Most of the course material will be organized and distributed via a Java desktop app (see screen shot). It is tastefully styled to look something like a generic tablet computer sitting atop a rustic wooden desk (perhaps in a Hogwarts classroom?). Classy. It is written in Java and can run on any computer that can execute a recent Java runtime (e.g., Mac, Windows, and even Linux). However, it will not run on Apple iOS devices, since they do not support Java. Yes, I do appreciate the irony in that.
Downloads
Spring 2021 (Version 5.438)
Windows users should download this encrypted zip archive: windows_download.zip
Mac users should download this encrypted disk image: mac_download.dmg
Linux/Other users should contact me for a separate link.
Each of these downloads are encrypted using this semester’s “top secret” access code (it will be provided on the first day of class). You’ll need this code to decrypt the download and launch the app (first time only).
Installation
Mac Installation: After opening the download, drag-and-drop the .app file to your “Applications” folder, or anywhere convenient.
Windows Installation: After opening the download, run the downloaded installer (exe) file.
A few notes and troubleshooting advice follow below.
Notes
You do not need to install Java on your computer. Each download is bundled with the required runtime code. However, your computer does need to be able to run a recent version of Java (10 or later).
You’ll need the access code for this semester, which will be provided in class.
Troubleshooting
Although the app has been tested using multiple versions of Java, Windows, and Mac OS, it is likely that we’ll still run into some issues. As we do, they’ll be added to this section for reference.
- Unable to unzip archive: The access code is case-sensitive and, obviously, must be spelled as provided in class. It is also possible that the archive was damaged during download. If you are 100% certain you are using the correct access code, then try re-downloading the archive using a different web-browser. If you are on Windows and it says that the zip file is “corrupted”, try downloading it with a different browser (not IE, which is notorious for doing this).
- Access code not accepted: If you mistyped the access code, the app will quit. Just re-start it and try again. The access code is case-sensitive and is the same code you used to unzip/mount the download. Once you’ve entered the correct code, it will be saved automatically and you won’t have to enter it again (even if you update the app).
- Mac: No mountable filesystem error: This just means you haven't updated your Mac OS in a while. If possible, run software update and get the latest OS.
- Server error: You must be online (in the current version) to load the course data.
- Not seeing up-to-date content: Quit the app and relaunch it to load the most-up-to-date content.
- "App Broken" message on Mac: This shouldn't happen, but that doesn't mean it won't. I have an AppleScript to update an app's file attributes to repair it. Nothing is actually "broken". This is due to the Mac's Gatekeeper being overzealous. Email me and I'll send it to you (just run it and select the CourseAccess.app file to attempt the fix).
- App never loads/Password or Decryption Error: Check your Java Control Panel settings. Look at the settings for “Temporary Internet Files”. Make sure that you check “keep temporary files on my computer” and allow at least 1MB.
- The app used to load, but now won't! This can be an issue with the Java cache on your computer. Just follow Oracle's directions to clear the cache, reboot, then try to open it again.
- Password-protected PDF files won't load in my browser: This is typically an issue with the browser (e.g., older versions of Safari). If your browser fails to open the file, just save it to your computer (e.g., using "File…Save" in the browser), then open it from there with a double-click (i.e., to open in Preview or Acrobat Reader, for example, rather than the browser).
- Windows error about corrupt download: if you get an error about the setup files being corrupted, try these steps.
I hope this list stays pretty short!