Computer Requirements
As a student of an online course you will need daily access to an up-to-date computer that meets minimum hardware and software requirements. Have a back-up plan for accessing a second computer should any technical problems arise. High-speed access is not required, but it does make it easier to view online presentations and download files.
Software
The table below lists the minimum software requirements for most of the courses in the proposed program. Keep in mind that you may have to download or buy additional software for a specific course.
| Software | Uses | Download / Information Sites |
|---|---|---|
|
Web Browser Current versions of Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Internet Explorer. |
Course access in Blackboard (Virginia Tech's online course management system) and online research |
Note for Mac users: Microsoft has discontinued support for Internet Explorer 5.x for the Macintosh. Please use Firefox, Opera, or Safari. |
| Macromedia Flash Player Current version. | Playing online course presentations and animations |
Note: Online presentations will not play on your computer unless you have Flash Player. |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader Current version. | Reading PDF files | |
| E-mail Client (should display HTML e-mail) | Sending and receiving e-mail from instructors and peers |
Students of Virginia Tech have several different e-mail options listed on the E-mail and Calendaring page of the Computing.vt.edu website. |
| Anti-virus software | Protect your computer from viruses, worms and trojans. | |
| Microsoft Office (2000 or higher) | Creating and reading documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint | Students of Virginia Tech can find information on purchasing Microsoft Office on the Student Software page of the Computing.vt.edu website. |
Hardware
The table below lists the minimum hardware requirements for most courses . Please have access to a backup computer in case you have problems with your primary computer.
| Hardware | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
|
| Processor | 500 MHz or faster (700 MHz recommended) |
| RAM | 128 MB RAM or more |
| Monitor |
800 x 600 or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colors minimum (1024 X 768 with thousands of colors recommended) |
| Sound | Speakers and a microphone or a headset with a microphone |
| Internet Connection | 56.6 kbps or faster modem (High-speed access [ex. cable modem, DSL, or T1] recommended) |
July 8, 2008
