Download Java Software

You will need to have Java software installed in order for certain areas of the courseware system to function properly. Visit general questions and install information to learn more about the Java software.

Not sure if you have Java installed?

Windows Users

Verify your Java version. Note: if you recently completed your Java installation, you may need to restart your browser (close all browser windows and re-open) before verifying the version.

Mac Users

Attention: Due to recent changes to the Apple OSX Operating System, there have been changes to how Java is maintained for Apple Computers.

To update Java for OSX10.6 and older versions, please use the Software Update function available through the Apple menu to ensure you are using the updated version of Java 6 for your Mac.

If you are running Mac OSX10.7.3 (Lion) or later, the update function does not include Java updates, To ensure you are using the latest Java version, please download Java for Mac (OSX)

Please note that Apple computers running OSX 10.6 or earlier, will not be able to run Java 7 or later.

Download the free Adobe Reader plug-in

In order to view PDF documents, your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed with the latest version available for your operating system.

Use the Get Adobe Reader link below to download the plug-in, then follow the installation instructions available on the download page.

Get Adobe Reader

Download Adobe Flash Player

Some areas of our Web site and online courses contain animations or videos. To view these interactive components, your computer must have the latest free version of Adobe Flash Player installed for your operating system.

Below is a link to download the free Flash Player. Installation instructions and support information are available on the download page.

Test your Flash player here.

Get Flash Player

Excelsior College courses require Microsoft Word.

Where can I get Antivirus Software?

If you don’t have an antivirus program installed, you can obtain a free, personal edition from several reliable vendors. Visit one of the sites listed below to download virus protection software, and follow the provided instructions for installation and usage.

• AVG Anti Virus Free Edition for Windows*
• AntiVir Personal Edition for Windows*
• Agax Anti-Virus for Macintosh*

The most important step when using antivirus software is to keep it current, as it relies on regular updates to guard against the latest threats. Updates are typically available through your antivirus vendor.

More information is available at:

• Microsoft's Security at Home Web site

* Please note that neither Excelsior College nor the colleges and universities working with Excelsior to offer online courses are responsible for preventing virus infections or providing technical support for any antivirus software you may choose to install.

Detect and Remove Spyware

As these programs are different than computer viruses, your antivirus software may not be able to detect and remove all instances of spyware. It is recommended that you use one or more anti-spyware programs.

Two-well known companies offer personal editions of their software free of charge are:

• Lavasoft Ad-Aware*
• Spybot Search & Destroy (S&D)*

More information on spyware is available at:

• StopBADware.org
• Microsoft's Security at Home Web site

* Please note that as these programs are not developed by Excelsior College, you will need to contact the respective program vendor with any technical support questions or problems.