Computer Requirements

If you purchased your computer within the last 6 years, you’re computer is probably more than capable to handle online classes. Most of our students don’t need to purchase any extra hardware or upgrades to run our online classes. But if you ever have any technical problems, we always have a technical support staff ready to assist you.

24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Our technical support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you if you ever have any problems.  After contacting us, we can provide you with our technical support hotline so you can call anytime with questions.

Here are some minimum requirements you’ll need to take classes online:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Microsoft Windows:
Windows Me, 2000, or XP
62 MB RAM
28.8 kbps modem (56K Recommended)
Sound Card & Speakers

At least one of the following browsers:
• Internet Explorer 6.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Netscape Communicator 7.1 (recommended) • Netscape Communicator 6.2 (supported)

Macintosh OS:
MacOS 9.1 and OS X
32 MB RAM (64 Recommended)
28.8 kbps modem (56K Recommended)
Sound Card & Speakers

At least one of the following browsers:
• Internet Explorer 5.1, 5.22 (recommended)
• Netscape Communicator 7.1 (recommended)
• Safari 1.2 (supported)

MINIMUM FEATURE REQUIREMENTS

The following components are needed to access certain features of the system. You will be able to access your course without these; however, you may not be able to access the specific feature. Before downloading any of the applications below, we suggest you check with your instructor to make sure the feature is used in your course.

Microsoft Windows

For ClassLive (synchronous tool):
64 MB Ram
Sun's Java 2 JRE (Java 1.3.1)

For ClassLive Audio:
56K kbps or higher modem
(Instructor Only Requirement for Audio Encoding)

Windows Media Encoder 9
(Instructor Only Requirement for Audio Encoding)

Microphone
(Instructor Only Requirement for Audio Encoding)

Windows Media Player 9
(Student Requirement if Instructor Utilizes Live Audio)

For ExamGuard:
ExamGuard is a browser add-on providing an extra secure environment for online test-taking

• Students must download and install the ExamGuard software from QuestionMark Secure
• Exams using ExamGuard must be taken on a PC; ExamGuard is not compatible with Macintosh computers
• ExamGuard works best with Internet Explorer
• ExamGuard will work with Netscape; however, students must have Internet Explorer installed on the computer even if they are accessing the exam with Netscape and the Netscape browser must be configured as follows:
  1. In the Netscape browser, go to Edit > Preferences
  2. In the Preferences window, go to Navigator > Applications
  3. Click the New Type... button
  4. In the New Type window, enter the following:
     Description of type: QS
     File Extension: .qmsb
     MIME Type: application/x-qmsb
     Application to use: click the Browse... button to find Questionmark Secure.exe. The default location is C:\Program Files\Questionmark\QS.
  5. Click OK
  6. Close the Preferences window
• Customized, internal web browsers (such as those often used by AOL, Compuserve, and Prodigy) are not supported by ExamGuard.

Download and install ExamGuard software

Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player 2
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player

Assistive Technology:
JAWS 3.7, 4.0
Window-Eyes 4.11
Tutorials & Information

Macintosh OS

For ClassLive (synchronous tool):
128 MB Ram
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1, 5.2 or higher (Macintosh OS)
MacOS Classic Java (MRJ 2.2.5)

For ClassLive Audio:
Windows Media Player 7.1
(Student Requirement if instructor utilizes live audio)

For ExamGuard:
(a customized browser providing an extra secure environment for online test-taking)
ExamGuard is not compatible with Macintosh computers. Instructors can set up or create an exam that uses ExamGuard on a Mac, but students must take ExamGuard exams on a PC.

Supported Browser Plug-ins:
Real One Player
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player

Get the Software You Need

Click on the link below and learn how to create the best possible online experience with your current equipment. We'll teach you about Internet browsers, screen resolution, free software downloads, technical assistance and more. Click here.

For discounted student software, please click here.

Protect Your Computer From Viruses
To keep your computer running optimally and virus free, we strongly advise you to install virus-protection software before taking any online classes. Here are a few we recommend:

• PC-cillin™ 2003
• Symantec® Norton AntiVirus™ 2004
• McAfee® Security VirusScan®

PC Users: Update Windows automatically
You no longer have to search for critical updates and information. You can specify how and when you want Windows to update your computer.

For example, you can choose to have Windows notify you whenever it finds updates available for your computer; it will then download the updates in the background and allow you to continue working uninterrupted.

Or you can set up Windows to automatically download and install updates on a schedule you specify. This lets you to keep your computer up to date without interruptions. You don't even have to be at your computer.

Here's how to schedule automatic updates:

>> Open Control Panel.
>> On the Automatic Updates tab and click "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule that I specify."
>> Set the days and time when you want Windows to install updates.

After you set this option, Windows finds updates on the Windows Update Web site that apply to your computer and downloads them automatically in the background (you are not notified or interrupted during this process). When downloading is complete, a message appears in the status area so you can review the updates that are scheduled for installation. If you choose not to install at that time, Windows starts the installation on your set schedule.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• To modify Automatic Updates settings, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
  
• Windows might prompt you to restart your computer after certain components are installed. Please restart your computer when prompted in order to ensure it continues working properly. If you are logged on to your computer, Windows gives you the option to delay the restart. Be sure to save any work prior to the scheduled installation time.
  
• To install specific updates from the Windows Update Web site, click here.

 

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