Computer and Internet Access

You will need access to a computer and the Internet 5 out of 7 days a week for a total of 12 or more hours a week for each five-credit class. You can use more than one computer (home, work, and school).

For a list of Internet Service Providers visit http://thelist.internet.com/ or use our online Directory of Learning Centers to find places near you that provide computer access.

PC Minimum configuration:

· CPU: 600MHz Intel Celeron processor

· Memory: 64MB RAM

· Hard drive: 6.4GB hard drive

· CD-ROM drive

· Operating System: Windows XP (recommended), Windows 2000, Windows ME/98

Macintosh Minimum configuration:

· CPU: 500MHz Power PC processor (Power Macintosh G3)

· Memory: 64MB RAM

· Hard drive: 20GB Hard drive

· CD-ROM drive

· Operating System: Macintosh OS, current versions (OS 9.2.2/10)

Web Browser Requirements [IE recommended - View Blackboard browser info chart]

  PC Users, Blackboard recommends

· Windows 2000 - Internet Explorer 6.0 or Netscape Navigator 7.0

· Windows XP - Internet Explorer 6.0 or Netscape Navigator 7.0

  Macintosh Users, Blackboard recommends

· Mac OS 9.2 - Internet Explorer 5.1 or Netscape Navigator 7.0

· Mac OS X.1 - Internet Explorer 5.1 or 5.2 or Netscape Navigator 7.0

· Mac OS X.2 - Internet Explorer 5.2 or Netscape Navigator 7.0

AOL Users

 To eliminate the possibility of browser-related problems, we recommend using Internet Explorer when accessing your online courses. Most computers have a pre-installed version of an external browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. Or download now using the links above.

1. Get online in your usual way.

2. Close or minimize the AOL browser.

3. Open Internet Explorer or Netscape.

4. Go to the WAOL Home Page to begin the login process.

Pop-up Blockers

Many newer browsers include pop-up blockers that may block quizzes, test or assignments from popping up in your Blackboard classroom. If you experience any difficulties accessing classroom materials, turn off any pop-up blockers that you may be running and attempt to access the classroom materials.

Some classes may require you to download these plug-ins:

RealPlayer (look for free version)

Flash Player

QuickTime Player

PowerPoint Viewer

Virus Protection - Visit our Computer Virus Information page to learn more

Computer viruses can cause damage to your computer and the files stored in it. If you send a file with a virus to someone else in your class, that person's computer may become "infected" as well. Anti-virus software is available to help protect your computer. You can find both a free version and a full commercial version by visiting http://www.mcafee.com