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. Staff who have a Phoenix desktop, please check your Phoenix Software Catalogue.

3. Access the DSO login page on the Deakin Staff site
   Go to https://staff.deakin.edu.au/.

4. Do a browser check
   

   We highly recommend that you perform a Browser check before logging in to DSO to ensure your computer is properly configured to use Blackboard.

   CHECK MY BROWSER NOW

   If your browser or Java is not valid, a warning message will be displayed:
   
   If you receive all ticks, you can successfully access the Blackboard environment within DSO. Go to Step 5.
   
   If you receive a cross for any area, go to the appropriate link below and follow the instructions:
   
   
   PC users

   • Recommended browsers
   • Enable cookies
   • Enable javascript
   • Enable pop-up windows
   • Enable java
   • Optimise browser(enable all)

   Mac users

   • Recommended browsers
   • Enable cookies
   • Enable javascript
   • Enable pop-up windows
   • Enable java
   • Optimise browser (enable all)

   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 TRI-1_2010) 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.

If you still have technical issues you are not able to resolve, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Please check FAQs for answers to some of the most common queries about using DSO.