Center for the Advancement of Innovative Teaching

Computer Requirements for Distance Learning Courses

Distance learning students are expected to own or have regular access to a microcomputer, recommended peripherals, software, and the Internet.

The following are the recommended mimimum equipment, software, and communications requirements:

PC Minimum Requirements

  

Operating System

Windows XP SP3 or better

Processor

Pentium 4 2.0Ghz or better

Memory

512MB minimum, 1.0GB or more recommended

Hard Drive Space

60 GB or better

DVD/CD ROM

Recommended

Sound/Speakers

Required

Microphone

Recommended

Modem

Broadband recommended(ADSL/Cable)

Course-specific plug-ins

Please see specific course information

Web Browser

Microsoft IE 6.0 SP2 (XP SP3), Firefox 2.0.0

Antivirus

Required. Please ensure virus signatures/data files are periodically updated.

Software

Microsoft Office 2007

Macintosh Minimum Requirements

  

Operating System

OS 10.3

Processor

G5 or better

Web Browser

IF you use OS 9: unsupported

If you use

OS X v10.3: Firefox 2.0.0, Safari 1.3.9

OS X v10.4: Firefox 2.0.0, Safari 2.0

OS Xv10.5:  Firefox 2.0.0

 

Software

Microsoft Office 2008 (Released 01/15/2008)

 
Approved by: HPU Course Web Page Committee-Technical Subcommittee

Some applications do not run in a Macintosh environment. In most cases if specialized software is needed for a particular course it will be available free of charge by downloading it from the Internet. You should read the information page prepared by the instructor for your course to find out if your course requires other course-specific software.

SpyWare: Have the latest spyware remover software installed. If spyware is installed knowingly or unknowingly on your computer, it will interfere with the operations of the browser and will cause problems with accessing your online courses on HPU Pipeline and WebCT.

Java: Please install the latest version of Java Runtime environment, this can be found at the following link, http://www.java.com/en/index.jsp

Firewall and Pop-up Blocker programs:

i. Check firewall for ad-blocking or pop-up blockers

ii. Disable pop up blocker toolbar program if any (refer to software documentation on how this can be accomplished)

FOR WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 ONLY:

i. Tools "Internet Options, Privacy, Pop-Up Blocker: uncheck "Block pop-ups".

Internet Connectivity  

Distance learning students will need access to the Internet with an e-mail account provided by either:
  • HPU Pipeline (Provided to all registered students)
  • ISP (Internet Service Provider) (Student is responsible for all ISP charges.)
  • HPU Internet System Account (Available for dial-in access on O'ahu only.)