Technical Requirements for Online MBA Courses

 

Overview of Requirements:

1. Personal computer (Mac or PC)
2. Basic computer skills
3. Internet connection
4. Email program and account
5. 56 kps modem (minimum)
6. Java capable browser
7. Shockwave plugin installed (to use chat)

8. Speakers

9. Active UMail Account


Windows:

Hardware: Intel Pentium II 450 MHz or faster processor, Intel Cpre Duo 1.33GHz or faster processor: 128MB of RAM; soundcard

OS: Windows 2000, XP, Vista

Browsers: Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 (in compatability mode); Firefox 2, 3.0.x
High Speed internet connection (DSL, cable, etc.)

Email access

Macintosh:

Hardware: PowerPC G3 500 MHz or faster processor, Intel Core Cuo 1.33GHz of faster processor, 128MB or RAM; soundcard

OS: MAC OS Xv10.4 or 10.5

Browsers: Safari 2, 3; Firefox 2

High Speed internet connection (DSL, cable, etc.)

Email access

 

AOL and MSN USERS

The AOL and MSN browsers are no longer supported. To access Blackboard once you have made your AOL or MSN connection, please minimize AOL/MSN and open one of the supported browsers listed above.

Other software may be needed and will be specified by the instructor of each course. Below you will find a list of software applications available to you online at no cost. Please consult your course outline/syllabus for information on any specific software required by your instructor.

 

Supported Browsers

In order to participate in online courses, you will need to use a Java capable web browser. For a listing of supported browsers, or to download browsers free of charge, please visit www.webct.com/tuneup .

 

Active UMail Account

You must activate your university e-mail account (UMail ) to receive class log-in information. If you are a new student, directions will be sent to your non-university e-mail address explaining how to activate your UMail account. After this initial e-mail, all future communications will be sent to your UMail address. If you already have a UMail account, make sure your account is active. If you have questions or problems with UMail, please contact OIT (Office of Information Technologies) at 413-545-9400 or submit a help request online.

 

Additional Software Downloads

It is possible that an instructor uses a file that requires the student to have MSWord, MSExcel, or MSPowerPoint on their computer. Downloads of Viewer software for these popular files can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/Downloads/

The following list of software applications are available for you to download without cost.

Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

RealNetworks RealPlayer
Some audio files and/or streaming media files require Real Audio software to run - this FREE download can be found at: http://www.real.com/

Microsoft Media Player
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer
(for viewing PowerPoint presentations if you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/powerpoint/

Microsoft Word Viewer
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/word/

Microsoft Excel Viewer
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/excel/