Live Virtual Class Connection Solutions

Linux issues

• Linux may have problems joining WebEx. Keep these suggestions in mind if you are attending a class in WebEx from a Linux PC.
  • A headset is required as the built-in devices don't seem to work well at all.
  • Most Linux images now have a 64-bit version of Internet browsers and Java. To join a WebEx event on Linux, you must install a 32-bit version of Firefox and Java.  WebEx does not support 64-bit applications on Linux yet. Please read this article on Cisco's website to see how to do this.
    • https://help.webex.com/en-us/nki3xrq/Webex-Meetings-Suite-System-Requirements
  • The quickest solution to join WebEx on a Linux PC is to use KVM or other Windows virtual machine. Even if you use KVM, a headset is required as the built-in audio devices seem to have very low volumes when using KVM.

Mac and Firefox

• Macs work well in WebEx. We have seen quite a few students in our classes using Mac PCs with no problems at all. However if you have a problem on joining WebEx with Firefox, and see a message displaying "Connecting..." and nothing else try switching to the Safari browser.

WebEx blocked by firewall

• Rarely some people have been blocked from joining WebEx  by their firewall.

  If this happens to you, turn off the Firewall and you will be able to join. However, the firewall may come back to life after 5-10 minutes.  If so, you need to configure your firewall to allow WebEx to run.  For example, if you have Symantec Endpoint protection, you can do this with these steps.  Other firewalls may require different steps. 

  • Open Symantec Endpoint Protection. Then under Network Threat Protection click on Options > View Application Settings. Scroll through the list of applications and find any WebEx applications that may be blocked. To fix, simply click on the X to change Block to Ask. Click one more time to change it to Allow. This change should allow you to join WebEx normally in the future.

Audio issues

• Audio quality is really one of the of the best features in WebEx. The quality is the best of any virtual classroom software our group has used over the past 20 years.

  Please keep these things in mind:

  • As you connect to class, you are prompted to configure your audio. Please use your computer's audio (VOIP) if possible.
  • Also, use a headset if possible. Internal devices can work but head sets seem to have better quality.
  • If you are having problems getting audio devices to work, you can use the audio configuration to select a conference call. Every WebEx event has a conference call already built in. The audio configuration has a drop down to select phone options. Please use the toll free numbers if possible and avoid the "call me" feature as that, depending on the country, could be quite expensive.

Other problems?

• If you still have issues joining your class:
  • Go to https://www.corp.att.com/attconfwebexsupport/customer-care.html to contact the AT&T help desk. AT&T Support's IBM's WebEx installation.
  • Or go to https://collaborationhelp.cisco.com to search for help on problems you have encountered with WebEx.
  • Or if these do not help contact the people listed on your class invitation.