Computer Specifications for Online Courses |
Being prepared for online courses includes evaluating your computer equipment to make sure it is up to the task. The following recommendations are general for the use of the Blackboard and Student Email systems. You may need additional items for specific courses. Check the link to Courses offered next quarter for more information.
If your computer does not meet these specifications, and you wish to take an online course, you must be willing to use the MTC lab computers or make alternative computer arrangements. Not having access to a computer does not excuse you from any course assignments. It is a good idea to have a back-up plan in case your regular computer malfunctions. The computers in the MTC lab are available for both on-campus and online students. |
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Computer and processor
Personal computer with 500-MHz or higher processor
Memory
256 MB of RAM or higher
To check your system's processor and memory, go to the Control Panel (Start menu, Settings) and select the System option. The General Tab will display your processor and speed information, along with memory. |
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Hard disk
1.5 GB
To check your system's hard disk space, open the My Computer icon on the desktop. Right click on the hard drive letter, and select Properties from the shortcut menu. The General Tab will show the free space and used space on your hard disk.
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Drive
CD-ROM or DVD drive (required for some courses) |
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Multimedia
Audio card and speakers/headphones (required for some courses) |
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Operating system
Windows XP, or later
To check your system's operating system, go to the Control Panel (Start menu, Settings) and select the System option. The General Tab will display your operating system version. |
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Applications Software
Microsoft Office (some courses require a specific version, check the Online Course listing for specific requirements) |
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Internet Connection
Depending on the course a dial-up line might be adequate, but others work better with a broadband access line. |
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Internet Browser
Internet Explorer 7.0 or equivalent browser. Cookies are required by the Blackboard system. A Java enabled browser is required for some functions such as chat. |
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| To check the version of your browser, open the browser and click on the Help Menu. Use the About Internet Explorer option to determine the version.
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| A free download of Java is available at http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp |
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Course Specific Software
Check the Courses offered next quarter for the specific software that will be used in the course. |
