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Technical requirements

Technology Training for Incoming Students

Computer System Needs

Recommended minimum technical requirements for BlazeView, VSU’s course management system.

Microsoft Office

MS Office 2010 is officially used by the VSU faculty and administration. Please note that opening Microsoft Word with any other generic program (Notepad, MS Works, WordPad) may cause formatting errors. For this reason, these programs are *not* substitutes for Microsoft Word.

In general Microsoft Office can be purchased from anywhere computers are sold. Beware: 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. Look for the release year. It is important to have the most up to date version as possible to avoid compatibility issues. If purchasing from the Web, read the selling information carefully. You may be buying a download rather than an actual disc.

As a student, you are entitled to educational discounts. 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 home, office, laptop.  Currently, a copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2010/2011 for the PC is $99.99 from these reputable sources:

Other Software

  • VSU has free software that can be downloaded from here. In particular you need to download the anti-virus software they provide.    
  • If you work for VSU full-time, you 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.   

** Last updated on July 25, 2011; actual prices may vary.

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