How do I use the virtual microscope and can my computer do it?

• The odds are your computer can handle the virtual microscope, but if you are going to look at the slides from home you will need a high speed connection.

• Click here for a short movie showing you how it's done.

  • If your pop-up window blocker is on, you will need to turn it off to see this movie.

  • This is a QuickTime movie. If it doesn't play for you, your computer may need the QuickTime movie player.

• In order to use the virtual microscope, your computer may need a special plug-in.
  • Click here for a sample virtual slide to see if your computer is ready to go.
  • Follow the instructions at the side of the microscope view field to move the tissue and change the magnification, or play the movie again.
  • If you couldn't get things to work, click here for the special plug-in.
    • Remember to restart your computer after installing the plug-in.

  Before going to the first chapter, here's some basic information on the standard light microscope.