Tech

Technology Requirements

These are the technical requirements necessary for your online courses to run properly. Please read this information carefully, as you must ensure that your computer is properly configured. If you have any questions or problems, please call the university Personal Support Center.

Hardware

Any computer that is capable of running the following Operating Systems (OS):

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Mac OS/X

More memory (RAM) will allow for more applications, such as your online course and Microsoft Word, to be open and will speed up your computer in general.
A High Speed/Broadband internet connection.
You may also wish to purchase a microphone, either standalone or with a set of headphones. These would be for the times that you may need to do Voice-Over-IP chats or Voice-Over-PowerPoint presentations.

Browser Check

First, we will check your web browser to make sure you have a version compatible with the online courses.

Your System

Software

Web Browser Requirements

The following web browsers are supported and tested:

With PCs running Windows OS:

Chrome version 30 and above
Download the latest version of Chrome here: www.google.com/chrome

Firefox version 27 and above
Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html

Internet Explorer version 9.0 and above
Download the latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspx

With Macs running OS X:

Firefox version 27 and above
Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html

Note: While they are not expressly forbidden, some browsers do have compatibility issues with the online course's LMS/CMS (Learning Management System/Course Management System). These browsers are Safari, and Sherlock for the Mac. Some mobile device browsers do work, but will render (display) your course system in odd ways.

Cookies Must Be Enabled on your Browser

A cookie is a small file that is placed on your computer by the server. Cookies are a very common Internet technology used by many websites, such as Amazon or eBay. Your browser has a setting that allows you to control whether you allow cookies or not.

Since cookies are so common, your browser probably already has cookies enabled. If you are unsure whether your browser is set up properly, please call the Personal Support Center.

Suggested Plug-ins and Software

Adobe Acrobat

Your courses may include .pdf files, which require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Acrobat is not installed on your computer, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Adobe Flash

Your courses may include images or animations that require the Adobe (formerly Macromedia)Flash plug-in. If you do not have Flash installed, or have difficulty viewing the animations, you may load the most current version of the Flash plug-in here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Note: Many mobile devices have the most problems with Flash. If your mobile device cannot display Flash animation then it might not be suitable for online access.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Your courses may include Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. If you do not have PowerPoint installed on your computer, you may use the free PowerPoint viewer to view the course materials. Download the free PowerPoint viewer here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=048dc840-14e1-467d-8dca-19d2a8fd7485.

Microsoft Word

Your courses require the use of Microsoft Word to turn in written assignments. If you do not have Word, please contact your instructor.

Microsoft Excel

Your courses may require the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. If you do not have Excel, please contact your instructor.

Microsoft Office Conversion Tool

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Office (2003 or before) and you need to access Office 2007 (or later) files then please download the Office Family conversion tool here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466

If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download a 60 day trial by going to http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx

QuickTime

This course may include video that will require QuickTime Video Player. You may download a free version of QuickTime Player at: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.

Compression/"Zip" Utility

This course may require the use of a compression utility such as WinZip to create a zipped file (*.zip, *.7z). If you do not have a compression utility installed on your computer, you may download a free copy of WinZip here: http://www.winzip.com/prodpagewz.htm.