VWCC Computer Requirements for Online Courses
VWCC Computer Requirements for Online Courses
The following is a list of the hardware and software to which you should have
access to help you be successful as a Distance Learner. You can get by
with a lower speed modem or slower processor, but it may prove frustrating. You
must have a browser of at least version 4 to be able to view Blackboard. The
latest browser version is recommended. If you have AOL you will need
another browser. There is a shareware CD available at the library for checkout
that has shareware software you can install on your computer. Virginia Western
Community College also has labs on campus that are open to student use for
instructional purposes.
A schedule
of lab availability can be located here.
| Operating System: PC Compatible | Macintosh |
| Windows 95, 98,2000, or NT. |
MAC OS 8.6 or greater
|
| Processor Speed PC | MAC |
| 233 MHz | 233 MHz |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 |
| 32 Megabytes | 32 Megabytes |
| HardDisk | 1 |
| 1 Gig | 1 Gig |
| Multimedia Capabilities: Yes | Multimedia Capabilities: Yes |
| CD Drive | 1 |
| Have one | Have one |
| Monitor (desktop) Minimum | 1 |
| 15" | 15" or IMAC |
| Modem | 1 |
| 56 kb Internal or External (or v.90 compatible) | 56 kb Internal or External (or v.90 compatible) |
| ISP's | 1 |
| If you have slowdowns or timeouts with
your ISP now, you will have them when you are trying to do your course work. You should have a minimum connection speed to your ISP of 33Kbps. There are several free ISP's (NetZero, Juno) that give decent service. |
|
| Software | 1 |
| (Be sure to check your professor's course requirements) |
1 |
| Microsoft Office Word | Microsoft Office Word |
| 95, 98, or 2000 | 98 or 2001 |
| Browser | 1 |
| Netscape 4.7, I.E. 5.0 or Latest
version JavaScript enabled |
Netscape 4.7, I.E. 5.0 or Latest
version JavaScript enabled |
| To date, no AOL browser
consistently works well with Blackboard. |
1 |
| E-mail Client | 1 |
| WebMail or Own (except for AOL). | WebMail or Own (except for AOL) |
| Plug-Ins (check course requirements) | 1 |
| Acrobat Reader | Acrobat Reader |
| QuickTime | QuickTime |
| Flash | Flash |
| Real Audio | Real Audio |
| PowerPoint Player | PowerPoint Player |
| 1 | 1 |
The Browsers and Plug-Ins are available on a CD in the library that may be checked out and installed.