Using the Java Plug-in with the Banner System at Wayne State
To use the Banner Administrative System or Banner Tools at Wayne State
University on or after November 10, 2008, Wayne State employees must have Sun Microsystems' Java Plug-in (JPI) installed on the desktop computer they use to access Banner. The JPI is not needed to access or run WSU Administrative Reports using Cognos ReportNet or the Operational Data Store (ODS).
- The JPI version Wayne State uses with the Windows Operating System is 1.5 update 14 or higher (as of November 10, 2008). This software is included in the list of Desktop Software that the C&IT Help Desk supports, under "Administrative Systems Software".
- JPI version 1.5.0_14 or higher allows the use of Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.
- If you need to set up a windows computer to access Banner before November 10, download and install JInitiator from the list referenced above.
- Macintosh computers with the current OS updates installed will have the required Java Plug-in version.
Before downloading and installing the JPI, please read these notes and follow them:
- If you have technical support staff in your unit, contact them for assistance. They are aware of the need for new software on your computer. If you do not have local technical support and need assistance, please contact the C&IT Help Desk at (313) 577-4778 or helpdesk@wayne.edu.
- Person doing the download must have Windows administrative
rights on the computer.
- Read Administrative Desktop Computer Specifications regarding the Web browsers and operating
systems required.
- If the JPI download is blocked by your Internet Explorer security setting, and an ActiveX pop-up displays on the top of the screen, click it. Then, when the next pop-up displays, click the Install ActiveX control option (first option). An Internet Explorer Security warning pops up asking whether you want to install this software. Click the Install button to process the install. Then click next and click OK to finish.
Downloading and installing the Java Plug-in
The process for downloading and installing the Sun Microsystems' Java Plug-in (JPI) is straightforward and takes about two minutes. Here are the three different ways the JPI can be downloaded and installed on Windows computers:
- Manual (preferred): Anyone with Windows administrative rights on a computer can download and install the JPI manually. To download the JPI, click the following link:
http://computing.wayne.edu/banner/jre-i586.exe
Then locate the downloaded "jre-i586.exe" file and double-click it to install. After installation, you must restart your Web browser.
- For Banner testers: Any employee who has successfully logged into the Banner test environment at www.bantest.wayne.edu since mid-August 2008 already has the JPI installed on his or her desktop computer.
- Automatic: Any WSU employee who does not have the JPI already installed on his or her computer will be prompted to install it the first time he or she tries to access Banner. Accept the download and follow the prompts during the installation process. Keep in mind that Windows administrative rights are required to install JPI.
NOTE: When you go to use Banner the first time after installing the Java Plug-in, a JPI security warning may pop up on the screen. If this occurs, choose "run".
Questions you may have, along with the answers:
Do I need to remove JInitiator before installing the Java Plug-in?
JInitiator can remain on Banner workstations and will not interfere with the system. However, if you have a shortage of disk space on the installed drive/drive location, you may uninstall JInitiator.
Why did the Banner vendor migrate its administrative client from Oracle JInitiator to the Java Plug-in?
Oracle is no longer releasing security fixes or feature enhancements for JInitiator. Transitioning to the Java Plug-in product from Sun Microsystems, Inc. puts Banner in the best position for future support.
If you or your technical support staff have any questions or concerns about this software change, contact the Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) Help Desk at (313) 577-4778 or e-mail helpdesk@wayne.edu.
