System Requirements

To do online course work, you need access to a computer with the following minimum specifications:

Hardware

• 166 MHz Pentium Processor (PC) -or-
  604 PowerPC Processor (MAC)
• 64 MB RAM
• Sound card and speakers
• Microphone
• 56 kbps modem

Operating Systems

• Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP (PC) -or-
• Macintosh OS 8.1 or later (MAC)

Internet Browsers

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher -or-
• Netscape 4.7.9 or higher

Important Browser Plug-ins

• Real Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

Some courses may also require the following plug-ins:

• Macromedia Flash Player
• Macromedia Shockwave Player
• Windows Media Player
• Apple QuickTime Player

Note: Clicking the name of plug-in will take you to a site where you can download it if you don’t already have it.

Technical Requirements

You do not have to be a technological wizard to excel in an online learning environment! Even novices in the field of computer technology can be star students as long as they understand a few basic skills.

Below are the main skills you'll need. To build or refresh your knowledge in one of these areas, simply click the heading you want to learn more about.

Email

• Getting an email account
• Sending attachments
• Receiving attachments
  

File Management

• Staying organized
• Accessing files
• Uploading files
• Creating folders
• Moving files between folders

Web Searches

• How search engines work
• Web searching strategies
• Specialty searches and resources
• Favorites tutorial