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Workstation Tuning Tips

DCIT recommends the following tips for users to follow in order to get the best performance when using PeopleSoft 8 applications (i.e., CUBS HR and CUBS Financials):

1. Make sure your computer meets the hardware requirements for PeopleSoft version 8.
2. Make sure the web browser you are using is Internet Explorer.
3. Make sure you are using the Sun Java Plug-in for your web browser.
4. Make sure you clear your browser cache regularly.
5. Make sure you are using a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
6. Make sure McAfee is configured to not cause problems with Java.

If you need to install the Java plug-in or change your McAfee settings, we suggest you restart your PC after you have made all of your changes. Your TSP should be able to help you with any of these if you have questions.

1. Make sure your computer meets the hardware requirements for PeopleSoft version 8.

• 256 MB RAM
• 800 MHz Pentium or equivalent processor

If you are intending to purchase a new workstation, please review the DCIT’s Buyer’s Guide (http://virtual.clemson.edu/client/buyguide/) or consult your TSP.

2. Make sure the web browser you are using is Internet Explorer.

DCIT recommends that you use Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher for all PeopleSoft 8 applications running on the following operating systems: Windows 98, NT 4, Windows 2000 and Windows XP

Some users have mentioned having problems and after some investigation, we have found they are using a browser other than Internet Explorer. Please make sure that you use Internet Explorer for PeopleSoft -- that is a company recommendation as the delivered software works best with that browser.

3. Make sure you are using the Sun Java Plug-in for your web browser.

To see if you are using the Sun Java Plug-in, try this simple test. Simply open your Internet Explorer browser and select the Tools menu at the top of your browser window. In that menu that displays, you should see Sun Java Console listed.
If you do see it listed there, then you are using a Java plug-in but be sure to check the version you are using. If you do not see Sun Java Console listed under Tools, you may be using a different type of plug-in; thus, you need to switch to the Sun plug-in. Below are steps to check the version and install a later one if you need to:

• From your Start menu select your Control Panel.
• From there you should see the Java Plug-in listed.
  • Double click that plug-in and click the top About tab to see the version you have (you want version 1.5.0 and you want to make sure that is the only Java plug-in you have installed; that is, do not leave multiple Java plug-ins installed.)
• Click the top Browser tab and make sure the MicroSoft Internet Explorer box is checked.
• Click Apply and close that plug-in window.
• (Note: If you don't see the plug-in listed or have a lower version, contact your TSP for assistance or you can uninstall the older version from your Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and then download the JRE 1.5.0 from this site http://java.com/en/download/windows_ie.jsp)
• Then in Internet Explorer ...
  • Click the Tools menu
  • Choose Internet Options
  • Click the Advanced tab
  • Make sure Sun Java shown in the listing is checked
  • Click OK
• Now, click the Tools menu again in the browser and this time Sun Java Console should display in that listing.

4. Make sure you clear your browser cache regularly.

Browser cache can be an issue when using PeopleSoft so we recommend you clear it often. You clear your cache in Internet Explorer either manually or automatically.
To clear it manually select Tools > Internet Options. On that window under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files to clear your cache. To clear it automatically follow this handout.

5. Make sure you are using a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

We have found that some users still have old versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their machines. You should be using version 6.0 or higher. You can download the latest version from this site http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

6. Make sure McAfee is configured to not cause problems with Java.

• Check your McAfee version.
  • Right click the McAfee icon in your bottom display tray
  • Click on About VirusScan Enterprise (the bottom option)
  • You should be using version 8 and your Patch Versions should show Patch 11 being installed (If it is not, that patch can be obtained at S:\Software\Install\WIN\Virus\McAfee\Current\Patch11). If you have an older version installed, please contact your TSP about getting this updated as soon as possible.
    

• Check your On-Access Scan Properties.
  • Right click the McAfee icon in your bottom display tray
  • Select On-Access Scan Properties
  • Click All Processes (on the left)
  • Click the top Advanced tab
  • Here the Scan Inside Archives box should be unchecked.
  • Click Apply and then OK

  Note: please do not leave this last step incomplete if you have an older version of McAfee as the scanning issue can cause a workstation to seemingly lock-up. Again, we urge you to contact your TSP to obtain the correct version and set these properties accordingly.

page last revised June 7, 2006 JMP