Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Technical FAQs ...3

Technical - General ...4

What is a browser? Does it matter which one I use to access TaskStream?...4

What is a CSV file?...6

I am having trouble loading TaskStream properly, what can I do? ...7

What do I do if an image does not load properly?...8

How do I print my work?...9

What do I do if my browser shows a message that I need JavaScript? ...10

I have a pop-up blocker enabled in my web browser. Will it affect my use of TaskStream? ...11

What does it mean when I get an Error 404, Page/File not found message?...14

Which is the better connection for using TaskStream, dial-up or broadband?...15

Product-Related...16

Can I have TaskStream open in more than one window at the same time?...16

What is the HTML Formatting toolbar? ...17

Why does my HTML Editor not load when I am using Internet Explorer 7?...18

What is the WebMarker and what system requirements do you need to use it? ...19

I have downloaded a lesson attachment, but I cannot open it. Why?...20

Why do I not receive emails from TaskStream? ...21

I uploaded a file with my Mac. Now, the attached file does not open. Why? ...22

Why does the TaskStream Messenger icon flash (blink) all the time? ...23

How can I get my Instant Messenger to chime?...24

Enhancement-Related...25

My file is too large to upload. What can I do to reduce the size of the file?...25

Why do certain pages display small fonts?...26

How do I underline, bold or italicize text?...27

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Technical FAQs

Click the question links below to navigate to the answer: Technical - General:

What is a browser? Does it matter which one I use to access TaskStream? * What is a .CSV file?

I am having trouble loading TaskStream properly, what can i do? What do I do if an image does not load properly?

How do I print my work?

What do I do if my browser shows a message that I need JavaScript?

I have a pop‐up blocker enabled in my web browser. Will it affect my use of TaskStream? Why is my computer unable to see pop‐ups from taskstream.com?

When I click on a button nothing occurs, why is this happening?

What does it mean when I get an Error 404, Page/File not found message? Which is the better connection for using TaskStream, dial-up or broadband?

Product-Related:

Can I have TaskStream open in more than one window at the same time? What is the HTML formatting toolbar?

Why does my HTML Editor not load when I am using Internet Explorer 7? What is the WebMarker and what system requirements do you need to use it? I have downloaded a lesson attachment, but I cannot open it. Why?

Why do I not receive emails from TaskStream?

I uploaded a file with my Mac. Now, the attached file does not open. Why? Why does the TaskStream Messenger icon flash (blink) all the time? How can I get my Instant Messenger to chime?

Enhancement-Related:

My file is too large to upload. What can I do to reduce the size of the file? Why do certain pages display small fonts?

How do I underline, bold or italicize text?

Is TaskStream's site accessible to users with disabilities?

* very important technical information

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Technical - General

What is a browser? Does it matter which one I use to access TaskStream?

Your browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) is a computer application that allows you to access and view various web sites on the Internet. TaskStream is a highly dynamic environment that responds slightly different to each browser. There are Supported Browsers that feature all of the application functions. But the Optimal Browsers truly reflect the full capability of our applications.

Supported Browsers

PC

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and above Mozilla Firefox 3.0 and above

Google Chrome 4.0 and above

Mac

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 and above Apple Safari 4.0

Chrome 5.0

Optimal Browsers

PC

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 and above Mozilla Firefox 3.6

Google Chrome 4.1 and above

Mac

Mozilla Firefox 3.6 and above Apple Safari 4.0 and above

Please be aware that a friendly reminder has been implemented for the following scenarios:

If you use an unsupported browser, you can still login but the system features may not work optimally. If you use a browser with known issues, you are not allowed to login AT ALL.

Why do certain pages display small fonts?

How can I tell which browser version I have?

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Frequently Asked Questions Mozilla Firefox

To find out which version of Mozilla Firefox is installed on your PC: 1. Open Firefox.

2. Click Help on the tool bar.

3. Click About Mozilla Firefox. A window opens to indicate the current in-use version of Firefox. Google Chrome

To find out which version of Google Chrome is installed on your PC: 1. Open Chrome.

2. Click Customize and Control Google Chrome on the tool bar.

3. Click About Google Chrome. A window opens to indicate the current in-use version of Chrome. Mac

Apple Safari

To find out which version of Apple Safari is installed: 1. Open Safari.

2. Click Safari on the menu bar.

3. Click About Safari. A window opens to indicate the current in-use version of Safari. Mozilla Firefox

To find out which version of Mozilla Firefox is installed on your Mac: 1. Open Firefox

2. Click Help on the tool bar

3. Click About Firefox. A window opens to indicate the current in-use version of Firefox. Google Chrome

To find out which version of Google Chrome is installed on your PC: 1. Open Chrome.

2. Click Chrome on the tool bar.

3. Click About Google Chrome. A window opens to indicate the current in-use version of Chrome.

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What is a CSV file?

A Comma Separated Value (CSV) file is a computer data file used for implementation of the tried and true organizational tool, the Comma Separated List.

The CSV file is used for the digital storage of data structured in a table of lists form, where each associated item (member) in a group is in association with others also separated by the commas of its set.

Each line in the CSV file corresponds to a row in the table. Within a line, fields are separated by commas, each field belonging to one table column. CSV files are often used for moving tabular data between two different computer programs, for example between a database program and a spreadsheet program.

Example

Year Maker Model Comments Price

1997 Ford E350

ac, abs, moon

3000.00

1999 Chevy Venture "Extended Edition" 4900.00 1996

Jeep Grand Cherokee

MUST SELL!

air, moon roof, loaded

4799.00

The above table of data can be represented in CSV format as follows: 1997,Ford,E350,"ac, abs, moon",3000.00

1999,Chevy,"Venture ""Extended Edition""","",4900.00

1996,Jeep,Grand Cherokee,"MUST SELL!air, moon roof, loaded",4799.00

TaskStream uses CSV files to handle bulk import of author scores and bulk import of external survey recipients.

Saving in CSV format

If you have been provided a CSV import template that opens in Excel, you need to save as CSV for import. 1. In the File menu, select the Save As option.

2. Enter a name for the file. 3. Select CSV as the file format. 4. Click Save.

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I am having trouble loading TaskStream properly, what can I do?

If you are having trouble loading TaskStream properly, it could possibly be your Sprint SmartView USB modem is not correctly configured. Unplugging the modem and using a different internet connection immediately resolves the issue. BUT, the problem lies in the acceleration setting; you need to disable the data acceleration.

Here's how:

1. From the SmartView USB modem program, click Tools. 2. Click Settings.

3. Click Acceleration.

4. Go to the Acceleration section.

5. From the Start-up type pull-down, select Manual. This enables the Start and Stop button. 6. To disable the data acceleration, click Stop.

7. Click Apply. 8. Click OK.

To learn more about the Sprint SmartView, access the user guide.

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What do I do if an image does not load properly?

Sometimes, you navigate to a page that loads a missing picture or text or they seem out of place. Access the area again to reload the page.

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How do I print my work?

To print pages, you need to make sure to select the frame that contains the information you want to print. Method 1-

To select a frame:

1. Click anywhere on the page with the information you want to print. 2. On your menu bar, click File.

3. Select Print.

Method 2

-1. On your browser's toolbar, click the print icon . 2. Proceed with your print job as you normally do.

Method 3-

1. Right-click anywhere on the page with the information you want to print. 2. From the pop-up menu, select Print.

3. Proceed with your print job as you normally do.

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What do I do if my browser shows a message that I need JavaScript?

TaskStream uses JavaScript to enhance the interaction and function of our site. Your web browser comes with JavaScript capability. If you have received this message, it means that your browser's JavaScript feature has been disabled. You have to manually enable this feature and restart your browser. This issue can also be caused by certain security software. You should disable or adjust your preferences on your computer while working in TaskStream.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher 1. Click Tools on the menu bar. 2. Click Internet Options. 3. Click the Security tab.

4. Click the Custom Level button. 5. Search for Scripting category. 6. Choose the Enable option. 7. Click OK.

8. Click OK.

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher 1. Click Options.

2. Click Tools on the menu bar. 3. Click the Content icon.

4. Check the Enable JavaScript option. 5. Click OK.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome has JavaScript enabled by default, and does not currently support in-browser functionality to disable it. Apple Safari 3.0 or higher

1. Click Safari on the menu bar. 2. Click Preferences.

3. Click the Security tab. 4. Click the Enable Java option. 5. Click the Enable JavaScript option.

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I have a pop-up blocker enabled in my web browser. Will it affect my use of TaskStream?

Yes, it does affect your use of TaskStream. TaskStream uses pop-up windows in order to deliver our tools in the most efficient manner possible. Luckily, in most browsers TaskStream can be added as an accepted site. This allows TaskStream’s pop-up windows to appear as you browse http://www.taskstream.com.

Please keep in mind that your pop-up blocking software can be installed on your computer as a separate piece of software or as part of a security software package.

The instructions for your specific pop-up blocker can be found below: Browsers

Microsoft Internet Explorer (XP SP2, Vista)

1. In the Internet Explorer menu bar, click Tools. 2. Select Pop-up Blocker.

3. Select Pop-up Blocker Settings.

4. In the address of website to allow text box, enter *.taskstream.com. 5. Click Add.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome has pop-ups enabled by default, and does not currently support in-browser functionality to disable them.

Browser Toolbars Yahoo

1. On the Yahoo toolbar, click the pop-up icon.

2. Select Always allow pop-ups from. A list of blocked (during the current session) pop-ups appears. 3. Highlight the taskstream.com website

4. Click Allow. Google

1. On the Google toolbar, click the pop-up blocker button. The current webpage re-loads. 2. The pop-up blocker button changes to display Site pop-ups allowed.

MSN

1. On the MSN toolbar, click Options. 2. Click Pop-up Guard Settings... 3. Click the Allow list tab.

4. In the text field, enter http://www.taskstream. 5. Click Add.

6. Click OK. Earthlink

1. On the toolbar, click Earthlink Pop-Up Blocker. 2. Select Always allow pop-ups for this Web site.

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Why is my computer unable to see pop-ups from taskstream.com?

If pop-up windows do not appear within TaskStream, more than likely, you have a pop-up blocker installed on your system. A pop-up blocker prevents websites from opening additional windows while you use the Internet. TaskStream implements pop-up windows to make our tools easier to use. To allow pop-up windows from TaskStream to function properly, find out what type of pop-up blocker is installed, then follow the detailed instructions.

Please keep in mind that your pop-up blocking software could be installed on your computer as a separate piece of software or as part of a security software package.

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When I click on a button nothing occurs, why is this happening?

Certain web browsers have software that regulates the creation of new windows within a website; this software is commonly referred to as up blockers. If you are not getting any up windows, more than likely, you have a pop-up blocker installed on your system. TaskStream implements pop-pop-up windows to make our tools easier to use.

To allow pop-up windows from TaskStream, find out what type of pop-up blocker is installed, then follow the detailed instructions.

Please keep in mind that your pop-up blocking software could be installed on your computer as a separate piece of software or as part of a security software package.

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What does it mean when I get an Error 404, Page/File not found message?

When browsing the World Wide Web, there are many reasons why you could receive such a message. Most likely, the link you clicked or the URL (web address) you typed:

 no longer exists  has been changed  is no longer valid

Make sure the URL entered is correct and try again. If you received this message in TaskStream, please contact us.

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Which is the better connection for using TaskStream, dial-up or broadband?

TaskStream’s site performs under both conditions. However, because broadband operates at least 15 times - 50 times faster than dial-up, broadband is the preferred connection type.

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Product-Related

Can I have TaskStream open in more than one window at the same time?

At times, subscribers find that they need to have TaskStream open in two (2) distinct windows (e.g. copy work from one window to another).

You should only add content into one window. Adding content into both windows could result in a loss of

data.

To open a second browser window, 1. Click on the browser icon.

2. Log in again. This action provides you with two (2) distinct sessions.

Do not use File > New or Ctrl N to open the second window - this is not allowed by the system.

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What is the HTML Formatting toolbar?

When enabled, the HTML Formatting Toolbar allows you to add formatting to text input areas without the need for HTML. To enable the HTML Toolbar:

1. Go to the My Account Info area. 2. Select your toolbar preference. 3. Click the Enable link.

This toolbar is available in most TaskStream tools where there are large text input areas.

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Why does my HTML Editor not load when I am using Internet Explorer 7?

You are experiencing a problem loading an ActiveX control that enables your HTML Editor. In Internet Explorer 7, the Content Editor displays a gray area that does not allow you to input your work. Read the following instructions to solve this problem.

1. Double-click on the gear at the bottom of the pop-up window OR

In the menu bar, click Tools > Manage Add-ons > Enable or Disable Add-ons.

2. Locate the Disabled Add-on titled DHTML Edit Control Safe for Scripting for IE5. 3. Click the add-on.

4. In the Settings area, click Enabled. The Add-on moves to the bottom of the Enabled list. 5. Click OK. Your browser refreshes and you can use the HTML editor.

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What is the WebMarker and what system requirements do you need to use it?

The WebMarker enables Evaluators to view uploaded file attachments without downloading the file or opening the software application typically used to view the attachments. It also provides a way for Evaluators to add comments or markups directly to the work. The comments are viewable by the Authors. The Author can, in turn, view the Evaluator's comments through a PDF document.

The WebMarker can be used to display and markup key file formats including but not limited to:

Adobe Acrobat PDF Plain Text

Microsoft Excel JPEG

Microsoft Word TIFF

Microsoft RTF BMP

WordPerfect GIF

Microsoft PowerPoint

See the WebMarker Technical Requirements for Evaluators help topic.

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I have downloaded a lesson attachment, but I cannot open it. Why?

There can be a number of causes for this type of situation. The most common cause is that your computer does not have the software application that created the file. For example, if you download a student sample product attachment that was created in Inspiration, you need a copy of this software application to be able to open the sample.

Some software applications provide a trial or viewer version of the program that you can download from the Web and use to open the file that you downloaded from TaskStream. For example, if you do not own Microsoft Word, you can

download a Word Viewer from Microsoft that allows you to open and view Word files.

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Why do I not receive emails from TaskStream?

One major reason why this could be happening is that your email program is interpreting incoming TaskStream mail as spam, which is a term for junk mail. Spam is not typically stored in your Inbox, but rather in a folder specifically designed to hold unwanted mail.

Try the following:

1. Check your Junk E-mail folder for TaskStream-related emails. 2. Examine your mail options and check for spam blocking software. 3. (Optional) If possible, add TaskStream as an accepted source for emails.

In the event that you have a Spam filter associated with your email account, please add the following to your address book

(This ensures that TaskStream is recognized as an accepted site):

 [email protected]  [email protected]

 [email protected]

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I uploaded a file with my Mac. Now, the attached file does not open. Why?

An error of this nature occurs if the document has been saved and then uploaded without the proper file extension. This has to do with the way Mac handles files and file extensions.

To remedy this situation:

1. Remove the file from your work.

2. Re-save your work (ensure that the extension is included in the document path).

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Why does the TaskStream Messenger icon flash (blink) all the time?

The section of the menu bar with the TaskStream Messenger icon is programmed to check every ten (10) seconds to:  check if you have received any instant messages

 announce if you have received any

The flash occurs because the frame holding the icon reloads to check for messages. If you check for messages and address them, the blinking stops, the message is no longer considered new.

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How can I get my Instant Messenger to chime?

In order to enable the sound feature:

 Your computer must be equipped with sound card/speakers.  Your computer must have either a Flash or QuickTime plug-in.

To download the Flash plug-in, go to the Adobe website, and follow their download instructions. It may take a few minutes to install.

To download the QuickTime plug-in, go to the Apple website, and follow their download instructions. It may take a few minutes to install.

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Enhancement-Related

My file is too large to upload. What can I do to reduce the size of the file?

These optimizing file tips should help reduce the file size: Scanner

When using a scanner, the scanning resolution determines the size of the scanned image. Use a resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi) to get a life-size image when displayed on the screens of most computers. Since computer screens display only about 72 pixels per inch, using a resolution higher than this will make your file size unnecessarily large.

Software/Images

Save your original images separately.

 Use digital imaging software to crop unnecessary parts of the image.

 Use .gif format when you do not need a lot of colors. For example, simple line drawings, shapes, and small icons work well in this format. You can optimize .gif images by reducing the number of colors. The fewer colors you use, the smaller the file size. Start with 256 colors, and reduce the number of colors until just before you notice a

difference in the image.

Use .jpg format, when you are working with photographs. When prompted, you can optimize .jpg images by using a lower quality choice. The default save for a .jpg in most programs is set to 10, the highest quality. You can try reducing it to a smaller number, depending on the necessity of a sharp image for your project. The lower the quality, the smaller the file size. Start with the maximum quality and reduce the image quality until just before you notice a difference in the image.

 Reduce image size using a graphics-editing program (such as Adobe Photoshop, or Microsoft Photo Editor). The smaller the dimensions of the image, the smaller the file size.

PowerPoint

 Cropping an image in PowerPoint WILL NOT reduce the file size.

 When you resize the image in a program such as PowerPoint, you are only making the picture appear smaller on the screen - the actual file size of the image has not been reduced at all.

 Individual images should be no larger than 200 kb, whenever possible. Maximum size of all the images in the presentation should be no more than 4 MB, whenever possible.

 Include a blank slide at the beginning of the presentation. It would seem as though adding a blank slide at the beginning of a presentation would increase file size; however, the opposite is true. The blank slide serves as the preview image -- the image PowerPoint displays when you select a file in the Open dialog box. Since a blank slide is far less complex than the real first slide, the preview image is much smaller, thereby reducing the size of the

presentation file.

 If you open and save a PowerPoint presentation without making any changes, the file size may increase. Repeating this process results in file size increases up to 300% of the original file.

To fix this problem:

1. From the Tools menu, click Options.

2. On the Save tab, deselect the Allow Fast Saves checkbox. 3. Click OK.

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Why do certain pages display small fonts?

Some TaskStream pages disregard the increased font size setting because it leads to a loss of tool functionality. An increased font size setting tends to shift page elements, often times hiding buttons and/or tabs critical for work completion. If your browser text size setting is set at Larger or Largest, you could have difficulty viewing the TaskStream site. Changing the text size setting to Medium ensures that the entire TaskStream site is visible.

To reduce the default font size, follow the directions for your browser: America Online (AOL)

1. Minimize the AOL browser window. 2. Open Internet Explorer.

3. Follow directions below for Internet Explorer. 4. Restore AOL and refresh the page.

Internet Explorer

1. Go to the View menu. 2. Click on Text Size. 3. Select Medium.

Chrome

1. Click Control the current page. 2. Mouse-over the option Text zoom. 3. Select Normal.

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How do I underline, bold or italicize text?

Unless you access an area that employs the HTML Formatting Toolbar, there is NO tool that allows you to format text. If you would like to change the format of your text to include italic, bold, and underline, you can experiment with the

following HTML tags. These tags are inserted before and after the text you want to format, as shown below: (please feel free to explore with any other HTML tags)

Bold: your text here

Italics: your text here Underline: your text here

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Is TaskStream's site accessible to users with disabilities?

TaskStream is committed to making its' tools accessible for all users, including people with disabilities. Our tools comply with Federal Section 508 guidelines, Bobby, and W3C WCAG recommendations as described in our accessibility statement. Some optional services and third-party plug ins may not be covered by this document. As new technologies emerge, TaskStream strives to amend its' tools to be compliant with the widest audience possible; however, for legacy reasons, some pages can not be updated immediately.

In addition to making technical changes to our websites to provide greater accessibility, we test them using multiple assistance-type technologies - such as screen readers and screen enlarging software - to analyze and modify our pages. We also engage accessibility experts and people with disabilities to further test and modify our websites for optimal usability.