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Computer Requirements

Students connect to our WebCT (Web Course Tools) courses using an internet connection, modern computer hardware, and several different pieces of free software. Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all these components. While our courses are designed to accommodate slow dial-in connections, higher Internet connection speeds are preferable.

If you plan to use your work-based computer and/or Internet connection to complete this course, please ensure that you have your organization's permission to utilize its computer resources, to relax its firewall requirements, and to install new software as necessary. Please note that some organizations will not permit the use of all software required for access to WebCT and multimedia components of some courses. Some organizations may also be unwilling to create exceptions to their firewalls. If your workplace is unable to support the current requirements of WebCT and other course components, you are responsible for making alternate arrangements. Our preferred solution is to acquire a modern home-based computer with no restrictions on software installations, and a home-based internet account. Suitably equipped computers with internet access may possibly be found in local libraries and local businesses such as Internet cafes, although we recommend this solution only as a last resort.

WebCT is a constantly evolving product, and the software requirements for it and other course components change frequently. Following are the requirements at the time of writing:

Supported operating systems are:

  • Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, ME, or XP
  • Apple Macintosh OS 9 and OS X

Your computer must be equipped with Java Web Start software version 1.4.2 for Windows or for Mac. This software may or may not be included with your operating system, and can be downloaded for free through the Internet. You require at least one web browser, and we strongly recommend the installation of a second, different web browser as a backup. Your browser(s) must be Java enabled, JavaScript enabled, must accept cookies, and have pop-up blockers turned off while using WebCT.

Supported browsers for Windows are:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, 6.0
  • Netscape 6.2x, 7.0, 7.1
  • AOL 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
  • Mozilla 1.5, 1.6.

Supported browsers for Mac are:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS 9.x and OS X 10.1) and 5.2 (OS X 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
  • Netscape 6.2.x (OS 9.x and OS X), 7.0 and 7.1 (OS X), AOL OS X
  • Mozilla 1.5, 1.6 (OS X)
  • Safari 1.2 (OS X only)

All the above browsers are available free via the Internet.

In order to view portable document files (PDF), you will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and browser plug-ins. Mac OS X users must use alternate browser plug-ins such as Schubert-IT.

To view some optional orientation materials, you'll need the Flash Player browser plug-in, another free download.

You will need at least one paid, commercial software program for word processing. Your choices are:

  • Microsoft Word or Office 97, 98, 2000, 2003, XP, or X
  • Corel WordPerfect version 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12

If you do not already have access to one of these programs, you will probably need to purchase it. Written assignments will not be accepted unless submitted in one of the above the above formats.

If your instructor uses material in the course that requires additional browser plug-ins or special software, they will provide the necessary information on how/where to acquire and install the programs. Access to a printer is necessary if you wish to print your assignments or if you wish to print materials from the Internet.

If you have any questions about these requirements, please email NACLAA.