Some of my courses utilize FirstClass Conferencing Software to facilitate on-line asynchronous discussion groups. If you're in one of these courses and need instruction on how to install or use the software, read on!

Installing and Using FirstClass Conferencing Software at Home*

These instructions are for downloading and installing the FirstClass client application at home...*if you're using a public lab on campus you won't need to download anything, and the next paragraph is just for you.

The client application can be found in all of the public labs on campus. Here's what you do: In Windows 95, click on the "Start" button and choose Programsà class appsà FirstClass Intranet client 5.1. On the Macintosh it can be found in the "Local Applications" folder. The first time you log in, your password will be the same as your netid. We suggest you change it.

Now back to the folks at home:

Step 1: On internet go to www.uic.edu/depts/adn/firstclass/

Step 2: Click on "Installing"

Step 3: Click on the "UIC FirstClass Client Installation Page" link

Step 4: Click on the link for the "download and installation instructions" before downloading the application

Step 5: After completing the installation, go to your C: drive and look for the "firstcls" folder and double click

Step 6: Look for the black square with red line and yellow mark icon with "FCIC32.exe" and double-click

Step 7: This should launch the program on your computer

But wait! There's more!

FirstClass requires that you start a SLIP or PPP connection at home before using the program.

Step 1: Go to the "Service" drop title on the menu bar

Step 2: Click on "Connect"

Step 3: An "Open Settings File" window will appear. The only file available should be "UIC.fc" – double-click to open it

Step 4: You should now have the login dialog box on your screen. You need to enter your user id and password and click on "login." The first time you log in, your password will be the same as your netid. We suggest you change it.

Once you are logged in go to the "conferences" file, click and look for your course number and click there.

But wait! There's still more!

To send a message:

Step 1: Choose "New Message" from the Message pull-down menu

Step 2: Type your message

Step 3: Close the window and choose send (this is a bit of a shortcut).

If you get lost or confused, many details are available in the user guide on the FirstClass web site: www.uic.edu/depts/adn/firstclass/userguide

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY CONFERENCING!!