ITS workshop
What is the recommended hardware?
What is the recommended software?
What plugins do I need?
Why do I need to meet these specs?
What if I’m not sure if my system is adequate?
The following PC and Mac computer hardware recommendations are base specifications. In general, if you have a computer 3 years old or newer, your computer should work well for participating in SPU online courses.
PC
- Pentium 4, Pentium D, or Pentium Core 2 Duo
or compatible processor (AMD) - 1GB RAM minimum Windows XP (2GB recommended for Vista)
- 128mb video card w/Direct X9 (256mb video card w/Direct X9 for Vista)
- Windows XP or Windows Vista
- Sound card
- Speakers
- Broadband connection (i.e. cable, DSL)
- Internet service provider with web and email access
Macintosh
- 1.2 gHz G4
- 512 MB RAM recommended
- Millions of colors (24/32 Bit) at 1024 x 768 resolution
- OS X 10.3 and higher
- Speakers (Optional if built-in speakers are adequate for listening to audio)
- Broadband connection (i.e. cable, DSL)
- Internet Service Provider with web and email access
- Free downloadable browsers:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer - Firefox
- Microsoft Office 2007 (PC), Microsoft Office 2004 (Mac) and Anti-Virus software are available online to designated SPU students. See the following link: http://www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk/software/license/ for details.
If you are having difficulty viewing Office 2007 files (i.e. .docx, .pptx) because you do not have Office 2007 on your computer yet, you will need to download the free Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats to view documents saved in the new file formats.
Plugins
Some courses use specific plugins in order to enable course content to be displayed. A plugin is a small piece of software that is added to a program to expand its functionality. For instance, normally one would not be able to view video over the web using Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, but a plugin would enable these types of media to be viewed through the web browser.
Plugins vary in size and some require several minutes to download. Please take the time to download them so that you can receive the fullest online learning experience possible.
Why do I need to meet these specs?
Online courses at SPU utilize progressive technology to enhance course delivery, instruction and learning. Therefore, it is recommended that all participants in an online course have consistent access to both hardware and software capable of supporting learning. By ensuring that your computer system meets our recommendations, you will be able to focus on the subject matter of the course rather than the technology.
Due to the rapid changes in technology, we recommend that if you are considering upgrading your computer system, you weigh the costs and benefits of purchasing a new system.
What if I'm not sure if my system is adequate?
If you have any questions as to the viability of your current computer configuration for fully-online courses, please contact us.