my learndirect course does not run - do I need a particular piece of software to access my course?

Some learndirect courses will require additional software (often referred to as 'plugins' or 'players') in order for the course to run successfully. In most cases you can download the players for free from the developer's website.

We have provided the relevant links below. These links will take you to the relevant website where you can download the player that you require for your learndirect course. We have also included test links that will allow you to test whether your computer has the relevant player installed.

The learndirect course catalogue will indicate which player/s is/are required for your learndirect course.

Authorware Player

The Macromedia Authorware player is needed for some learndirect courses. It is a multimedia software application built by Macromedia and is available free. The learndirect course catalogue will indicate which players are required for your chosen course. Please follow the instructions on the relevant pages and install Authorware v5.2 first followed by Authorware v7.
(Note: please do not install Authoware v7 first as this will prevent the installation of Authorware v5.2).

Get the Authorware Player v5.2

Get the Authorware Player v7

To test whether your computer already has the Authorware player installed, please click the link below. An Authoware player movie will play if the software is setup correctly on your computer.

Test your Authorware Player

Flash Player

The Macromedia Flash player is needed for some learndirect courses. It is a multimedia software application built by Macromedia and is available free. The learndirect course catalogue will indicate which players are required for your chosen course.
(Note: We recommend that you untick the option to download the Yahoo toolbar).

Get the Flash Player

To test whether your computer already has the Flash player installed, please click the test link below. A Flash player movie will play if the software is setup correctly on your computer.

Test your Flash Player

Java Player

The Java player is needed for some courses. It is a multimedia software application. It is built by Sun Microsystems and available free of charge. The Java player is needed for some learndirect courses and the course catalogue will indicate which players are required for your chosen course.

Get the Java Player

To test whether your computer already has the Java player installed, please click the test link below. If the Java Player is setup correctly on your computer you will see some animation built in Java.

Test your Java Player

Shockwave Player

The Shockwave player is needed for some courses. It is a multimedia software application built by Macromedia and is available free. The learndirect course catalogue will indicate which players are required for your chosen course.

Get the Shockwave Player

To test whether your computer already has the Shockwave player installed, please click the test link below. If the Shockwave player is setup correctly on your computer you will be able to load and play a Shockwave based game.

Test your Shockwave Player

Adobe Reader

The Adobe Reader is needed for some courses. It allows you to view and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The Adobe Reader is available free to download.
(Note: We recommend that you untick the option to download the Yahoo toolbar).

Get the Adobe Reader

Please contact learndirect Learner Services for further information.

Back to the main troubleshooting page