In this section, you’ll find all the essential tools and resources to make your online learning experience smooth and successful. Whether you're looking for a new web browser, downloading Microsoft Office, or navigating our campus tech resources like Wi-Fi and public campus computers, you'll find helpful resources and step-by-step guides here.

Explore our topics below to find answers and tips on everything from email etiquette to accessibility and privacy considerations for 3rd-party software.

The information on this page is accurate as of 2/4/2025.

Web Browsers

The CEITL office strongly recommends that you use either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the most stable experience.

Learn how to download, update, and clear the cache and cookies for each browser that is supported by Canvas below.

Google Chrome

Chrome is available for download on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It also comes pre-installed on Chromebooks.

Make sure you keep Chrome up to date to ensure a smooth and secure browsing experience. It's regularly updated to provide new features and security enhancements.

To access additional features, check out Chrome's support page for tips and troubleshooting.

Chrome for Computers

Download Chrome

Safety and Security

Update Google Chrome

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Chrome iOS App

Safety and Security

Update the iOS App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Chrome Android App

Safety and Security

Update the Android App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's known for its focus on privacy and customization options.

Be sure to keep Firefox up to date to stay secure and take advantage of the latest improvements.

Visit Mozilla's support site for more tips, tricks, and troubleshooting help.

Firefox for Computers

Download Firefox

Privacy and Security

Update Mozilla Firefox

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Firefox iOS App

Privacy and Security

Update the iOS App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Firefox Android App

Privacy and Security

Update the Android App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Microsoft Edge

Edge comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows. If you need to download it, you can do so on Microsoft's website.

Internet Explorer stopped receiving updates as of June 15, 2022. If you need the functionality of Internet Explorer, please use Internet Explorer Mode instead.

View the Microsoft Edge for mobile FAQs for more tips and tricks.

Edge for Computers

Download Edge

Securely Browse the Web

Update Microsoft Edge

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Edge iOS App

Securely Browse the Web

Update the iOS App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Edge Android App

Securely Browse the Web

Update the Android App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Safari

Safari comes pre-installed on Apple devices. However, you will still need to update it from time to time.

Please keep in mind that Apple no longer updates the Windows version of Safari. Since the last version was released in 2010, for security reasons, we do not recommend you use it.

Safari is not available in the Google Play store at this time. Please choose another browser for your Android device.

Safari for Mac

Learn More

Privacy Features

Update Safari

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Safari iOS App

Privacy Features

Update the iOS App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Safari iPadOS App

Privacy Features

Update the iPadOS App

Clear your Cache and Cookies

Respondus Lockdown Browser for Online Quizzes

Visit the Tech Resources Respondus Lockdown Browser page for more information.

Set your Default Browser

On Windows systems, Microsoft Edge is set as the default browser until you change it yourself. On Mac systems, Safari is the default. You can change this setting in both operating systems to automatically launch the browser of your choice.

Set the Default Browser on Windows

Click the Start menu icon on your taskbar. Click the All Apps button.
Scroll down the list of all your installed apps until you find the S section. Click on the Settings app.
Click Apps and then Default Apps.
Under Set defaults for applications, click into the search bar and enter the name of your chosen browser. Click on the browser's name that appears.
Underneath the header (Apps > Default apps > Browser Name), click the Set Default button.

Set the Default Browser on Mac

From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings.
Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
Scroll down on the right and choose a web browser from the Default web browser menu.

Troubleshoot Browser Issues

When you're having trouble accessing Canvas, there are a few simple steps you can try to get things back on track. Whether you’re facing issues with logging in, slow page loading, or seeing outdated content, the following tips might help solve the problem:

Clear Your Cache and Cookies: If you’re experiencing problems like seeing old versions of pages, slow load times, or error messages (such as "Page Not Found" or "Access Denied"), clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is a great first step. This helps remove outdated files and data that may be causing conflicts.
Update Your Browser: Make sure your browser is up to date! Browser updates often include fixes for bugs and improve performance, ensuring that Canvas runs smoothly. Outdated browsers may also struggle to display content correctly.
Try a Different Browser: Sometimes, switching to another browser can resolve issues. If one browser is giving you trouble, try using a different one (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) to see if the problem persists.

Common issues you may encounter include:

Login or Authentication Issues: Having trouble logging into Canvas via the MyLaurelRidge portal? Clearing your cache or switching browsers might do the trick.
Slowness: If your course is loading slowly, it could be due to your browser's cache or a connection issue. Try clearing your cache or updating your browser for faster performance.
Seeing Old Versions of Pages: If you're seeing outdated content or it feels like you're viewing an old version of a page, your browser might still be holding onto previous data. Clear your cache and cookies to see the most up-to-date version of your course.
Access Issues: Some tools in Canvas, like video playback or assignment submissions, may not work correctly if there’s a browser conflict. Try troubleshooting with a different browser or clearing your cache and cookies.
Error Messages: Random error messages like “Access Denied” or “Page Not Found” might occur. Clearing your cache and cookies or switching to another browser can often fix this.

A good rule of thumb is to clear your cache and cookies if you experience persistent issues, or even just every few months to keep your browser in good shape.

If you're still experiencing problems, please contact the CEITL office or submit an Online Help Request.

Download Microsoft Office

Current VCCS students can download Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and others) for free.

How to download Microsoft Office software to your computer.

Download here: How to Download Microsoft Office

To download a copy of this document, simply click File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx)

How to use Microsoft Office 365 on the web.

Download here: Using Microsoft Office Online

To download a copy of this document, simply click File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx)

Additional Resources from Microsoft

Free Software and Resources

All Virginia Community College System students, faculty, and staff are eligible to receive discounts on Apple products placed through the Apple/VCCS Store.

Morphic is a free accessibility and usability toolbar that makes computers easier to use. You can increase text size on demand, magnify your screen, take screenshots, read text out loud, and more. It's available to download for Windows and MacOS computers.

Both Microsoft Windows and MacOS have various voice controls you can use to type text easier.

Access to Campus Computers and Wi-Fi

View the Middletown Campus Wi-Fi Access Map and the Fauquier Campus Wi-Fi- Access Map on our website.

In addition, CommonwealthConnect has published a helpful map of Virginia’s Wi-fi Hotspot locationsLinks to an external site. to keep you connected throughout Virginia.

Our campus Libraries provide open-access computers, with priority for students working on school assignments. These computers are equipped with essential classroom software, including Respondus, and come with peripherals like webcams, making them a reliable option if you experience issues with your personal device.

Middletown Campus

Paul Wolk Library

173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645

(540) 868-7170

Hours of Operation

Monday to Thursday: 8am-7pm

Friday: 8am-4pm

Saturday: 9am-1pm

Closed on Sundays.

Fauquier Campus

Bob G. Sowder Library

6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA 20187

(540) 351-1596

Hours of Operation

Monday to Thursday: 8am-7pm

Friday: 8am-4pm

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

General Contact Information

Have questions? Reach out to us.

Email: library@laurelridge.edu

Open a New Chat

Text: (540) 318-1123

Visit the Library's website.

Bookmark our Library Hours page.

If you don’t have the technology you need to be successful in your course, please visit the Laurel Ridge Contact UsLinks to an external site. page to fill out the form while selecting Technical Support from the drop-down menu of categories. This will connect you with someone at the college who may be able to offer limited technical assistance.

Email Etiquette

Proper Internet etiquette is often referred to as Netiquette. You can avoid embarrassing situations by adhering to some simple guidelines for electronic communication. The following is a list of common standards:

Always identify yourself and keep your messages brief and to the point. Many people use mobile devices and cell phones to read email.

Include a concise subject line with all of your emails. This will allow the recipient to quickly scan their mailbox to see if the message is something they need to act on or a “junk” email. Many instructors will ask that you put the course identifier in the subject line, such as ITE 115 1W0V.

Avoid “flaming” (inflammatory or antagonistic criticism) or sending insulting, abusive, or threatening remarks. There is no “unsend” option in an email. A good rule to follow is to ask yourself “would I say this to the person’s face?” If you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying it to their face then it’s probably not appropriate for email either.

Avoid using all capital letters in a message. This is perceived as SHOUTING and may cause hard feelings.
Remember that email is not necessarily private. Your messages can be forwarded to many people without your knowledge. Before sending a message, read it over, double-check the recipient(s) and make sure it would not become an embarrassment if it were forwarded to others, not on your recipient list.

Online Learning at Laurel Ridge

Online courses at Laurel Ridge do not require in-person meetings. Course content and activities will be found on Canvas, the VCCS learning management system. You find this by clicking on MyLaurelRidge from the Laurel Ridge homepageLinks to an external site.. Some online courses will require a proctored activity, meaning that you will be expected to take a test or other assessment at a Laurel Ridge testing center or other approved site. Be sure to check with your instructor and plan for this well ahead of time.

Communication with your instructor and other students is done using email and online discussion forums. Online courses require at least as much time as the same course offered on campus. You should plan to study at least 2-3 hours a week for each credit. In other words, for each three-credit course, you would study 6-9 hours per week.

Visit our Online Safety page to learn more about keeping you and your data safe while using the internet.