Self Test Help

COPY and PASTE Problem

In order to copy and paste from your word processor to your browser, you are working with two applications at the same time -- each of which requires significant amounts of memory. While your computer's memory may be quite sufficient to work with either your browser or your word processor, it may not be large enough to work with both at the same time.

If that's the case, you have several options:

You can use your text processor instead of your wordprocessor to create your assignment. "Notepad," for example, is the name of the Windows text processor. Text processors take up much less memory than word processors. Therefore, your system may have enough memory to keep both your text process and your browser open at the same time.
You can copy your document to the clipboard (in the Windows environment) and then close your word processor before you open your browser. Remember that the clipboard can hold only the LAST thing you copied into it.
You could get more memory! If you go this route, please make sure that you do it well before classes start -- technical difficulties are not a valid excuse for starting late.

QUESTION MARKS for QUOTATION MARKS

The word processor you are using is putting in "smart" quotes or "true" quotes. These are not true ASCII characters and don't import correctly when using copy/paste. Directions are provided below for deselecting the smart quotes option in Word for Windows, Word97, and Wordperfect. Please note that the smart quotes setting must be "turned off" before the document is created. A previously created document will retain the embedded smart quote codes. You will need to create a different document after "turning off" the settings and submit Test 1 again to insure you have resolved the problem.

WORD FOR WINDOWS
1. Pull down the FORMAT menu.
2. Select AUTO-FORMAT
3. Select OPTIONS
4. Deselect REPLACE STRAIGHT QUOTES WITH SMART QUOTES. (Make sure the X does not appear)

Word97 and Word2000
1. Pull down the Tools menu
2. Select AutoCorrect.
3. Select AutoFormat As You Type.
4. Deselect Replace as you type "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes".
5. Select AutoFormat.
6. Deselect Replace "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes".
7. Click OK.

Word Perfect
1. Choose Tools (at top of menu) when in Word Perfect.
2. Select QuickCorrect. You should see the necessary options, but you are using version 7, you will need to select "options."
3. Deselect (uncheck boxes) in 2 places for "turn on single (and double) quotes."
4. Select OK and CLOSE as necessary to escape.

Lotus Word Pro 96
1. Pull down the Edit menu.
2. Choose the SmartCorrect... option.
3. Uncheck the box next to "change straight quotes to smart quotes".
4. Click OK.

Word 98
1. Click Format, then Autoformat
2. Click the Options button
3. You will notice 4 tabs, click on the Autoformat tab
4. Deselect "replace straight quotes with smart quotes"
5. Go to the Autoformat as you type tab
6. Uncheck the box next to "replace straight quotes with smart quotes"
7. Click OK.

Microsoft Works
1. Click Tools, then Options
2. Go to the Editing tab
3. Uncheck the box next to "Use smart quotes"
4. Click OK.

NETSCAPE indicates I NEED PLUG INS

Nope...you don't need a plug-in. When you upload a file, it's in a binary format -- you specify which one with the extension (.doc, .sam, .txt, etc.). Netscape knows that there is a program somewhere which could interpret that file, but it doesn't know which program unless you tell it. You can do that by setting the helper applications or you can download the latest version of Netscape with plug-ins (which includes a viewer which reads many files). Netscape's web site is at www.netscape.com.

In any case, the most important factor in uploading your files is that your file extension be appropriate for the file type.

I don't see my ASSIGNMENT posted!

Press the RELOAD button at the top of your Netscape screen to get the latest version of the web page. (Internet Explorer calls this feature REFRESH)

Sometimes your browser will show you a page from the "cache" rather than going back to the server for a new page. This happens when you use back rather than using the link to go back to the list of assignments. RELOAD (or REFRESH) forces the browser to go back to the server for the latest version of the web page.

I see MULTIPLE postings of my ASSIGNMENTS!

Usually this happens because you have clicked the SUBMIT button more than once. Keep in mind that after you click the SUBMIT button, it may take several minutes before you see the confirmation message. This is especially true for assignments that contain attachments or with certain Internet connections.

I don't see my WORDPROCESSOR in the list!!

You have the following options:

Check your word processor's "Save as" to determine if you can save a file in one of the formats listed.
Save your assignment as an ASCII or TEXT file. Virtually every word processor can save to ASCII or TEXT format. These file types will not retain special formatting features.
Macintosh users must be sure their word processor can do a "Save as" to one of the file formats listed when they submit a written assignment as a file attachment. Otherwise, the instructor will not be able to view the file and evaluate your assignment.
Windows users can use WordPad, as it will save files in the Microsoft Word 6 file format.
Be sure to complete the Student Orientation once you login to the Commons to practice the written assignment process, so you will know how it will work within your course.

Click your back button on your browser to return!!