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New Mexico State University

Centra Frequently Asked Questions

General Centra Information:

PC Setup:

Troubleshooting:

How do I find out what operating system I have?
Right click on the desktop icon labeled My Computer and select Properties. Under the General tab you'll find your operating system (Win 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP). Or, click the Start button; the Start menu usually displays the name of the operating system on the left side of this menu. You can also refer to the written documentation that came with your computer.
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How do I find out how much RAM I have?
Right click on the desktop icon labeled My Computer and select Properties. Under the General tab you'll find the amount of RAM installed. You can also refer to the written documentation that came with your computer.
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How can I find out the speed of my CPU?
When you start your PC, watch the information on the initial black screens; the CPU speed will be shown there. (If the screens scroll by too fast to read, you probably have enough speed.) You can also refer to the written documentation that came with your computer.
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How do I find the screen resolution and color resolution of my monitor?
To determine the screen resolution (size) and color depth you are currently showing:
Right click on the desktop, select Properties and then click the Settings tab. You should have at least 256 colors under the Color palette box and 800 x 600 pixels under the Desktop or Screen area box.
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How do I determine what browser version I have?
To determine your browser version, open Internet Explorer or Netscape.
Go to the Help menu at the top of the screen and select About Internet Explorer or About Communicator. A page or box will open indicating your current browser version.
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How can I tell what sound card I have?
To determine the sound card installed on your system (most modern multimedia computers come equipped with a 16 bit sound card), refer to your written documentation that came with your computer.
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How can I get my microphone to work?
If your microphone has never worked, or if it has stopped working, first check the physical connection of the microphone. Verify that it is firmly plugged into the microphone port instead of the headphone or speaker port. If you are not sure which port is correct, you can check the sound card to see if it is marked (sometimes with a picture of a microphone). You can use a process of elimination; check the documentation that came with your hardware, or contact the hardware manufacturer.
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When I click "attend" I never get into the event. It just sits there attempting to do something without succeeding.
You probably need to run "Windows Virtual Machine" to update your Java software: Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM). This will allow you to install the latest VM Build. Download the software to your desktop and then install it from your desktop.
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Why can't I get Centra to function at my work organization (Outside NMSU)?
Your organization probably uses security software (a firewall) designed to limit access to your local area network. You must ask your own network administrator to allow incoming TCP packets on port 1709.
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Why is the audio so choppy in session? I'm losing several words from each sentence?
Centra requires a certain bandwidth to be able to function correctly. If you are using a 56K modem, or other high speed connection, the problem is generally that your Internet service provider (ISP) is experiencing heavy volume on its network. Try quitting the session and reconnecting to your ISP to get a better connection. If this still doesn't work, you may consider finding a new Internet service provider that can give you the bandwidth you need.
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During a live session, my graphics take forever to download. I can tell that others can see the graphics by what they say, but I can't see anything.
Centra requires certain bandwidth to be able to function correctly. If you are using a 56 k modem, or other high-speed connection, the problem is generally that your Internet service provider (ISP) is experiencing heavy volume on its network. Try quitting the session and reconnecting to your ISP to get a better connection. If this still doesn't work, you may consider finding a new Internet service provider that can give you the bandwidth you need.
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I'm in session and suddenly I can't hear anyone speaking anymore. The yellow equalizer bar tells me that someone is speaking but I can't hear anyone.
Without leaving the session, run the audio wizard (it's under the "Tools" menu). Go all the way though the wizard to the end. This should restore your sound. If this doesn't restore your audio, exit the session and re-enter. Note: Use the text chat to send a private message to your presenter if you continue to have problems.
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Why can I hear everyone speaking but they can't hear me?
This could be due to one of several causes:

1) Under the "Tools" menu in a Centra event select the "Centra Audio Wizard". On the third screen, click the "Record" button and speak clearly for 5 seconds. The wizard should play your voice back automatically without further action from you. If you can't hear your voice, and the volume slider is all the way up, you'll need to check your physical microphone jack connection into your sound card in the back of your computer. If this connection is firm and you're sure it's in the correct port (it usually has a picture of a microphone on it), check your settings in the volume control panel. Right click the speaker icon in the lower right part of your desktop window. Left-click "Open Volume Controls". Under "Options" choose "Properties". Select "Recording" and click okay. Microphone should be selected. If this doesn't help try this.

2) Re-open the Audio Wizard, go to the third screen and change your recording device in your "Recording Device" menu. Advance two slides and determine if you can hear your recorded voice. Note: Use the text chat to send a private message to your presenter if you continue to have problems. You may have to re-run your PC setup.
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Why am I having trouble attending events when I use Netscape 6 (6.x)?
Centra has known problems with Netscape 6 (6.x). We recommend you use Internet Explorer or a Centra-approved version of Netscape (Netscape 4.06+ except Netscape 6.x).
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How can I check my system to determine if it will work with Centra?
Go to eplace, select System Check and follow the instructions to check your system.
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While running Centra "System Check" my browser passes, but when it runs the network check, the system check just stops and gives no indication of whether it passed or failed.
You probably need to run "Windows Update" to update your Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM). Windows Update should be either in the top section of your Start Menu, under Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools or you can click here. This will allow you to install selected updates from Microsoft. If asked, you should allow the applet download from Microsoft and select all critical updates and recommended updates related to Internet Explorer.
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What is a Centra Event?
A Centra Event is a single, synchronous activity that occurs on a specified date and time and for a specified duration. During an Event, a Presenter conducts a 'live' presentation over the Web using audio over IP capabilities. Equipped with a microphone and speakers or headsets, participants enrolled in the Event can remotely log in to eplace and attend the Event from a Windows computer.
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What is eplace?
The eplace Web site (http://eplace.nmsu.edu), is the location of the Centra server on the NMSU campus.
From eplace, you can attend Centra Events, view Centra playbacks, and download Event content.
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What is a Centra Event Facilitator?
The Centra Event Facilitator is responsible for the logistical success of a Centra Event. This individual oversees the Event beginning with the request for an Event to the successful delivery and completion of the Event. Event Facilitators also assume additional roles as leaders and/or content builders as their particular duties require.
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What are the duties of the Facilitator?
The Facilitator is responsible for the following tasks:

  • Reviews the Centra calendar and requests the Event
  • Receives access to the Event via Agenda Builder and Presenter roles
  • Coordinates logistics for the Event (such as determining who builds content and who delivers the Event)
  • Ensures that the content is successfully uploaded to the Event
  • Tests Events
  • Supports participants
  • Starts pre-sessions
  • Conducts audio checks
  • Delivers the Event or designates the presenter for the Event
  • Provides support during the Event, as necessary

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How do I get enrolled in an Event?
If you are a participant, contact your Facilitator or Presenter for your login and password information.
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How do Presenters enroll their participants?
The Facilitator or Presenter enrolls participants for a Centra event. To enroll participants, Presenters enroll Participants online. The following information is required for enrollment:

  • Name of Facilitator
  • E-mail Address of Facilitator
  • Title of Event
  • Number of Participants
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • E-mail Address
  • Nick Name of each participant

You must also indicate whether or not the participant is a previous user
Note: If you are enrolling an entire class or a large group of new participants,
contact centra@nmsu.edu to simplify enrollment.
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If I'm having difficulty with Centra who do I contact?
At NMSU, we utilize a three-tiered support process for Centra users.

  • First Tier: Participants are supported by their Presenter or Facilitator
  • Second Tier: Presenters are supported by their Facilitator and/or the campus Event Manager
  • Third Tier: Facilitators are supported by the campus Event Manager and the campus Centra Administrators

Contact your designated Centra support person between the hours of 8 and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. See your Event Facilitator for server problems after 5 pm and on weekends.
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