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Distance Education Student Guide |
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DISTANCE EDUCATION home |
Technical Requirements
To enroll in an online course, you must
have access to a computer with the following:
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Operating System |
Windows XP or higher |
| Internet Browser |
Internet Explorer (IE) 7.0 or higher
Note: IE5, IE6, and Google Chrome are NOT
supported and should not be used with
Blackboard. |
| RAM |
Minimum of 128 MB; 1 GB recommended |
| Connection Speed |
Minimum – 56 kbps Dial-up Modem (not
recommended)
Recommended – High speed connection such as
DSL or cable
Note: Problems may occur during Blackboard
exam sessions if connected through a
wireless PC, laptop, or satellite ISP
provider. |
Meeting the minimum requirements does not
guarantee optimal performance since background tasks or programs
(i.e. antivirus software) may be using necessary memory.
Additional information regarding technical requirements is
listed below.
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Popup blockers should be turned off before accessing
Blackboard.
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Java 6 – Update 13 or higher is the only supported Java
Runtime Environment.
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JavaScript and Cookies must be set to "enabled' or "true."
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Java must be enabled. Alternatively, selecting the medium
security level on the Privacy tab of Internet Options will
provide the necessary settings.
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Some courses may require that one or more of the following
plug-in application programs be downloaded. Each course should
specify which programs are required.
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Adobe Reader
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Apple QuickTime
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Adobe Flash Player
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Microsoft Windows Media Player
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Windows Media Player Plugin for Firefox browsers
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Windows Media Player Plugin for Macs (Flip4Mac)
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RealNetworks RealOne Player
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Java
These plug-in application programs are free downloads from the
vendors. Generally, plug-in software is present on newly
purchased computers.
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Computers with these components are
available for student usage in the NACC library or a campus computer lab.
(Hours and computer availability vary; students should check
with individual labs.)
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