Technical Requirements for Self-Paced Courses
Self-Paced Courses
Web-based Component Requirements
For courses, you need to have:
- A Computer that is less than 3 years old
- Internet Access
- A compatible Internet Browser
For more information, click on a question below to expand the information:
What Kind of Computer do I Need?
Any new computer purchased in the last three years should meet the minimum requirements listed below.
Recommended Computer Specifications
| For PC: | For Mac: |
|---|---|
| Dual Core Processor | G5 processor |
| Windows XP Home or Professional | Mac OS X 10.4 |
| 2 GB RAM or higher | 2 GB MB RAM or higher |
| 16 GB hard disk space free | 16 GB hard disk space free |
| A monitor capable of handling at least 1024 x 768 resolution | A monitor capable of handling at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| DVD drive (16x) or faster | DVD drive (16x) or faster |
| Sound care with external speakers | Sound care with external speakers |
| Broadband connection (DSL, cable, etc) | Broadband connection (DSL, cable, etc) |
Please note: at this time we do not recommend using Windows Vista. If you already have it installed and you use Internet Explorer 7, you will need to disable a feature in Blackboard in order to post to discussion boards.
Minimum Computer Specifications
| For PC: | For Mac: |
|---|---|
| Processor Speed 3 GHz | G4 processor |
| Windows 2000 | Mac OS 10.2.8 |
| 512 MB RAM | 512 MB RAM |
| 2 GB hard disk space free | 1 GB hard disk space free |
| A monitor capable of handling at least 800 x 600 resolution | A monitor capable of handling at least 800 x 600 resolution |
| CD-ROM drive (16x) | CD-ROM drive (16x) |
| Sound card with external speakers | Sound card with external speakers |
| 56K bps data-fax modem or higher | 56K bps data-fax modem or higher |
Do I need Internet Access?
We recommend that you have a computer and internet access at home. However if you do not, you can come to campus and use the computer labs. The most widely available lab on campus is the Computer Commons located in the TL building on the main floor. They are open Monday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Below are links to various web sites that list low-cost/reliable Internet Service Providers (ISP). Please note that these are external websites and Columbus State does not promote or advocate any particular ISP.
Which Internet Browser should I Use?
Internet Browser Recommendations
Please note: at this time we do not recommend using Internet Explorer 8.
| Browser | Learn More | Download |
|---|---|---|
 Firefox |  |  |
 Internet Explorer 7.0 | | |
 Safari | | |
How should I Configure my Internet Browser?
| System and Browser Settings | Learn More |
|---|---|
 Javascript (Should be enabled) | |
 Cookies (Should be enabled) | |
 Frames (Should be enabled) | |
 Images Enabled (Should be enabled) | |
 Screen Resolution (Should be 1024 x 768) | |
What Plug-ins do I Need?
These plug-ins assist your browser in reading various media types. Most browsers and computers already have the majority of these plug-ins already installed. You can click on the Information button beside each plug-in to learn more about the plug-in, as well as manually test your computer to see if it is already installed.
| Plug-In | Learn More | Download |
|---|---|---|
 Adobe (Macromedia) Authorware Player | | |
 Adobe (Macromedia) Flash Player | | |
 Adobe (Macromedia) Shockwave | | |
 Adobe Acrobat | | |
 Java Runtime Environment | | |
 Quicktime | | |
 RealPlayer | | |
 Windows Media Player | | |
 MathPlayer 2.0 | | |
 MathML Fonts | | |
What Other Software might I Need?
If you do not have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, you may need to download a few readers in order to view PowerPoint files, Excel spreadsheets and/or Word documents.
| Other Items You May Need | Learn More | Download |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 98 for Macs | | |
 Microsoft Excel Viewer 2003 | | |
| Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 2003 | | |
 Microsoft Word Viewer 2003 | | |
 Microsoft PowerPoint Animation Viewer | | |
 SnapShot Viewer for Microsoft Access | | |
 Open Office | | |
Helpful Hints for the Blackboard User
- Disable Pop-Up Blocker Software
- Remove Spyware
- Check Firewall Settings to make sure settings are not blocking Blackboard or CSCC sites. Depend-lefting on your access location, a Firewall may be on your computer, on a network or through your ISP.
- Your browser may need to be set to check for new versions of stored pages with every visit. In Internet Explorer 6.0, go to "Tools" menu and choose "Internet Options". Under "Temporary Internet Files", choose "Settings". Under "Check for Newer Version of Stored Pages", check "Every visit to the page". Click "Ok", then "Ok" again.
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