Computer Requirements

Last Updated: 6 Aug 2009

Your success is our goal. Since this program takes place entirely online, we require that you have access to a reliable, high-speed Internet connection, a high-quality computer and possess the skills to use them. If you have any doubts about your skills, we encourage you to speak with your advisor. We may also provide free basic skills workshops in the near future, so stay tuned.

Minimal computer skills include the following:

Ability to use a mouse (click, double click, block, drag and drop)
Ability to open, save and rename files
Ability to use a web browser and e-mail
Ability to navigate the Internet and World Wide Web
Ability to open sophisticated web pages that utilize Java/JavaScript programming or browser plug-ins
Ability to download and install plug-ins and required software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, anti-spyware software, Flash, and RealOne Player)

Minimum Computer Requirements

All Platforms

56 Kpbs modem and Internet account
(high-speed Cable or DSL recommended)
Sound card and speakers
256 Mb video card set at 800 x 600 resolution or higher
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0, or Safari 3.0
(current versions = 8.0 for IE, 3.5 for FF and 4.0 for Safari)
Anti-Virus Software (MU students may download for free McAfee 8.5 for PCs from My.Mansfield — login with your Blackboard login and password)
Anti-Spyware software (see information in an announcement from 2005)
Free Plug-ins: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, RealOne (RealPlayer)

Windows

1.3 GHz Pentium 4, Celeron, Core Duo, or AMD Athlon processor or higher
256 MB of RAM (512 or more recommended, and at least 1 Gb for Vista)
Windows XP or Vista operating system (2000 ok, but upgrade recommended)
Microsoft Office Standard Edition, version 2000 or higher (2007 latest)

Note: Microsoft periodically offers an Ultimate Steal deal to college students. While the regular academic price for Office 2007 Standard edition is about $150, students can download the Ultimate version of Office for the incredibly low price of $59.95. Unfortunately, the deal is just for the Windows version (sorry Mac users).

Mac