Sufficient technology and Internet access is required to access online coursework. The following list will help verify that you are adequately equipped. For questions regarding these requirements, please call (708) 697-5092 or email us at helpdesk@josephcenter.com

• Minimum System Requirements
• Internet Access
• Email Account
• Plug-Ins
• Computer and Internet Security
• Screen Settings

Minimum System Requirements

• Windows:
  Windows® 98/2000/ME/XP
  600 MHz Pentium PC or comparable with 256MB of RAM (512 recommended)
  10GB Total Hard Disk space, or 8GB available after Operating System install
  
• Mac®:
  Macintosh OSX 10.1 and later
  128MB of RAM


• Microsoft® Office XP Professional or higher - must include the following: Word, Excel, Power Point and Access


• 56K modem or better for dial-up Internet (optional if using High-Speed Internet)


• CD-ROM or DVD Drive


• ISP account for Internet access and e -mail address


• Java-enabled Internet Browser:
  
  Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, 6.0
  Internet Explorer 5.2 or Safari 1.1, 1.2 for Macintosh


• Current versions of the following plug-ins:
  
  Flash Plug-In
  Acrobat Reader
  Real Player
  Quick time
  
  Some additional plug-ins will be required by specific courses. The courses will include information for obtaining and installing the appropriate plug-ins.


• Anti Virus software


• Sound capability

NOTE: There may be additional software you need to purchase as required in specific curricula. Check with your instructor to make sure you have all of the necessary software for your course.

Computer specifications are reviewed and revised on an annual basis to accommodate changes in technology. While every attempt is to ensure that these specifications satisfy all curricular needs for students entering the program, The Joseph Center reserves the right to require upgrades in the event of technology changes. Students will be given 90 days notice before such changes are implemented.

Internet Access

Internet access is required to participate in online courses. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet.

If AOL is your ISP, we recommend using one of the supported browsers, rather than the default AOL browser. Simply launch the appropriate browser after logging onto your AOL account. All downloads you need are free of charge and can be found by clicking the icon below.

Email Account

A valid e-mail address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in Online Learning programs.

Plug-Ins

All Plug-Ins needed for participation in online coursework are available free of charge. You may download and install these Plug-Ins by clicking on the links below.

Computer and Internet Security

The ease and convenience of online education through the World Wide Web brings with it the need to assure that our computers do not become targets for unwanted and often malicious attacks and intrusions by computer viruses and/or hackers. To prevent this, we recommend using an Anti Virus package and a corporate or personal firewall.

Your computer is subject to virus attack whether you're surfing the Internet or getting information from floppy disks, CDs or a network. Email attachments are particularly vulnerable.

Norton Anti Virus ^TM and McAfee Virus Scan^TM are two of the most popular and effective Anti Virus programs on the market. Both products offer the security of automatic protection against viruses, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets and other dangerous code. Both programs also offer automatic retrieval of new anti virus definitions for updating. Since an Anti Virus program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably on a monthly basis.

If you spend a lot of time online - especially if you have a cable modem or DSL line - you need a strong defense against Internet threats. With the explosive growth of e-commerce, each of us needs to take extra steps to safeguard confidential information on our PC from unwanted visitors.

Norton Internet Security 2000 and McAfee Personal Firewall are both designed to stop malicious Java^TM applets and ActiveX controls and hackers before they can access your valuable data. Both products also offer effective tools to protect credit card numbers, bank account information and other personal data.

For more information or to purchase and download Norton and McAfee Anti Virus and Internet Security products, visit the following web sites:

Symantec Products
McAfee.com

Screen Settings

Your screen resolution (size) should be set at minimum 800X600, recommended 1024X768. Most computers are pre-configured with a screen resolution of 640 x 480, which may limit visibility of course content. Adjusting the screen size to 800 x 600 is recommended for better usability.

To check the resolution setting for Windows® Operating Systems:

• Go to the Start Menu on the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
• Select Settings.
• Choose the Control Panel option.
• Double click on the Display icon.
• Click on the Settings tab.
• In the box titled Desktop Area you will be able to see the screen resolution setting, move the slider to the right to change this setting.

To check the resolution settings for Mac®:

• Click on the Apple menu on the top left-hand corner of your screen.
• Select Control Panel.
• Choose Monitor & Sounds from the menu.
• In the resolution box, make sure 800 x 600 is highlighted.