Student Systems Support Centre

Configuring a PC to access OSS - Guidance for IT Officers

For most OSS users, configuration is a case of first checking their system configuration against the OSS Certification Matrix, then installing the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

By the time a user contacts you, they should have attended training and received their login. They will need this login in order to test the connection at the end of the configuration process.

About JRE

This component needs to be installed locally on the PC using Administrator privileges for each end user. JRE is a Java plug-in that works with recommended web browsers. It is a version of Sun Computing's Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that has been certified by Oracle for use with Oracle Forms. Oracle Forms is the main software layer used to read, write and search data in the Oracle Student System and Oracle Financials. JRE replaced JInitiator, the previous JVM for Oracle Student Systems and Oracle Financials, from 26th September 2009. JRE serves both the Oracle Student System and Oracle Financials, therefore, users of both systems will only need it downloaded once. Note that older JVM clients, including JInitiator and earlier versions of JRE, will not now work with Oracle Forms. 

Business Services & Projects (BSP) has tested Java Version 6 Update 31 with OSS, and this works satisfactorily. A packaged version of Java Version 6 Update 31 is now available and has been tested by Business Services & Projects (BSP).

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To install JRE - University Administration and Services (UAS)

If you are an IT Officer in UAS, follow these two steps:

Step 1. Check platform requirements in OSS Certification Matrix:

Step 2. Download and follow these instructions:

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To install JRE - Colleges and Departments

If you are an IT Officer in a College or Department, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Check platform requirements in OSS Certification Matrix

Step 2. Download these instructions:

Step 3. Check browser settings:

  • Enable Javascript (for browser window pop-ups):

    • In Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Security tab > Custom Level > select Activing Scripting radio button.
    • In Firefox: Tools > Options > Enable Javascript
  • If using IE7, refer to the downloaded instructions for a minor alteration that is requried for JRE to function fully (this not required for IE6 or Firefox).

Step 4. Log out of Oracle system.

Step 5. Download the Java Version 6 Update 31 installation files and supporting information at https://wiki.oucs.ox.ac.uk/itss/AppOracleJRE (requires login via WebAuth). In the event that this cannot be accessed, please contact the Oxford Student System Support Centre.

Step 6. Run the installation files.

Step 7. Test Connectivity

Step 8. Ask the user to log in to OSS to check that the installed / upgraded version of JRE is interacting correctly with the Oracle Server.

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Further Assistance

If you require further information or assistance please contact the Oxford Student System Support Centre:

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IT Officers' FAQ

Which versions of Operating Systems and Browsers is Oracle certified to work with?

Oracle certifies that the following versions of Windows, browsers and JRE work correctly with OSS, as detailed in the Oracle Student System Certification Matrix.

Are there any browser settings I need to be aware of ?

For JRE to work correctly, you will need to ensure the Javascript settings are enabled within your browser.

What is the recommended workstation hardware to run the Oracle Student System?

Due to the thin client technological design of Oracle, it is not demanding of PCs in terms of local CPU processing or networks in terms of bandwidth loading (latest published figures is 2 to 8kb/s).

As far as the PC specification is concerned, if it runs Microsoft™ Office comfortably then you will have no problems running Oracle, however to avoid excessive scrolling it is recommended that a 17" monitor is used with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768.

Our experience to date is that RAM has proved to be the most decisive factor, with 128MB being optimum however you may wish to consider 256MB to future-proof against future upgrades of Operating System, Microsoft™ Office as well as Oracle JRE.

As a guide the project team have successfully tested Oracle on the following platforms, which have proved to be very comfortably over-specified:

  • PCs - 256MB RAM, 1GHz CPU

The Oracle JRE software will require a minimum of 60MB free diskspace to install and cache certain web pages.

Please note the only fully supported method for accessing the Oracle Student System is via a Windows based PC, however access to OSS Dataviews, GSS and OxCORT via an Apple Mac is supported on a reasonable endeavours only basis by BSP.

OSS Data Views are accessible via Apple Macs by connecting through VPN and using Firefox. There is a Windows emulator for Apple Macs called Parallels. It will only run on Intel processor based Macs and will enable OSS to be accessed using an Apple Mac, however, this method is not supported by the Student Systems Programme.

Will I need to give any special consideration to the design of my local network?

Each Oracle user will put a very small load of between 2 to 8 Kb/s on your network, so unless you are already experiencing severe difficulties any network redesign should not be necessary. However, if necessary you may wish to consider upgrading your network to 100 Mb/s to the desktop and consider implementing switches to segment your network to ensure optimum performance.

Are there any firewall settings I need to be aware of?

If you have a department firewall between your network and the University backbone, or any desktop firewalls - the firewall rules needs to be set to allow the following bi-directional ports.

Oracle Service 
Port(s) Host(s) 
Oracle Web Server 80
www.studsys.ox.ac.uk
Oracle Web Server 443 www.studsys.ox.ac.uk 
Oracle Discoverer Viewer
5000 www.studsys.ox.ac.uk 

What support can I expect in the event of any technical problems?

If you are having difficulties installing JRE, encountering system errors in operation or apparent conflicts with other applications, then please report to the OSS Support Centre and provide the following information:

  • Details of error messages or system responses
  • Browser types, versions and service pack numbers
  • Desktop Operating System and service pack numbers

The support desk staff will log your inquiry and arrange for the appropriate assistance.

If you are having problems connecting to OSS for the first time, please check you have followed all the installation instructions, if you are still encountering problems then contact the OSS Support Centre describing the nature of the problem giving as much detail as possible.

If you are experiencing connectivity difficulties from PCs and printers which were previously operational, and you have no other connectivity problems with your local network, then once again please contact the OSS support Centre

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