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) |
May 24, 2013
Quick Links
Courses Spring 2012
- AEE 4884: Youth Program Management
- AEE 5104: Research Applications in Agricultural & Extension Education
- CSES 5114: Soils for Professionals
- ENT 5234: Managing Arthropod Pests
- ENT 6004: ENT 6004: Design & Analysis of Agricultural Experiments
- ENT/PPWS 5624: Animal & Plant Biosafety and Biosecurity
- FST 5034: Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices
- HNFE 5684/PHS 5214: Program Development in Health Education
- HNFE 5694/PHS 5044: Public Health Administration
- HORT 4764: Vegetable Crops
- HORT 4784: Vegetable Seed Production
- HORT 5764G: Advanced Vegetable Crops
- HORT 5784G: Advanced Vegetable Seeds
- PPWS 5204: Principles of Plant Disease Management
- PPWS 5214: Diseases of Crop Plants
- ZZZZ 5904: Project and Report (Note: "zzzz" should be replaced with abbreviation of your concentration, ex. CSES 5904)
Dates to Remember
Apr 23: Web Drop/Add begins for Fall Semester 2011.
May 13: Web Drop/Add closes for Fall Semester 2011.
August 6: Web Drop/Add reopens for Fall Semester 2011.
August 22: Last Day for Students to withdraw from Fall Semester to avoid tuition and fee charges.
August 22: Classes began.
August 26: Last day for students to add classes and to add or drop audit option.
September 30: Last day for students to drop fall 2011 classes without grade penalty.