Technical Requirements
To insure reasonable speed for interactive sessions, all participants must have, at a minimum, the following specifications on their computers:
Software Requirements:
- Windows XP, 2003 or higher
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 + or
- Netscape Navigator (6.0 or higher)
- Microsoft Office 2003 suite or higher
- Up-to-date anti-virus software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- RealPlayer
Hardware Requirements:
- A Pentium 400 MHz processor or faster
- 128 MB of RAM
- A modem with at least 56 kbps, DSL or faster speed preferred
- Sound card & speakers
- CD-ROM Drive
Note: We do not currently offer support for MAC applications, and we have experienced file sharing problems with faculty and other students. We strongly urge students to consider only IBM compatible PCs.
Miscellaneous:
Anti-virus software: At some point in your coursework it is almost guaranteed that you will receive a file containing a virus from someone. If you are not protected, your PC has a good chance of becoming infected! If you are not sure you have anti-virus software, then you probably do not. If you do not know how to check if it is up-to-date, then it is not. You must have anti-virus software and you need to know how to update it with the latest protection. We will verify that you know how to update your anti-virus software before you are given a user ID on our system. Remember, nothing earns the resentment of your peers more than sending out virus-infected files!
An email account: You may use your existing email account or an account will be provided by the Online program office for the duration of your studies. Most students prefer to use their existing email accounts. If you choose to use your existing account, you must be able to send MS WORD & MS EXCEL documents as uncompressed attachments.