Wimba and PC Java Issues

Java 7 has security issues and Internet browsers are warning against using. However, Wimba requires Java, you will not be able to access the features of Wimba without the Java plug-in. Because of the Java 7 vulnerability and security issues – do not use Version 7, use Java 6 Version 38 until a fix is available from Oracle (Java)

If you encounter Wimba issues - DO THIS FIRST!

• If you are using Firefox, try using another browser Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari (Firefox will not allow Java to load)
• Run the Wimba Setup  Wizard, if you cannot complete successfully and the issue is the Java test then continue with instructions below

How do I know what version of Java I have? 

• Windows 7 -- Start; Control Panel
• Look for and double-cick the Java program icon
• On the General tab - click About, the next screen will show the version that is installed
• If version 7 is installed, close the Java Control Panel (will use steps below to download Version 6.38)

How do I disable Version 7 and use (download/install) Version 6.38

• Download Java 6 and disable Version 7: from a browser go to the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/Java6V38Dwnld
• Click the radio button to Accept License Agreement then
• Scroll down to the download for Windows x86 Offline and click the download (file size is 16.2MB); Install

How do I use Java Version 38 once installed?

• Go back to Windows Java Control Panel (Start, Control Panel, Java icon)
• On the Java tab, click View, you should now see both versions  (Java 1.7 and Java 1.6) installed
• Disable Version 7 by removing the check mark in the Enable box (note: Version 1.6 should still have a check mark in the Enable box)
• Click OK

Can I now use Firefox?

Firefox will not allow JAVA Version 38 and to run. Make sure you run the Wimba Wizard BEFORE entering the room!

• Open either Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari and access Blackboard, Wimba and click on the room title (or archive title)
• RUN Setup Wizard:  you should be prompted to allow (Run) the application (Java)
• Click RUN, continue through the Wizard until completed  - now access the room (or archive)

Wimba and MAC OS X (Lion) Java Incompatibility Issues

Mac OS X (Lion) does not come with Java WebStart (JWS) pre-installed.  When users encounter an application requiring Java if issues occur the below link has the download information for the release that installs Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_26 since OS X Lion does not provide a Java runtime by default (see Java info link Java for OSX LIon)

Running Wimba on Mac OS X Lion (10.7)

Some Mac users running Mac OS X Lion have reported that Wimba does not start. This is usually caused by a change the way 'Java' is installed in the new OS.

Here are some steps that might help resolve this issue:

•  Update your Mac using Software Update (Apple menu Software Update...)
•  From the Dock, click Applications > Utilities > Java Preferences, the Java Preferences window will display
•  Click the check box that reads: "Enable applet plug-in and Web Start applications" (This option needs to be enabled)
• Close this window using the red X in the upper left
• Reboot your Mac
• Attempt to open Wimba again being sure to run the setup wizard first.