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Technical Requirements

Having a correctly configured computer will help ensure your success in WebCT Vista at VSU. Check the information below to be sure that your computer meets all the necessary technical requirements for hardware and software. Links to the plug-ins (special free software) that you will need are also listed below.

Computer Hardware & Peripherals

  • Windows PC or Apple Macintosh: 
  • PC:  VGA (or equivalent) monitor or better
  • PC:  Sound card with speakers or headphones, required in some courses
  • Some courses require a microphone (a USB headset might be ideal)
  • A printer is highly recommended

Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows 2000, XP, VistaOS: Once you determine that Vista is working well on your computer, be wary of subsequently installing unknown (or unnecessary?) "Automatic Updates" from Microsoft & Sun.  Any such update may impair your computer's ability to work with WebCT Vista at VSU.
  • MacOS X 10.3.9 or higher  ("Classic" MacOS 9 is not supported.)

Internet Access

A connection to the Internet access is required to use WebCT Vista at VSU.  A high-speed internet connection (cable modem, DSL, or LAN) is strongly recommended.  Performance may suffer over dialup, especially for those courses with audio and/or video components.

Java

WebCT Vista at VSU requires that ONE version of Sun's Java (JRE=Java Runtime Environment) be installed on your computer.  This is particularly the case for Windows computers.  (Apple computers seem less sensitive to this.)  Installing Java "updates" will actually install AN ADDITIONAL version of Java on your computer.

For more information on Java and WebCT Vista,  Java Issues at http://www.valdosta.edu/vista/java.shtml 

Supported Web Browsers

  • For Macintosh users, the Safari browser is the ONLY supported web browser.
  • The AOL browser does not always work well with Vista, although recent versions have performed better.  Once connected via AOL, users should launch another browser, such as Firefox.
  • Netscape 7 has been known to have problems with some course content; Netscape 8 is NOT supported.
  • If your browser is set to the highest "security setting," you may experience difficulties viewing some pages.  If these problems persist, lower your browser's security setting (to "Medium").
     

Plug-ins

You may need these free software utilities for VSU online courses.  Some courses may require additional software; check your course syllabus.


Virus & Spyware Protection Software

ALL COMPUTERS CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET—especially those running Windows, or using Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint)—SHOULD HAVE CURRENT VIRUS DETECTION/REMOVAL SOFTWARE INSTALLED.  IN ADDITION, ALL WINDOWS COMPUTERS SHOULD BE RUNNING SPYWARE DETECTION/REMOVAL SOFTWARE, WITH CURRENT DEFINITIONS.

It is possible for Internet users to spread a virus by sharing infected computer files, and spyware can be picked up anywhere while surfing the web.  Directions for locating and downloading Virus & Spyware Protection software may be found at the VSU Anti-Virus Resources page - http://www.valdosta.edu/antivirus/

 

Adapted from University System of Georgia: Advanced Learning Technologies content


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