To ensure the most successful Web experience, we recommend version 8 of Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 3 of Firefox, or Safari 4.0 (for both Mac and Windows).
We do not recommend other web browsers, though the new Google Chrome browser looks quite promising (however, it's not yet compatible with our Blackboard course software). If you've used the same browser for more than a year or two, consider downloading newer software (just follow the links below).
As technology improves, many Web pages use techniques that require the latest browsers to view them. Sites that displayed fine last year with an older browser may not even load this year. But browsers alone aren't responsible for today's amazing Web pages. To enhance the Web experience, authors embed interactive, multimedia components to provide you with audio, video, and motion (animation).
If you ever visit one of these pages and nothing happens, or if you get an error about a missing "plug-in" or "extension" then you probably don't have the necessary software components. Hopefully, you'll receive some sort of instruction or well-written error message that explains how to download and install that plug-in (most are free).
The most popular plug-ins today are the Adobe Acrobat Reader, the Adobe Flash media player, the QuickTime media player, and RealOne players (formerly RealPlayer and before that, Real Audio).
Links to Useful Downloads
Click on the links below to download the latest version of these useful Internet tools (plug-ins include Acrobat, Flash and Real Player).
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Adobe Acrobat is commonly used to view a variety of documents in their native formats, without the need for you to own that software. Note: if you have an old version, you may not be able to view newer files (including MU e-reserves). If you're not sure which version you have, download the latest version.
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Flash is used for animated or interactive Web content. It's fairly fast and compact, and displays almost the same on any type of computer or browser. |
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Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the world's most popular Web browser (though most prone to hacker attacks). No longer supported by Macs (use Firefox or Safari instead). |
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Many experts consider Firefox the best browser on the planet. Available for all types of computers, Firefox was created by the non-profit Mozilla Organization. But note that Firefox does not support specialized Microsoft content (though there is now an awesome Firefox extension called IE-Tab that can emulate IE7, even for accessing Windows updates). |
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The once preferred browser for Mac (Apple) users, versions 3-4 are competitive, respected browsers and now available for PCs. Note: we do not recommend versions 1-2. Version 4 (2009) has several cool features and requires OS 10.4.11 or higher. |
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Once the predominant Web browser, Netscape now accounts for only about 5% of all web browsers. After many years of neglect versions 8-9 were quite impressive, but then in 2007 they threw in the towel and ended development. They now recommend users switch to Firefox. |
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QuickTime is another popular media player from Apple that provides stunning video and crisp audio. It is compatible with both Macs and PCs. |
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RealOne (formerly RealPlayer) was one of the first major plug-ins to provide enhanced multimedia content to Web users. Today it is still one of the most widely used players to experience audio and video over the Internet. |
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Shockwave is simply Flash on steroids. Typical uses include games, music videos, and very intricate learning environments. |
Minimum Computer Requirements
All Platforms
56 Kpbs modem and Internet account
(high-speed Cable or DSL recommended)sound card and speakers
65,000-color video display card set at 800x600 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
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1.3 GHz Pentium 4 or faster processor
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512 MB of RAM (at least 1 Gb for Vista or any new computer)
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
Power Mac G4 (1.25 GHz or better)
Mac OS X (OS 9 suggests very old hardware)
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512 MB RAM (1 Gb or more recommended)
Office 2004 (Office 2008 released Jan 08)
