Systems Requirements
You will need a few essential items. This guide is a checklist of those items. Just like having a pen and paper for traditional classes, the following items are essential to your success with online courses. Good luck with your studies.
Wondering if your browser meets the specs?
Important Message for
AOL, Prodigy and CompuServe Users using Internal Browsers
Best Viewed
To take advantage of the latest technology incorporated in this site, and to minimize the need for additional plug-in downloads, we recommend using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher on a PC and Safari 1.2 or higher for Mac OS X.
Pop-up blocker programs may hinder your ability to view course features. For best results, we suggest you disable your pop-up blocker prior to viewing your course.
A screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or higher
We recommend you set your screen resolution to at least 800 x 600 pixels or higher. If you need help with your screen settings, please see instructions for resizing your screen.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
In order to make the most of your online learning experience, there are several technical requirements you will need to fulfill. Refer to the guidelines below to help ensure your online success.
Microsoft Windows
Windows 2000 or XP
64 MB RAM
28.8 kbps modem (56K Recommended)
SoundCard & Speakers
At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:
Macintosh OS
MacOS 9.1 and OS X
32 MB RAM (64 Recommended)
28.8 kbps modem (56K Recommended)
Sound Card & Speakers
At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:
MINIMUM FEATURE REQUIREMENTS
The following components are needed to access certain features of the system. You will be able to access your course without these; however, you may not be able to access the specific feature. Before downloading any of the applications below, we suggest you check with your instructor to make sure the feature is used in your course.
Microsoft Windows
For ClassLive (synchronous tool):
64 MB Ram
Sun Java (on this site you will need to select the J2SE JRE download)
For ClassLive Audio:
56K kbps or higher modem
Microphone
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset
Windows Media Player (latest version)
(Student Requirement if Instructor Utilizes Live Audio)
Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player 2
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
For ExamGuard:
ExamGuard is a browser add-on providing an extra secure environment for online test-taking
- Students must download and install the ExamGuard software from QuestionMark Secure
- Exams using ExamGuard must be taken on a PC; ExamGuard is not compatible with Macintosh computers
- ExamGuard works best with Internet Explorer
- ExamGuard will work with Netscape; however, students must have Internet Explorer installed on the computer�even if they are accessing the exam with Netscape�and the Netscape browser must be configured as follows:
- In the Netscape browser, go to Edit > Preferences
- In the Preferences window, go to Navigator > Applications
- Click the �New Type...� button
- In the New Type window, enter the following:
Description of type: QS
File Extension: .qmsb
MIME Type: application/x-qmsb
Application to use: click the �Browse...� button to find Questionmark Secure.exe. The default location is C:\Program Files\Questionmark\QS.
- Click �OK�
- Close the Preferences window
- Customized, internal web browsers (such as those often used by AOL, Compuserve, and Prodigy) are not supported by ExamGuard.
Download and install ExamGuard software
Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player 2
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
Assistive Technology:
JAWS 5.0
Window-Eyes 4.11
Tutorials & Information
Macintosh OS
For ClassLive (synchronous tool):
128 MB Ram
Safari 1.2 or higher (Macintosh OS X)
MacOS Classic Java (MRJ 2.2.5)
Sun Java (on this site you will need to select the J2SE JRE download)
For ClassLive Audio:
Windows Media Player (latest version)
(Student Requirement if Instructor Utilizes Live Audio)
Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player 2
Macromedia Shockwave Player
Macromedia Flash Player
Quicktime 7
For ExamGuard:
(a customized browser providing an extra secure environment for online test-taking)
ExamGuard is not compatible with Macintosh computers. Instructors can set up or create an exam that uses ExamGuard on a Mac, but students must take ExamGuard exams on a PC.
Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player 2
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
 |
ALT Access!!!
In the event that you are unable to connect to your online learning institution you can use the ALT Access tool, which you can download below, to connect to the site via an alternate route. The ALT Access tool will essentially provide a detour to your online learning institution should the main connection fail. Downloading the tool will take less than five minutes.
Notice: This alternate route should only be used when the normal login page is unable to connect to your course(s).
ALT Access MAC Download
|
Note:
Courseware cannot be accessed using MSN TV (Formerly Web TV).
Satellite & Cellular internet connections: These connection types are not supported due to the varied issues with satellite and cellular internet connections dropping packets or parts of the information being transferred through the connection. If this is the only connection you have access to please note that you may experience sporadic issues while working in your online courses.
Wireless Routers/Connections: While working in your online courses via a wireless router or wireless connection you may experience problems such as various error messages. If you contact the online Helpdesk please be aware that part of the troubleshooting process may be to have you bypass your wireless router or connection. If bypassing the wireless router resolves the problems you are experiencing you will either need to continue to bypass the router or contact the router's manufacturer's support to further diagnose the source of this problem.
To make the most of your online learning experience, you will also need the following:
An Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that provides you with the software and access necessary for getting onto the Internet. You will need Internet access to take your courses.
An email account. Your email address is established when you sign up with an ISP. Check with your ISP if you do not know what your email address is. Special characters can cause problems with some systems that make it difficult to reach the intended mailbox. We suggest that you do not use special characters, for example, +, &, $, etc., in your email address.
Downloads for the newest browser versions are free of charge. To upgrade your browser to the latest version on the market, click on the appropriate link below. Wondering if your browser meets the specs? Take the Browser Test Test to find out.
