Hardware Requirements for Distance Learning

In addition to strong study habits, many distance learning courses require that students have a certain degree of technological skill and have access to certain technical equipment. For a telecourse, students must have access to a television and VCR since these courses are based on a collection of videotapes that is checked out to students at the course orientation. For an Internet or telnet course, in order to have an optimum experience, with minimal technical glitches and/or free of excessive download waiting, students should try to meet or exceed the list of Recommended Hardware Requirements below. Please keep in mind that other software (i.e. word processing software or Powerpoint) may be required for a particular course. Students should check with the course instructor for a complete list.

Recommended Requirements for Online Courses (for optimum performance)

• Home access to Internet (or at least day, evening, and weekend access)
• E-mail account through an Internet Service Provider (rather than through a free service like Hotmail or Yahoo)
• Same e-mail account for entire semester (If you must change addresses, notify your instructor immediately.)
• Current anti-virus software, updated frequently
• Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, versions 4.0 or higher, loaded on computer (*AOL Users see Important Note below.)

Recommended Hardware Requirements for PC

• Pentium II/200MHz processor
• 64 MB of RAM
• 56K modem
• Windows 95/98
• CD-ROM drive

Recommended Hardware Requirements for Macintosh

• G3/233 Mhz Processor
• 64 MB of RAM
• 56K modem
• MAC OS 8.5 or better
• CD-ROM drive

*Important Note for America Online (AOL) Users: If you use AOL for your Internet access, you must download Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (both available free of charge) and use one of these browsers to access the Internet course rather than the AOL browser, which will not allow you access to your course. Ask your course instructor for instructions if necessary.