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Basic skills overview:
Understand basic computer usage, including keyboard, mouse, CD player, printer and modem (cable, DSL, wireless, dial-up).

Are you ready to take an online course?

Have you considered the myths and facts of online coursework? [here]

Do you know how to:

• Use the computer operating system (Windows/Mac OS) to:
• Create folders/directories
• Find, copy, move, rename and delete files
• Run and switch between multiple programs
• Format media and create backup files

• Use a word processing program to:
• Create, format, edit, spell check, save, print, and retrieve a document
• Cut, copy, and paste information within and between documents
• Save a word processing document in text or RTF (rich text file) format
• Access the Internet via dial-up modem, DSL, cable modem, or a network interface

• Configure and use a Web browser to:
• Open, print, and/or save Web pages to a local disk drive
• Open and save Adobe Acrobat files (PDF files)
• Create, maintain, and manage a list of Web pages (Favorites/Bookmarks)
• Copy bookmark/favorites/URLs/hyperlinks to a word processor
• Use a search engine's basic features to find information on the Web
• Download and install programs from remote servers

• Use an e-mail client (program) to:
• Send, receive, store, and retrieve messages
• Send, receive, and open file attachments

Here are some suggested technical requirements:
The primary online learning tool used is VSpace (online learning and portfolios system). You should be familiar with the Discussion and Private Messages, Assignments, Resources, Gradebook, and Chatroom features at a minimum. You are expected to use all items in the Menu, especially those features added for the course. You will need to have access to a computer which has access to the internet. While a high speed connection to the Internet is not required, you may want to consider adding it to improve your Internet speed connection. The following are some technical requirements needed to participate in the online course:

• PC
• Windows OS 98/NT/2000/XP/Vista
• Internet Explorer 6.0 (or above) - or - Firefox 1.5 (or above)
• Virus protection on your computer
• Ability to download programs
• Minimum of 128K ram
• Internet connectivity (56K or higher)
• Email capabilities
• Word processor software program
• Mac
  • G3 processor (or higher)
  • Mac OS 9.x/OSX
  • Internet Explorer 5.0 (or above) - or - Firefox 1.5 (or above) - or - Safari
  • Virus protection on your computer
  • Ability to download programs
  • Minimum of 128K ram
  • Internet connectivity (56K or higher)
  • Email capabilities
  • Word processor software program

If you need assistance, check with the Student Technology Center, 2nd floor Zahnow Library.

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