Computer Requirements

Your computer will be your primary tool in accomplishing class work and communicating with your teacher and fellow students in an online course. It is critical that it meets certain general requirements which are listed below. Each university offering online courses may have more specific requirements for their courses, usually tied to the type of learning or course management they use to support the online ACE courses. Fast computers with fast Internet connections will always deliver a better online learning experience. Check your current system against these lists before you commit to an online program of study.

General Computer Guidelines:

Operating System:

* PC Users:  Windows 95 or higher
* Macintosh Users:  System 8.1 or higher

Processor:  133 MHz or higher

Memory:  64 MEG RAM

Hard Drive Space:  Generally speaking, enough to effectively run a web browser

Internet Connection:  56Kbps modem or better. Some classes using streaming media or large files and will require faster (broadband) connections. Check with the instructor.

CD-ROM:  Some classes may have CD-ROM component. Check with the instructor.

Sound Card:  Some classes may have components requiring a sound card. Check with the instructor.

Internet Service Provider:  You must be able to connect to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your home institution may provide Internet access. Check with your home institution.

Web Browser:  Each university's requirements will be different. Check with the university offering your course what their requirements for a web browser are.

Email Client:  You must be able to send and receive email via a personal email account. Most universities provide students with email addresses. Check with your home institution for this information. You can also use Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) or Yahoo (mail.yahoo.com) for a free web-based email address.

Home University Computer Specification Links:

Central Michigan University

Grand Valley State University  

Oakland University

Computer Requirements

Your computer will be your primary tool in accomplishing class work and communicating with your teacher and fellow students in an online course. It is critical that it meets certain general requirements which are listed below. Each university offering online courses may have more specific requirements for their courses, usually tied to the type of learning or course management they use to support the online ACE courses. Fast computers with fast Internet connections will always deliver a better online learning experience. Check your current system against these lists before you commit to an online program of study.

General Computer Guidelines:

Operating System:

* PC Users:  Windows 95 or higher
* Macintosh Users:  System 8.1 or higher

Processor:  133 MHz or higher

Memory:  64 MEG RAM

Hard Drive Space:  Generally speaking, enough to effectively run a web browser

Internet Connection:  56Kbps modem or better. Some classes using streaming media or large files and will require faster (broadband) connections. Check with the instructor.

CD-ROM:  Some classes may have CD-ROM component. Check with the instructor.

Sound Card:  Some classes may have components requiring a sound card. Check with the instructor.

Internet Service Provider:  You must be able to connect to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your home institution may provide Internet access. Check with your home institution.

Web Browser:  Each university's requirements will be different. Check with the university offering your course what their requirements for a web browser are.

Email Client:  You must be able to send and receive email via a personal email account. Most universities provide students with email addresses. Check with your home institution for this information. You can also use Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) or Yahoo (mail.yahoo.com) for a free web-based email address.

Home University Computer Specification Links:

Central Michigan University

Grand Valley State University  

Oakland University