SAM 2010 Login Help

Contents

1 Introduction to SAM 2010. 1

2 Before You Begin. 1

2.1 System Requirements. 1

2.2 Configuring Your Browser 2

2.2.1 Supported Browsers. 2

2.2.2 Enabling JavaScript 2

2.2.1 Setting Up Pop-ups (IE Only) 3

2.2.2 Disabling Pop-Up Blockers. 4

2.2.3 Disabling Ad Blockers. 5

2.2.4 Establishing Trusted Sites. 5

2.3 Setting Up Your PC.. 6

2.3.1 Necessary Software. 6

2.3.2 Monitor Resolution. 6

2.4 Tips for Macintosh Users. 7

3 Logging into SAM... 8

3.1 Logging in the First Time. 8

3.1.1 Instructors and Pre-Registered Students. 8

3.1.2 New Students. 8

3.2 Existing Users. 10

4 Logging Out 10

1 Introduction to SAM 2010

Skills Assessment Manager 2010 (SAM 2010) is a Web-based software application that measures your proficiency in the Microsoft Office 2010 applications suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), as well as Internet Explorer 8, and Windows 7.

SAM 2010 offers exam, training, projects, and path-based assessment and homework options, depending on what is required by your instructor.

Return to TOC

2 Before You Begin

2.1 System Requirements

Your workstation must meet the following minimum system requirements to use SAM 2010:

Requirements	Details
PC	· Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or higher processor required; Intel Centrino or an equivalent multi-core processor recommended · Memory: 512 MB RAM required; 1 GB RAM recommended · Operating Systems: Windows XP SP3 32- or 64-bit, Vista SP1 32- or 64-bit, or 7 32- or 64-bit; Macintosh OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard · Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 through 9 for 32-bit versions of Windows or 64-bit versions running in 32-bit emulation mode; Firefox 3.6 through 8.0 for Windows and Macintosh OS X; Safari 4.0 or 5.0 for Macintosh OS X
Audio & Video	· Graphics: SVGA · Resolution: Minimum recommended 1024x768 · Color: 32-bit · Video Memory: 64 MB minimum; 128 MB recommended · Video Card: Modern DirectX compatible
Network	· Internet connection: 56K modem minimum; broadband connection (cable, DLS, T1, or ISDN) recommended. Persistent connection required.
Software and Disk Storage	· Web Browsers: 4 MB · Adobe Flash Player 10.2 recommended; versions 9.0.115.0 or higher have been tested and are supported; versions prior to 9.0.115.0 are not supported: 2 MB · Adobe Reader 8 minimum; 9 recommended: 22.4 MB · Microsoft Office 2010 Professional for Windows for SAM Projects. Please refer to your Microsoft documentation for current disk storage requirements.

For up-to-date system requirements for Microsoft products, please refer to the following page on the Microsoft Web site:

· For the Windows Vista operating system: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/system-requirements.aspx

· For the Windows 7 operating system: http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements

· For Office 2010 Professional for Windows:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL100571081033

Return to TOC

2.2 Configuring Your Browser

2.2.1 Supported Browsers

You can access SAM using the following browsers:

Operating System	Supported Browsers
Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, and 7	Internet Explorer 7 through 9 for 32-bit versions of Windows or 64-bit versions running in 32-bit emulation mode; Firefox 3.6 through 8.0
Macintosh OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard	Safari 4.0 or 5.0; Firefox 3.6 through 8.0

No matter the browser you choose to use, the following have to be true to fully use SAM:

• JavaScript is enabled
• Pop-up Blocking is disabled, either entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs: http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com
• Ad blocking software is disabled for the URLs: http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com
• In the case of IE 7, SAM also needs to be set up as a trusted site for the URLs: http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com.

Return to TOC

2.2.2 Enabling JavaScript

In order to use SAM 2010, JavaScript needs to be enabled on your web browser. It will be active in most cases, but in order to check its status and, if necessary, enable it, use the following procedures.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.1 Internet Explorer

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Internet Options under the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click on the Internet or Trusted Sites icon.
5. Click on the Custom level button. The Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box will open.
6. Scroll to the Scripting section.
7. Under Active Scripting make sure the Enable radio button is selected
8. If not, click on the Enable radio button.
9. Click the OK button to close the Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box.
10. Click the OK button to close the Internet Options dialog box.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.2 Firefox for Windows

1. Launch Firefox.
2. Select Options under the Tools menu. The Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Content tab.
4. Look at the Enable JavaScript checkbox. It should be checked (i.e., on).
5. If not checked, click it to enable JavaScript.
6. If you are using Firefox 4.0 or later, proceed to Step 10. Otherwise, click on the Advanced button to the right of the Enable JavaScript checkbox. The Advanced JavaScript Settings dialog box will open.
7. Make sure the Hide the status bar checkbox is checked (i.e., on).
8. If not, click it to allow JavaScript to hide the Firefox status bar.
9. Click OK on the Advanced JavaScript Settings to close the dialog box.
10. Click OK on the Options dialog box to save your changes.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.3 Safari for Macintosh

1. Select Preferences under the Safari menu. The Preferences dialog box will open.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Look at the Enable JavaScript checkbox. It should be checked (i.e. on).
4. If not, click it to enable JavaScript.
5. Close the dialog box to save.

Return to TOC

2.2.1 Setting Up Pop-ups (IE Only)

SAM 2010 requires that pop-ups in Internet Explorer always display in a new window instead of a new tab. Use the following procedure to set this up:

1. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu.
2. On the General Tab, under the Tabs category, click on the Settings button. The Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box will open.
3. Under When a pop-up is encountered, click on the Always open pop-ups in a new window radio button so it is On.
4. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box.
5. Click the OK button again to close the Internet Options dialog box.

2.2.2 Disabling Pop-Up Blockers

In order to use SAM 2010, pop-up blocking software must be disabled on your web browser for the URLS http://sam2010.course.com and http://sam2010sm.course.com. Use the following procedures to disable pop-up blocking:

Return to TOC

2.2.2.1 Internet Explorer

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.

2. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.

3. Click on the Privacy tab.

4. To completely turn off pop-up blocking, make sure the Turn on Pop-up Blocker checkbox is not checked (i.e., off). If you only want to disable this for SAM only, go to the next step.

5. Make sure the Turn on Pop-up Blocker checkbox is checked (i.e., on).

6. Under Pop-up Blocker, click on the Settings button. The Pop-up Blocker Settings dialog box will open.

7. In the Address of website to allow field, enter http://sam2010sm.course.com.

8. Click the Add button.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com.

10. Click the Close button to return to the Internet Options dialog box.

11. Click the OK button to save your changes.

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely from the menu bar:

1. Select Pop-Up Blocker under the Tools menu.
2. Select Turn Off Pop-Up Blocker under the Pop-Up Blocker menu.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.2 Firefox for Windows

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs:

1. Launch Firefox
2. Select Options from under the Tools menu. The Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Content tab.
4. To complete turn of pop-up blocking make sure the Block pop-up windows checkbox is not checked (i.e. off). If you only want to disable this form SAM, go to the next step.
5. To disable pop-up blocking just for SAM, make sure the Block pop-up windows checkbox is checked (i.e. on)
6. Click the Exceptions button to the right of the check box. The Allow Sites – Pop-ups dialog box will display.
7. Enter the URL http://sam2010sm.course.com in the Address of web site field.
8. Click the Allow button.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com
10. Click the Close button on the Allow Sites – Pop-ups to close the dialog box.
11. On the Options dialog box click the OK button to save your changes.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.3 Safari for Macintosh

Note that Safari does not currently support disabling pop-up blocking for specific URLs. Therefore, it should always be turned off when using SAM.

1. Select Preferences under the Safari menu. The Preferences dialog box will open.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Look at the Block pop-up windows checkbox. It should not be checked (i.e. off).
4. If not, click it to disable pop-up window block.
5. Close the dialog box to save.

Pop-up blocking can also be turn off from the menu bar using the following procedure:

1. Open the Safari menu.
2. Look at the Block Pop-Up Windows option. If checked, pop-up blocking is on.
3. Click on the Block Pop-Up Windows option so it is no longer checked.

Return to TOC

2.2.2.4 Third-Party Pop-Up Blockers

Third-party Internet Explorer and Firefox toolbars offered by companies like Yahoo!, Google, and Ask.com often include pop-up blockers. You will need to deactivate this feature, either entirely or for the URLs http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com. Please refer to the toolbar’s documentation or help for further instructions.

Return to TOC

2.2.3 Disabling Ad Blockers

There are third-party add-ons and extensions for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari that block the display of advertisements. These are only a problem if one of SAM’s URLs is inadvertently added to the block list. To prevent this, we recommend that the blocker be disabled for the URLs http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com. Please refer to the ad blocker’s documentation or help for further instruction.

Return to TOC

2.2.4 Establishing Trusted Sites

Internet Explorer 7 requires you establish SAM as a trusted site in order for the Content Player to display the correct information in the title bar. Use the following procedure:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click on the Trusted Sites icon. The Trusted Sites window will display.
5. Click on the Sites button. The Trusted Sites dialog box will display.
6. In the Add this website to the zone field, enter http://sam2010sm.course.com. Make sure the checkbox Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone is blank (i.e. off).
7. Click the Add button.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com.
9. Click the Close button to return to the Internet Options dialog box
10. Click the OK button to save your changes.

Return to TOC

2.3 Setting Up Your PC

2.3.1 Necessary Software

You will need the following software on your PC in order to use SAM 2010:

• The Adobe Flash Player is required in order to use the SAM Content Player to preview the simulations used in exams and training. You can find a link to this component on the right side of the Welcome page, under Software. Click on the link or go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ and follow the installation prompts.

· To complete projects you will need Microsoft Office 2010 Professional specifically Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL100571081033 to purchase and download Microsoft Office for Windows. Note that Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows and 2008 for Macintosh cannot use used.

• If you want to read the SAM user manuals, you will need the Adobe Reader software on your machine. Go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ to download Adobe Reader.

Important Note

If you are using a computer lab PC, you should always ask the lab administrator before installing any software.

Return to TOC

2.3.2 Monitor Resolution

In order to use the SAM Content Player most effectively, your monitor must be set to a display resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher. This setting will enable SAM simulations to fully display on a 17-inch or larger monitor. If a lower resolution is used, you will need to scroll to view the entire simulation.

You can check what the current resolution is and change it using the following procedure:

Return to TOC

2.3.2.1 Windows XP

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.

2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.

3. Select Properties from the shortcut menu. The Display Properties dialog box will display.

4. Click on the Settings tab. The current resolution will be displayed under Screen resolution.

5. If the current resolution less that 1024 x 768, drag the slider toward More until the desired setting is displayed. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure, except you will drag the slider toward Less.

6. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Display Properties dialog box.

Return to TOC

2.3.2.2 Windows Vista

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.
2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.
3. Select Personalize from the shortcut menu. The Personalize appearance and sounds dialog box will display.
4. Click on Display Settings. The Display Settings dialog box will display.
5. If the current resolution less that 1024 x 768, drag the slider toward High until the desired setting is displayed. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure, except you will drag the slider toward Low.
6. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Display Properties dialog box.

Return to TOC

2.3.2.3 Windows 7

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.
2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.
3. Select Screen Resolution from the shortcut menu. The Screen Resolution dialog box will display.
4. Select 1024 x 768 from the Resolution menu. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure.
5. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Screen Resolution dialog box.

Return to TOC

2.3.2.4 Macintosh OS X

1. Select Systems Preferences from under the Apple menu.
2. Click on Displays under the Hardware category.
3. Select 1024x768 or higher from the Resolutions menu.
4. Click on the close icon to save your changes.
5. To restore the original resolution, repeat Steps 1 through 4 and select the old resolution.

Return to TOC

2.4 Setting Up a Split Screen Environment

It is often useful to use SAM in a split screen environment with another browser window or application. For example, if you are doing a training, you might want to also follow a Cengage Ebook. Or, if you are working on a project, you might want to see the instructions and the application in question.

The first thing you need to do is decide on which side of the screen you want each application window. Most people prefer the active application or window, i.e. the application window where you will be doing most of your work, on the right. This could be a SAM session or a Microsoft Office application. The second application is generally more of a reference or a guide…for example a Cengage Ebook… and people generally prefer that on the left. Feel free to reverse this order if it is more comfortable for you.

If you are using a Windows 7 machine, do the following:

1. First, make sure the Aero Snap feature is turned on. To do so, click the Start button, and from the menu to the right, select Control Panel. From the Control Panel dialog box, select Ease of Access. From the Ease of Access dialog box, select Change how your keyboard works. From the Make your keyboard easier to use dialog box, make sure the setting Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen is not checked. If it has been checked, uncheck it and click the OK button to save the change.
2. Launch your left hand application.
3. Click on the widow title bar and drag to the left until the arrow icon reaches the left edge of the screen. The window will snap into position, filling only the left portion of the screen.
4. Launch your right hand application.
5. Click on the widow title bar and drag to the right until the arrow icon reaches the right edge of the screen. The window will snap into position, filling only the right portion of the screen. You are now in split screen mode.

If you are using an older version of Windows, such as XP, do the following:

1. Open both applications.
2. Press the Ctrl key and click on each application in the Task Bar so both applications are selected.
3. Right-click on either of the selected applications in the Task Bar. From the menu, select Tile Vertically. You are now in split screen mode.

If you are using a Macintosh, you will need to do the following:

1. Open the left hand application.
2. Click on the lower right hand corner of the window and drag it so it only fills the left hand portion of the screen.
3. Open the right hand application.
4. Click on the lower right hand corner of the window and drag it so it only fills the left hand portion of the screen.
5. Click on the title bar of the second application and drag the window to the right so it is now side-by-side with the first application. You are now in split screen mode.

If you are using OS X 10.6 or greater, there is also a 99 cent app called Split Screen that simplifies this. You can purchase it via the App Store. Remember, if you are using a lab computer, always ask your lab administrator if you can install an application.

It is important to note that the wider the monitor you use, the more useful split screen will be to you.

Return to TOC

2.5 Tips for Macintosh Users

If you are using an Apple Macintosh laptop or desktop PC to access SAM 2010, the following tips will help:

• When asked to press the Windows <Ctrl> key, do the following:
• If you are using a Macintosh with an Apple keyboard, use the <Apple> key instead.
• If you are using a Macintosh using a generic USB keyboard, you will generally use the <Ctrl> though on rare occasions the <Alt> key will be used for the same function.
• When asked to click on the right button of a Windows mouse, do the following:
• If you are using a single-button mouse or track pad, simultaneously press the <Ctrl> key and click.
• If you are using a more recent MacBook that supports gestures, you can also touch the track pad with two fingers. Note that this needs to be activated in your System Preferences.
• If you are using a generic USB two-button mouse or track pad, use the right button as you would on Windows
• Apple keyboards do not differentiate between the <Backspace> and <Delete> keys like Windows or generic USB keyboards. When called asked to use <Backspace> or <Delete> just press the <Delete> key.

3 Logging into SAM

3.1 Logging in the First Time

3.1.1 Instructors and Pre-Registered Students

If your institution has already registered you to use SAM 2010, use the following procedure when you first log into SAM:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Enter the username and password provided to you.
4. Click the Login button. SAM 2010 Terms and Conditions will display.
5. Click on the I Agree button if you accept the terms and conditions. If you do not accept the terms, click on the I Disagree button and you will be returned to the login page.
6. Enter your Secret Question and Answer. This will help you recover your password should you forget it.
7. Enter and confirm a new password. This will be the password you use the next time you log into SAM.
8. Click the OK button.

Return to TOC

3.1.2 New Students

If you institution has not pre-registered you to use SAM 2010, use the following procedure when you first log into SAM:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Click the New User button.
4. Enter your school’s Institution Key.
5. Click the Submit button. A message will display asking you to confirm the institution’s identity.
6. Click the OK button. If your school has a Key Code license, you will be prompted to enter it. If not, go to step 9. If you need to purchase a Key Code, go to http://www.cengagebrain.com.
7. Enter the 18-digit Key Code.
8. Click the Save button. The MY PROFILE page will display.
9. Enter your profile information:

Field type	Description
First name	Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,
Middle initial (optional)	Maximum 1 character
Last name	Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,
Username/Email	Must be 6 to 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | , Note that your username cannot be changed once you save your profile.
Password	Must be 6 to 50 characters. Invalid characters include leading and ending spaces, and periods (.)
Alias (optional)	Minimum 6 characters; maximum 20 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : |
ID# (optional)	Maximum 20 characters
Communication Email (optional)	Maximum 128 characters
BlackBoard ID (optional)	Maximum 50 characters. Ask your instructor if this is required information for your institution.
WebCT ID (optional)	Maximum 50 characters. Ask your instructor if this is required information for your institution.
Secret Question	Select a secret question from the drop-down menu
Secret Answer	Enter an answer to the selected Secret Question

10. Click on the Save button to save the user information. The Revise and Confirmation page will display.
11. From here you can do one of the following:

· To change your profile information, click on the Revise button and modify the information as necessary and click the Save button again.

· To continue, click on the Confirm button. The Terms and Conditions page will display.

12. On the Terms and Conditions page, click the I Agree button if you agree to the terms, and begin using SAM. The SAM Welcome page will display. If you do not agree with the terms, click on the I Disagree button. You will be returned to the SAM Login page.

Important Note

The Username/Email and Password you enter will also your login credentials for Cengage Brain (http://www.cengagebrain.com). If you already have a Cengage Brain account, use that Username and Password when registering for SAM 2010.

Return to TOC

3.2 Existing Users

If you are an existing user (i.e., you have completed your initial login to SAM 2010), use the following procedure to log in:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Click the Login button. The Home page will display.

Important Notes

SAM 2010 2.0 and higher requires that your account’s Username be an email address. If your Username is not an email address, when you first log into the SAM 2010 2.0, you will be prompted to enter an email address as your new Username. If your account also has a Communication Email address, that will display as a default. You can enter another email address if you wish. This only needs to be done once.

SAM 2010 2.0 and higher also supports single sign-on (SSO) with Cengage Brain (http://www.cengagebrain.com). In other words, you can use the same Username and Password for both systems. If you are a returning SAM 2010 user, the first time you log into the SAM 2010 2.0, SAM will check Cengage Brain for an existing account. If you do, you will be prompted to enter your Cengage Brain password instead of your SAM password. If you choose to do this, your Cengage Brain password will become your new SAM password. If not, you can continue using your existing SAM password. If you have forgotten your Cengage Brain password, click on the Forgot your password? link to retrieve it.

Return to TOC

4 Logging Out

Once you are done using SAM, click on the Logout link on the upper right of the page. You will be returned to the SAM Login page.

Return to TOC