HowTo: 3D tutorials

1) Java & permissions

[Note: Java is not required; see part 3, 'Basic operations', for alternative]
The fastest, sharpest presentations use the Java plug-in. Unfortunately, because of its power, there are also potential security risks. Everything at thinkBio is kept up to date.

To use Java, you must first get the download from java.com and follow the instructions there for installation.

The following instructions cover permissions on a Mac, though similar instructions are accessible under 'configure Java' in the Win 8 Start menu.

On the Mac, go to System Preferences (selected from the Apple menu)

Mac Java Prefs

After launching, first select 'Update' tab and make sure you have the most up-to-date version of Java (v.8, update 15 as of 10-16-2014).

Select the 'Security' tab and set to 'High'
High Java security
Yosemite has a different version:
Java Securty setting
Now select the Edit site list' and enter:
https://thinkbio.guru
[UA students may also need to add http://blc.arizona.edu]
Enter websites

Note that Firefox is currently more lax, and some/all of these steps may not be necessary

2) Browsers

See this table for information about browser/delivery combinations for different platforms

Specifics (Safari)

In Safari preferences, click the 'Security' tab. Note: I've not figured out how to work this until the desired website has already been visited (the menu will offer to enable sites where you have been)
Safari security setting

If you have tried one of the thinkBio tutorials, this website should be on the list; set its permission to "Allow always" (on latest system, this is now a checkbox and 'On' setting)
thinkBio Java allow always

Specifics (Windows)

Follow these instructions from Oracle, Java's owner

3) Basic operation

If the previous don't work, you can still play! You first need to identify the menu near the bottom left corner, titled 'Display tech':
Select HTML5 from Display Tech Select 'HTML5' instead, and you're in business! It's slower, sets defaults on some features to more efficient, less lovely versions.

***OR! Use the new, downloadable version! [double click '!ThinkBio_3D_Launcher' file inside the folder once unzipped] This likely runs fast enough to allow 'sharpness' setting to be turned on.

[Coming soon: quick movie of operations!]

4) Specific operation

Watch for purple buttons that direct you to relevant information, as well as the movie link above (if 'live').