Frequently Asked Questions -- General FAQ
1. What is Interactive Online?
2. Which browsers can I use with Interactive Online?
3. How do I print a screen using my browser?
4. Do I need cookies enabled to use Interactive Online?
5. I am getting slow response to my Interactive Online queries. What is the problem?
6. Who do I contact with questions about a specific Interactive Online workflow?
7. If I leave Interactive Online unattended for a while, I get a message that I have been timed out. Why?
8. Who do I contact with comments about Interactive Online?
9. What security does IOL provide?
1. What is Interactive Online?
Interactive Online (IOL) is a web interface to Alverno College's administrative database. It is designed to securely deliver real-time information to your desktop via your web browser. IOL interacts directly with the administrative system so data is available immediately upon entry or update. The application system that creates this database, Colleague, is the product of Datatel Inc. of Fairfax, Virginia. This web interface contains portions developed by both Datatel and Alverno College. IOL is managed by the Information Systems Department at Alverno College. 2. Which browsers can I use with Interactive Online?
For Windows PCs, IOL will operate effectively with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.x or above, or with Mozilla Firefox 3.x or above.
For Macintoshes, Interactive Online will operate effectively with Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Text-based browsers or those without Javascript capability will operate in a limited capacity.
3. How do I print a screen using my browser?
You can print any Interactive Online page using the print function on your web browser. Some pages will be more legible if you print them using landscape orientation. 4. Do I need cookies enabled to use Interactive Online?
Yes. Your browser must accept cookies to use Interactive Online. IOL puts a session cookie on your desktop when you log into the system to support its navigation. When you close your browser, the cookie is erased. Refer to your browser's documentation for help in setting your computer to accept cookies.
5. I am getting slow response to my Interactive Online queries. What is the problem?
There are a number of conditions that might affect your response time in Interactive Online. Often an increase in the response time is related to traffic over the communication lines. The number of users on any portion of Alverno's systems (intranet, internet or both) will often slow the response time for everyone. You may also experience slower performance during peak usage periods for your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Increased use of IOL during certain time periods can also reduce system speed. This is caused not only by increased user traffic, but also by the additional processing required of Alverno's host machine to respond to IOL queries. An example of a high-use or peak period would be the main registration periods and at the beginning of a semester. At such times, many students are accessing the system at the same time and sharing limited resources, thereby reducing performance and response time.
Also, conducting complex or broad Search for Classes can reduce response time. Performance can be greatly improved by narrowing your searches.
If you continue to experience slow response times during non-peak usage periods and are not conducting broad or complex searches, please contact the Web Administrator for technical assistance.
6. Who do I contact with questions about a specific Interactive Online workflow?
Detailed instructions and tips for using each Interactive Online workflow can be found by clicking the Help tab located at the top and bottom of the workflow screen. If you experience any problems or have any questions that are not covered in the Help text, click on the Contact us tab located at the top and bottom of all screens.
7. If I leave Interactive Online unattended for a while, I get a message that I have been timed out. Why?
For security reasons, a user will be automatically logged out when a screen is left idle for 10 minutes. This can happen when a user accidentally forgets to log out of Interactive Online and their browser is left open. The automatic log out will prevent others from accessing personal information. To avoid this timeout, please log out when finished using IOL.
8. Who do I contact with comments about Interactive Online?
Click on the Contact us tab located at the top and bottom of all screens. Click on Contact Web Administrator and a form will appear. Please indicate that the topic is "Comment about website".
9. What security does IOL provide?
IOL is a fully encrypted website designed to protect your confidential information. However, you are also responsible for preventing unauthorized access. To ensure confidentiality:
- Do not share your password with anyone. Treat it with the same security as a bank PIN.
- Properly log out of IOL after use. Click on the Log Out link located in the header and footer of most pages.
- In order to provide additonal security, a user will automatically be logged out when a screen is left idle for a period of time.