Technical Requirements

Before you register for a PED course, please make sure that you meet all of the technical requirements.

• Internet Access
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Computer Literacy
  

Internet Access

• A web browser to enable your computer to talk to the web: Netscape or Internet Explorer V4.x or better. AOL users should update their software to the latest available. Note: Netscape version 6.0 will not work with some web sites, including WebCT. It is recommended that version 4.x of Netscape or version 5.x of Internet Explorer (with the exception of V5.5 with Service Pack 1) be used as web browsers. AOL subscribers should use Netscape or Internet Explorer, not the AOL browser to access WebCT pages.
• An Internet service provider (ISP) that provides technical support.

Computer Hardware

• A Pentium-based processor with Windows 9x/Me/2000 or better highly recommended or a Macintosh running System 8.6 or higher.
  32 MB of RAM; 128 MB or better recommended.
  300 MB of free hard disk space; 500 MB or better recommended.
  
• A modem or other high-speed Internet connection that provides a reliable connection without dropping the line. A 56 Kbps modem or better using standard phone lines will give you adequate performance in most situations.
• A sound card and speakers to allow you to listen to audio on-line.

Computer Software

• Real Player to view audio/powerpoint presentations. If you do not have RealPlayer you can download this at http://www.real.com/ Select the free version.
• Acrobat Reader to view pdf files. If you do not have Acrobat Reader it can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

Remember! These specifications are minimal, and you'll get by with them. The higher recommendations will provide you with a faster, more reliable, and enjoyable on-line experience. You may be able to access some courses using computers with less than the minimum specifications. However, you are more likely experience problems.

On a Windows computer, click on Start/Settings/Control Panel and then double-click on the System icon. A window will open showing you the basic information about your computer. To check free disk space, double-click on My Computer, right-click on your hard disk icon (normally Drive C), and click on Properties.

On a Macintosh computer, click on the apple icon in the upper-left corner and drag down to About this computer. A window will open showing you the basic information about the configuration. To check disk space on a Mac, click on the hard disk icon, press and hold down on the open apple key, and press the i key.

While using a web browser go to the Help menu item and drag down to About. It will open up a window with the version number.

Computer Literacy

Acquiring a basic computer literacy is required whether you use a PC or Mac. It is highly recommended to have a good command of your computer. Before taking on-line courses you should be able to.

Copy and Paste
Save Attachments
Install Software
Mouse Skills
Internet Skills
Dialing In/Logging In
Internet Browser Software
Web Searching

For WebCT technological questions, please call (614) 688 - HELP (4357) or send an e-mail to 8help@osu.edu. Technical support for WebCT is available between 7 am and 10 pm EST Monday through Friday.