Computer Specifications

Hardware Requirements
Our online courses require home access to the Internet and a computer capable of playing multimedia. This means a computer with enough system memory (512 MB of RAM or more) and a processor fast enough to play movie files (Pentium II or higher). The hard drive should have a minimum of 64 MB free space. A modem (28.8 bps minimum) is required to connect to the Internet. Cable Modem, DSL, would be faster.

Software Requirements
What follows is a list of software that we think is a MUST for anyone owning a computer. Some of the software listed is supplied with most new computers, others you will have to download from the manufacturers homepage. Where apppropriate, we´ve included the download links for your convenience.

Internet Browser and plugins
Once connected, you will need a web browser. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or others (like Opera) will work just fine. Our faculty post material in various formats, so it´s likely you´ll need to get some browser plugins. Here is a short list of essential plugins. They are all FREE:

Adobe Reader: For viewing (Acrobat) PDF files

Cosmo Player: a VRML plugin used to view 3D models

Adobe Flash: for viewing Flash content, used in many web pages

Apple Quicktime: for viewing Quicktime movies and audio clips.

Real Player: for viewing Real format streaming audio and video

PC Specifications:

• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows NT,
• Windows 3.1 will not work
• Intel Pentium III or equivalent processor (Pentium 4 or above recommended)
• 256 MB or more megabytes of RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
• Sound card and speakers
• CD-ROM drive
• VGA 256-color video display minimum (Super VGA, 16-bit or better recommended)
• Minimum 28,800 bps modem (broadband recommended)
• QuickTime required for inserting QuickTime movies

Macintosh Specifications:

• Power PC G3 or faster processor
• OS X operating system
• 128 MB RAM with virtual memory turned on (512 MB or more recommended)
• 64 megabytes of available hard disk space
• CD-ROM drive
• Macintosh-compatible monitor with Thousands of Colors mode minimum (millions of colors mode recommended)
• Open Transport 1.1 or later
• QuickTime required for inserting QuickTime movies
• Minimum 28,800 bps modem (broadband recommended)

AOL users:

• Version 9.0 or better