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NCDesk

Installation

The installation needs to be executed on each computer client/workstation to be used for the Online Test of Computer Skills so that NCDesk can be launched from each desktop.

If you have difficulty with installing and using NCDesk, review the information below, use the technical notes on this web site, your local technology support, your regional accountability staff, and if necessary email .

10/17/2007 Computer Reads Aloud for Simulation -- Installation AND Activation Instructions

Check for Java

Prior to installation of NCDesk, users should determine if an approved version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on the client computer(s) and if the client computer(s) specifications meets or exceeds the Proposed Client Computer Requirements. An approved version of JRE must be installed in order to be able to launch NCDesk. See the Technical Notes - Proposed Client Computer Requirements page for the correct JRE versions.

Multiple JRE Problem

Computers can have more than one JRE installed. If your computer has more than one Java Runtime Environment (JRE), you can keep any/all of the JREs. But, you must make sure that NCDesk is launching under the 5.0_08 JRE (or 6.0_02 for Windows Vista). For a standard Windows installation perform the following steps if NCDesk does not launch:
   1. Install JRE 5.0_08 (or 6.0_02 for Windows Vista).
   2. Install NCDesk.
   3. Right click on the NCDesk shortcut and select Properties.
   4. Replace the Target string with the following:
       "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_08\bin\javaw.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\NCDesk\ncdesk.jar"
        OR for Windows Vista:
       "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\javaw.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\NCDesk\ncdesk.jar"
   5. NOTE: The target string above only works if you have installed the JRE and NCDesk in the default locations. You will have to make adjustments to the target string if you install the JRE or NCDesk in non-standard locations.

The vb script below checks for the correct JRE on multiple-jre Windows systems and resets the shortcuts accordingly. This script was included in the new release so most technical administrators do not need to download it -- it is already in your install directory. Like the permissions batch file (see below), it must be run from inside the NCDesk folder. As of 8/21/2006, it works for all Windows versions EXCEPT Vista.
ncdesk_shortcut.vbs

File Associations

*If your Windows computer does not have the correct file associations for *.jar files you may need to manually associate these file types. (This may be your problem, if after installing NCDesk and checking to see that you have the correct version of Java, NCDesk does not start)

UNINSTALL PREVIOUS INSTALLS

If the installation does not function correctly or NCDesk does not run, you may need to check for previous installations on the workstation/client computer. These previous installations may need to be removed and a new copy of NCDesk installation application downloaded and installed. Previous versions include all previous versions of NCDesk and the earlier NCEdit application.

NCDesk installation is accomplished by using one of the two installation packages. Installation packages are specific to the two major targeted OS flavors:

• Windows (All approved OS versions)
  1) Install JRE 5.0_08 first -- For Windows Vista install JRE 6.0_02
  2) Download and run the executable installation located on the current version download page. Note: You must be logged into the workstation with FULL Administrator level account privileges to install. For example, some admin accounts lack permissions to execute .bat files.

Windows Permissions Issue
In cases where NCDesk installed on Windows does not maintain correct user permissions settings the following command can be run to set permissions so that all users can run NCDesk. This command has to be run from the NCDesk install folder when logged in with FULL administrator priviledges.

cacls . /t /e /p Everyone:C

Alternately, if you have a Field Test version of NCDesk that was installed in a non-default location. The bat file below needs to be put in the NCDesk folder and executed from there.
ncdesk_perms.bat

Windows Users Caution:
In order to avoid the Taskbar interfering with test navigation buttons, you will need to set its property to "Auto-Hide".

 

• Apple Macintosh OS X

• WARNING! - If you stored any important documents in the /Applications/ComputerSkills or /Users/Shared/NCDesk.app folders you should remove them before starting the installation process. The installer will delete these folders.

  During the installation process, the installer:

  • Removes the feasibility study folder (ComputerSkills) from /Applications 
  • Removes the field test (NCDesk.app) from /Users/Shared (including log files )
  • Removes old aliases named "NCDesk" from your desktop 
  • Installs NCDesk in the /Applications folder
  • Creates an alias for NCDesk on your desktop

  The installer requires admin privileges and prompts you to enter your password twice; at the beginning of the installation process and when it removes the feasibility study and field test.

  Once the installation is complete you will have to manually remove existing aliases pointing to previous copies of NCDesk, NCEdit, or NCLogin. Additionally, you will have to create new NCDesk aliases for other user accounts.

  In order to avoid having the Dock interfere with test navigation buttons. You will need to automatically hide and show the Dock. Select "Dock" -> "Dock Preferences..." from the Apple menu. In the Dock preferences dialog, enable the check box labeled "Automatically hide and show the Dock".
  

• The install process may be different depending on what web browser you are using. Some browsers will assist more with the installation process. But generally ...
1. download the OS X Package File (dmg file),
2. if not using Safari you may need to manually open the disk image
3. double-click on the NCDesk package to start the installation
4. create an alias on the desktop for each user account needing to start the program,
5. Depending on your browser -- you may have a disk image mounted (NCDeskVol) on your desktop which can be ejected after installing the application.
6. You can also delete the downloaded disk image.

This file was modified on Friday, October 26, 2007; at 7:08:41 AM