System Requirements and Troubleshooting

Java

Which Java version should I use?

The "Interactive Auditory Virtual Environment" Demo as well as the "DE-RUB Localisation Test" (the localisation test where you have to spot the ringing telephones) both use Java technology. The following table shows which Java version works well in combination with which web browser (tested on a PC with a Windows XP ServicePack 2 operating system).

  Firefox
3.0.4		 Firefox
2.0.0.18		 Mozilla
1.7.3		 IE 7.0 IE 6.0
Java Runtime Env.
Version 6 Update 11		 No
Connection 		No
Connection 		No
Connection 		Unreliable OK
Java Runtime Env.
Version 5.0 Update 16		 OK OK OK Unreliable OK

We highly recommend to use Java version 5.0, as the latest Java versions (starting with Version 6 Update 3) cause some problems with the audio connection!

Where do I get this Java version and how do I install it?

  1. Navigate to "Start" → "Settings" → "Control Panel" → "Add or remove programs and Windows Components" and deinstall everything that contains "Java", "J2SE", "JRE", or "JDK" in its name.
  2. If you don't already have a Firefox web browser, it's a good opportunaty to get it now. Simply download the latest version from Mozilla and follow the installation instructions.
  3. Download the JRE 5.0 Update 16 Java version from the Java archive and follow the installation instructions (local copy).
  4. Reboot your system.
  5. If a message pops up obout a newer Java version which is available, simply ignore it.
  6. Prevent Java from updating to Version 6 (screenshot):
    • Navigate to "Start" → "Settings" → "Control Panel" → "Java".
    • In the "Update" tab, deselect "Check for Updates Automatically" and confirm the warning with "Never Check".
    • Click on "OK" to close the Java control panel.

 

Web Browser

I'm using Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Where is the button mentioned in the description?

Short answer: This might be a security restriction of the Internet Explorer. We recommend to use the Mozilla Firefox browser instead.

Technical explanation:  The Java support of the Internet Explorer relies on Microsoft's proprietary "Active-X" technology which allows remote web sites to execute some software on your local machine. This can be configured in the "Tools" → "Internet Options..." menu of the Internet Explorer, but that's something that is not trivial even for experts. Due to the severe security impacts, we highly recommend to use Mozilla Firefox instead.

Does it work with other web browsers like Opera or Safari?

Probably. Please try it and let us know, if it works!

 

Firewalls

I'm behind a corporate firewall. What can I do to make the Java applet work?

Please ask your network administrator to allow the following connections:

  • TCP port 723
  • TCP port 5011
  • UDP port 5010

I'm using a personal firewall. What can I do to make the Java applet work?

Configuring firewalls is a complex task. Please ask your system administrator for assistance or consult the manual of your firewall software to allow Internet connections as stated above.