Computer and Internet Requirements

Minimum System Requirements:

1. A personal computer (486 or higher) running Windows or Apple Macintosh (running System 7.5 or higher)
2. A modem with a minimum baud rate of 28.8 kbps
3. A sound card and speakers
4. A CD-ROM drive

Recommended System:

1. A personal computer with a Pentium processor running Windows 95 or Windows NT
2. 29 Megabytes of system RAM or higher
3. A modem with a baud rate of 56 kbps or higher
4. A sound card and speakers
5. A CD-ROM drive, 4X or higher

What Do I Need to Do Internet Course Work?

You need access to the World Wide Web and an e-mail (electronic mail) address. You may also need software for some courses. Any software requirements will be noted by the institution offering the course.

How Do I Obtain Internet Access?

If you are already attending college, you may already have Internet service through your college or university. If you do not currently have access to the Internet, you will need to select an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and pay a monthly fee to gain access to the World Wide Web. Usually, this fee is about $10 to $20 a month. If you have never used the World Wide Web (WWW), you may want to select a well-known company. Often, computer magazines have free disks that will give you five to ten free hours of WWW access through one of these companies. This type of offer gives you an e-mail address and sets up an account for you. After the free hours are used, you can decide whether to continue the service. These well-known ISPs usually provide a Web browser as part of the package.

Or you may set up an Internet account with your local computer store, cable company or phone company. If you will be using a dial-up connection (modem), choose a company that will let your computer dial a local phone number to connect to the Internet. This will prevent you from paying long distance charges. If you want Web access, tell your local company at the time you sign up for the service.

When Do I Need to Acquire Access to the Internet?

You should have your modem, e-mail address and Internet access in working order at least two weeks before your course starts, so that you can practice accessing the Internet or work out any bugs.