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 Computer Specifications
What Do I Need to Go Online?
 Why
Do I Need Access
to a Computer, Printer, and the Internet?
Online courses at Capital use dedicated, password-protected
websites presented through the myCommNet portal and Blackboard Vista course management system. You need to have
regular access to a recent-model computer which must
have a high-speed (DSL, cable modem, etc.) internet connection. You'll also need a printer to get hardcopy
of your course work.Do
I have to own my own computer?
No. You may be able use a PC on campus, in a public Library, or
at your workplace, in order to take an online course. Please note that
using a computer outside your home may be restricted by internet
traffic, usage policies, software availability, and sheer convenience.
Having a home computer is one of the biggest advantages of Distance
Learning, so we highly recommend this to DL students.
If you
choose to use the College's computers, stop by the campus or call ahead
to check the current Open Lab schedule and availability. Student PCs can
be found in the computer labs (6th floor), the Library (5), the Internet
Cafe (7), the Learning Center (4), and along the Atrium on floors 8
through 11.
You may be required to use certain software in order to complete DL
class assignments. College computers are configured to run the most
common DL software but not for those courses that require specialized
software or hardware. The College, public Libraries, and most workplaces
do not allow users to install their own software. This may be an
overriding factor on whether or not to take a DL course, or whether or
not to buy your own computer.
Can
I buy a computer at the College?
No – but many computer merchants offer student discounts. Proof
of registration may be required.
Can
I buy computer software at the College?
Yes.
Capital students are able to purchase discounted computer software at
Follett, our on-campus bookstore (7th floor), or on-line at eFollett.
Do
I need anything besides the computer and printer?
Some courses may require specific software or additional hardware such
as a CD-ROM drive, microphone, or image scanner. Other courses
incorporate streaming video and audio, which has specific computer
requirements.
If I decide to buy my own computer, what should I look for?
We recommend a fairly recent model with the
following minimum characteristics:
Windows Operating System
• Pentium III 700 MHZ
(minimum); Pentium IV 1.5GHz(recommended)
• Windows 98 or higher (XP or higher recommended)
• Please visit
this page
for information about Windows Vista.
Macintosh Operating System
• iMac series or higher; 500MHz processor (minimum)
• OS X, version 10.2 or higher
•
Note: Some computer science courses may require Windows-only
software. You may be able to use an emulator such as VirtualPC,
but performance is not guaranteed.
Hardware and System Settings (Windows/Mac)
• 10 GB free hard drive space, 256 MB RAM
• 800x600 screen resolution (1024x768 recommended)
• CD-ROM drive
• Sound card and speakers or headphones (maybe a microphone)
• DSL or cable modem
• Printer
• Networking Port 2304 must be open for Chat/Whiteboard
Supported Web Browsers For Windows OS
• Internet Explorer
6 SP1; 6 SP2;
7
• AOL 9.0
• FireFox 1.0.X, 1.5.X, 2.X
• Mozilla 1.7.X
Supported Web Browsers For Mac OS
•
Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS 10.1 Only)
• AOL OS X
• Mozilla 1.5, 1.7
• Firefox 1.0
• Safari 1.2, 1.3.1, & 2.0.1 or higher
Networking
• Networking Port 2304 must be open for Chat/Whiteboard
Other
Computer Software (*free download available)
• Microsoft Office (2000 or newer)
• *Adobe Reader 7.0
• *RealOne Player
For a detailed list of downloads please go to
http://d2.parature.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8134
Linux Operating System is NOT supported by Blackboard Vista.
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