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Project 5: Capacity Building for Consumers of Disability Research
Technical Requirements: MU Direct Courses
Please review the requirements below to determine if you have adequate computer support for online class instruction.
Hardware/Software
IBM Computers and IBM Compatibles with Windows Operating Systems
Processor: Pentium II 350; Celeron 400 (2.4+ GHz Pentium IV recommended)
Memory: 64 MB RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
Hard Drive: minimum of 10 GB free (40 GB or higher free space recommended)
CD/DVD Drive: 20x speed (48x CD-ROM/CD-RW, DVD recommended)
Modem: 56K
Operating System: Windows XP, 2000, 98
Macintosh Computers
Processor: Mac PowerPC (PowerMac G4 recommended) Memory: 64 MB RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
Hard Drive: minimum of 10 GB free (40 GB or higher free space recommended)
CD/DVD Drive: 20x speed (48x CD-ROM/CD-RW, DVD recommended)
Modem: 56K
Operating System: Mac OS 9.0 (Mac OS 10.2 recommended)
Internet Service Provider
If you do not have access already at home or work, make arrangements for an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Services vary among ISP's, so consider the cost, time you will spend online, accessibility, speed, ease of set up and components of the provider's basic service. Also, make sure that the provider includes SLIP or PPP services as part of their Internet package; this is required for full Internet access with graphics capabilities. You also must have an active e-mail account to take Internet courses.
Avenues for Communication
Course guidelines and materials are presented over the WWW and require a frames and java capable browser such as Netscape 4.76 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or higher. Please note that some browsers may not be fully compatible with our course software. If you experience problems with your course you may need to experiment with different browsers.
Downloadable Software Updates
Netscape
http://home.netscape.com/computing/download/index.html
Microsoft Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html
Virus Protection
Quality virus protection software is required. This software is especially critical if you are accessing coursework from a computer on a network that is not protected by regularly updated virus-protection software. Virus protection software provides computer systems protection against potentially damaging computer viruses. New viruses appear on a frequent basis; keep your virus protection software current by installing upgrades as they become available.
Your Internet service provider can give you a recommendation on the software that may work best for you, or do a web search on computer virus software for a list of virus protection products.
Course ID and Password
Courses have areas that are accessible to the general public and areas that are password protected. The password-protected areas are where the instructional content of courses is located. When entering the password-protected areas, a user ID and a password are needed. Students will receive a course ID and password on, or shortly prior to, the start date of their course.
Initial Assignment
Many of the on-line courses have an introductory lesson that guides students through using the site. For these courses, the initial assignment is to go to the course home page and complete the brief tutorial before starting other lessons. This assures that students will be able to apply the technical skills necessary to successfully complete the course. For courses that do not have an introductory lesson, students send the instructor an e-mail message indicating they have received their password and have been able to enter into the password protected section of the course web site.
If difficulties are experienced when accessing the web site, sending an e-mail message, or contacting the instructor, students should call their Internet service provider to check that Internet access and e-mail access are operating properly. If students can access other web sites and can send and receive e-mail with other individuals, they should call MU Direct at 1-800-545-2604 and explain the nature of the problem. The appropriate people will be notified.
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