Computer Requirements for Online Courses
These are the minimum computer requirements you will need to complete online courses. This page will test your computer for the necessary programs. Please check below as to whether you have or do not have the necessary programs. If you need to download a program, links are provided to websites that have the installation files.
PC computer using Windows XP or higher or Macintosh/Apple computer using OS 10.0 or higher.
Connection to the Internet using a 56 Kbps modem (Dialup) however -- DSL / cable connection is strongly recommended. (You can 'Right Click' on 'My Computer' in PC systems to find out your RAM - and Click on My Computer
An Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher (PC only), or Firefox 4.0 or higher (all Platforms), with the following browser settings: Javascript enabled, Popup Blockers disabled, and Cookies Enabled.
» What browser/version are you using?
- Latest Version of Firefox
- Latest Version of Internet Explorer
- Latest Version of Chrome
E-mail capable of sending attachments such as Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail.
Supplementary Software: Microsoft Word (or MS Word Reader) and PowerPoint (or MS PowerPoint Reader)or Open Office (When using Open Office please save files with common Microsoft word extensions such as .doc for documents and .xls for spread sheets - if you are unsure of which extension to use ask your instructor).
Additional Hardware: Sound Card and Speakers
Install PLATO and Adobe Plug-ins
PLATO, the program which will run your course, requires the use of plug-ins on your computer. You can download and install the required plug-ins when you first log in, or download them direct from the vendor website. Downloading make take a fair amount of time, depending on your connection speed and the number of installs. It's recommended that you download and install the plug-ins ahead of time, before the student attempts to run the courseware.
Multimedia Plug-Ins. In the event that your computer lacks the needed programs, a link will be provided to resources where you can find and download these free plug-ins:
RealPlayer provides live and on-demand real-time RealAudio and RealVideo streaming content on the Web.
» Does your computer have RealPlayer?
Acrobat Reader allows you to view and print PDF files on all major computer platforms.
» Does your computer have Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Shockwave and Flash presents interactive animations with streaming audio and video.
» Does your computer have Shockwave?
» Does your computer have Flash?