see that java and javascript are checked.  If they are not, check them - this allows these types of files to run on your computer.

B: Internet Explorer

Click Tools / Internet Options / Security.

Your security settings are probably at "Medium." Click on "Custom" - scroll down and look at the java settings.  If your "java disabled" is selected, this will prevent you from accessing some of the TIES pages.  You can select any of the other (besides disabled) java settings: (high, medium, or low.  High safety is fine for TIES, however, you may have to adjust this on your machine for better performance.

My machine freezes constantly while in TIES.

This is most likely caused by your browser.  If you are running AOL, we suggest that you download Netscape Navigator for AOL (search AOL's help features).  Once installed (again, carefully read AOL's directions), we suggest that you make your connection into AOL and then minimize that browser and start up Netscape. 

I can't read some files - my browser indicates that I need a plugin.

All of TIES files are in either a regular Internet format or in Adobe's pdf format.  In order to access PDF files, you will need to download, and install Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Click here for more information.

Some files never seem to load - I have Adobe Acrobat Reader and I think I am doing everything right.

Some of TIES files are very large.  As part of the TIES onsite institute you will be receiving a TIES cd-rom which will contain all of the files.  This will enable you to use TIES in your classroom with a minimum of download time and will even allow you to run TIES on a computer without an Internet connection.  Contact Dr. Cristini for further details.  However, it is important for us to know which files you are having problems with... please tell us which links are giving you trouble and we will see what we can do to assist you in your quest.

How do I get TIES Email?

Ties uses an online service called "Egroups" for email and chat functions.  Read a short tutorial to register and sign up for email lists.

I have trouble printing from within the framed images, how can I print a particular window?

In order to make your computer print a framed window, you need to click into that particular window area.  Nothing obvious will occur, but your computer has "focused" to this area.  Once selected, this is the window that will print.  Remember to click into that window just prior to printing!

Alternately, you can open a framed window in another browser window by right clicking on that window and selecting "open in new window."  Note: This is only applicable in Netscape Navigator.

 

 

Contact Information: Your TIES company president / ceo are always available via email to help you.  Alternately, you may contact TIES Project Director:

Dr. Angela Cristini, Ramapo College, NJ
acristin@ramapo.edu

(201) 684-7724

Last Update:  06/22/03 01:33:42 PM EH