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Institute of Teaching and Learning
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Getting started with DSO

The following essential steps will help you to successfully access, login to and use DSO.

  1. Activate your Deakin username and password
    Go to the Passwords page to activate your Deakin username and password.

  2. Set up your computer
    Ensure your computer meets the recommended computer standards.

    Note: You must use a supported browser and have Java installed for certain areas of DSO to function properly. The appropriate software (Deakin-supported versions) can be downloaded from the Deakin University Software site or installed from the Deakin Learning Toolkit (DLT) DVD. Staff who have a Phoenix desktop, please check your Phoenix Software Catalogue.

  3. Access the DSO login page
    Go to http://www.deakin.edu.au/dso/.

  4. Do a browser check
    Click Browser Check on the DSO login page to check that your browser version is supported and if Java is enabled. If your browser or Java is not valid, a warning message will be displayed:

    Browser Check screenshot 2 If you receive all ticks, you can successfully access the Blackboard environment within DSO. Go to Step 5.

    Browser Check fail screen shot If you receive a cross for any area, go to the appropriate link below and follow the instructions:

    PC users
    Mac users

    Please take the 5–10 minutes that it will take to set up your computer, so that your experience of using DSO during the semester is as smooth as possible.

  5. Login to DSO
    Type your User name and Password, then click OK.

  6. Accept the Java Security Certificate
    When you first login to DSO and your home page loads, your browser will require you to accept a Java security certificate. You must always accept this certificate for DSO to operate effectively.

    Accepting the Java Security Certificate (quick guide)

    Note: If you click on any links or buttons before you have accepted this certificate, your session may end in error or you may have problems attaching and uploading your files, for example, when you are uploading a file into a DSO unit.

  7. Access your unit
    The Course List on the home page gives you access to the units you are enrolled in that use DSO. Clicking on a unit (e.g. unit code SEM-1_2008) from the Course List on the home page will take you into the learning environment for that unit.

    If the Course List does not include all the units in which you should be enrolled, please contact your Faculty Teaching and Learning support staff.

  8. Navigate the unit
    The Navigating a Blackboard unit guide provides information on accessing your DSO unit, and navigating components and tools that may be found in your unit.

Note: If you continue to experience problems after configuring your browser software settings, it may help to clear cache and cookies.