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:
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Ability to use a mouse (click, double click, block, drag and drop)
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Ability to open, save and rename files
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Ability to use a web browser and e-mail
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Ability to navigate the Internet and World Wide Web
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Ability to open sophisticated web pages that utilize Java/JavaScript programming or browser plug-ins
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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
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56 Kpbs modem and Internet account
(high-speed Cable or DSL recommended) -
Sound card and speakers
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256 Mb video card set at 800 x 600 resolution or higher
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 3.0, or Safari 4.0
(current versions = 8.0 for IE, 3.6 for FF and 5.0 for Safari) -
Anti-Virus Software (MU students may download for free McAfee 8.7 for PCs from My.Mansfield — login with your Desire2Learn login and password)
Anti-Spyware software (see information in an announcement from 2005)
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Free Plug-ins: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, RealOne (RealPlayer)
Windows
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1.3 GHz Pentium 4, Celeron, Core Duo, or AMD Athlon processor or higher
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512 MB of RAM (at least 1 Gb for Vista or Windows 7)
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Windows XP or higher operating system (anything older indicates obsolete hardware)
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Microsoft Office Standard Edition, version 2000 or higher (2010 latest)
Note: Microsoft periodically offers an Ultimate Steal deal to college students. While the regular academic price for Office Home and Student edition is about $150, college students can download the Professional Academic version (retails at $499.99) for the incredibly low price of $79.95. Unfortunately, the deal is just for the Windows version (sorry Mac users).
Mac
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Power Mac G4 (1.25 GHz or better)
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Mac OS X (OS 9 probably ok, but suggests obsolete hardware)
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512 MB RAM (1Gb or more recommended)
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Office Mac 2001 (current version is Office 2008, Office 2011 due at the end of 2010)
