Technical requirements
Technology Training for Incoming Students
- VSU E-Hiker's Survival Guide* [pdf]
- MLIS Technology Training [ppt]
- WebCT Vista Help
- Student Online Readiness Tool
* The document is revised as VSU Web sites in the document are updated.
Computer System Needs
The MLIS recommended specifications* for:
| Desktop Computers (PC/Mac) | Laptop Computers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| * The MLIS specifications are for PCs. If you are a Macintosh or Linux user, please contact us. ** If your laptop pc doesn't have built-in microphone/speakers, you must have a headset. *** More information about the correct version of Java software is available at Distance Learning's Java page. |
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Recommended minimum requirements for WebCT Vista, VSU’s program choice for course management, can be found here.
Software Guide
The most important software application that you will need is the Microsoft Office Suite. Beware: there are Microsoft Office software packs with various programs in them. When buying a Microsoft Office pack, make sure it at least contains: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint (the full version and not just the viewer), and Excel. It is also suggested that the suite contains Microsoft Office Publisher and Microsoft Access as well. Another thing to look for is the release year. It is important to have the most up to date version as possible to avoid compatibility issues.
In general Microsoft Office can be purchased from anywhere computers are sold: i.e. office stores, computer stores, Wal-Mart, etc. However, these might not provide you with the best price. One good place to buy Microsoft Office is the school’s Tech Shop. A copy of Microsoft Office 2003 that meets the minimum needs can be obtained there for *$139.99 without Publisher and *$199.95 with Publisher. Another place to look for this software is CampusTech.com. Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Student and Teacher Edition with six applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, and Outlook) can be bought on CampusTech.com for around *$169.85 plus shipping. Prices may be cheaper on Amazon.com when you buy the software from an independent seller. Whenever buying software on the Web (e.g., E-Bay) exercise caution and read the selling information carefully. Sometimes they are actually selling a download instead of shipping an actual disc.
Please note that opening Microsoft Word with any other generic program (Notepad, MS Works, WordPad) may cause formatting errors. For this reason, it is important that your computer have the Microsoft Office 2003 or better installed. MS Office 2007 is officially used by the VSU faculty and administration.
* Prices recorded on April 13, 2007; actual prices may vary.
Money saving tips:
- Since you are a student, take advantage of the Microsoft Student and Teacher Edition. Generally this will be cheaper than any other Office package. This also comes in various forms so make sure it includes the programs that you want.
- Most Microsoft Office packages can be placed on multiple computers, generally two or three, so you don’t have to buy multiple copies for your multiple computers (e.g. home, office, laptop).
- Most faculty and staff of the school can obtain a copy of the Microsoft Office Suite for home use at a discounted rate. For more information and to see if you qualify, go here.
- Make sure you buy the most current edition of Microsoft Office. There’s no point in wasting money on older editions that may have compatibility issues.
- The school does have some free software that can be downloaded here. In particular you need to download the anti-virus software they provide.
The PDF requires 