Technical Requirements


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Minimum system requirements for completing Apollo College Online coursework

Sufficient technology and Internet access is required to complete coursework when you take an undergraduate college course at Apollo College Online. The following list will help verify that you are adequately equipped:
  • Minimum System Requirements
    • Supported Operating Systems
    • Productivity Tools
    • Internet Access
    • Supported Browsers
    • Plug-ins
    • Browser Settings
    • Supported Computer Security Options
  • Minimum Hardware Specifications
  • Additional Information and Recommendations
    • Internet Access
    • Email Account
    • Plug-Ins
    • Computer and Internet Security
    • Screen Settings
  • Buying a System? Apollo College Online System Purchase Specifications

Minimum System Requirements - Undergraduate

Following is the hardware and software needed to complete your college coursework at Apollo College Online:

Supported Operating Systems:
  • Windows XP (32-bit, with Service Pack 3),
  • Windows Vista (32-bit). 64-bit Operating Systems are not currently supported due to software incompatibility issues, particularly with Cafe Scribe eBooks and other required applications.
  • MAC OS 10 is supported, but there are some applications that require the Windows OS. You should be prepared to run the Parallels desktop and a Windows OS if you elect to use a MAC system. For more information on Parallels, see http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ and http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306559
It is highly recommended that you have administrative rights to the computer used for college coursework. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrative rights (such as a library computer or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions, such as installing plug-ins. Students using library or workplace computers will have limited support options due to access limitations on such networks. Check with your workplace IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network.

Productivity Tools:

  • Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 for Windows. Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac is an acceptable option for many courses. Coursework is to be submitted in .doc or .docx file formats.

Internet Access:

  • ISP account for Internet access and email address. (See more on Internet connectivity specifications below).

Supported Browsers:

  • Windows: Internet Explorer 7.0. (Free download available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx)
  • Windows: Internet Explorer 8.0 (Free download available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/thank-you.aspx)
  • Windows: Mozilla Firefox 2 (Free download available at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html)
  • Windows: Mozilla Firefox 3 (Free download at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/)
  • MAC: Mozilla Firefox 3 (Free download at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/)
  • MAC: Safari 3 (Safari is only supported on Mac computers)
Other browsers, including the AOL browser, Opera, Google Chrome, and Safari for Windows, are NOT currently supported for some components of your coursework. You may use AOL for your ISP, but you should use either IE or Firefox browser versions listed above. As new browser versions are released, announcements will be issued to notify students when the new versions have been tested and may be used safely.

See below for required Browser settings.

Plug-ins: The following plug-ins are required for many of the resources available in your online courses.
  • Adobe Flash Player (Current version is 10.0.22.87)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (Current version is Adobe Reader 9.1)
  • Café Scribe NOTE: This application will support eBooks in your courses.
  • RealPlayer (Basic) (Click on the Get RealPlayer Free button)
  • Apple QuickTime Player (Quick Time 7.0)\
  • Java 1.5 or higher (The latest Java plugin is available at http://www.java.com)
  • Citrix Client: XenApp Client
    • Windows
    • MAC
Additional plug-ins and/or downloads may be required by specific courses. The courses will include information for obtaining and installing the appropriate plug-ins. Browser Settings:
  • Java Script should be enabled (See http://www.google.com/support/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=23852 for help)
  • Java should be enabled (See http://java.com/en/download/help/enable_browser.xml for help)
  • Cookies should be enabled (See http://www.google.com/cookies.html for help)
  • Know how to allow Pop-Up windows (See http://www.ehow.com/how_4853175_disable-popup-blockers.html for help)
Supported Computer Security Options (Windows): Anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware Recommended and supported:
  • McAfee Virus Scan 8.5
  • Windows Internet Connection Firewall
  • Windows Defender Anti-Spyware
  • AVG Anti-Virus
Minimum Hardware Specifications:
  • Pentium-class 1 GHz or faster processor.
  • 2 GB of RAM (3 GB recommended for those running the Vista Operating System)
  • High speed connection to the Internet
  • CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive - Note that some software may require a DVD drive for installation
  • Hard drive: 160 GB
  • Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024x768 display
  • Stereo sound card, speakers and/or headset, microphone
  • Monitor - 1024 x 768
  • A Webcam may be required in courses in some programs. Check with your academic advisor.
NOTES:
  • Specific curricula for college courses may require additional software purchases. Any additional software requirements will be provided in the syllabi for your courses.
  • Computer specifications are reviewed and revised every six months to accommodate changes in technology. While every attempt is made to ensure that these specifications satisfy all curricular needs for students completing courses, Apollo College Online reserves the right to require upgrades in the event of technology changes. Students will be given 90 days notice before such changes are implemented.
  • Courseware cannot be accessed using Web TV.
  • Course access using iPhones and mobile devices is not supported at this time.
  • Students who need assistive technologies will have different computer and technology requirements. Please check with your Student Services counselor to determine the requirements for the specific technologies needed to support your coursework.

Additional Information and Recommendations

Internet Access

Internet access is required to participate in online components of your college courses at Apollo College Online. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet in order of preference:
  • Recommended: LAN, Cable, or DSL connection. Highly recommended for optimal student experience.
  • 56K Dial-up connection. Many course components will have suboptimal performance when accessed through a 56K dial-up connection.
  • Satellite and/or Wireless Internet connection. Satellite and wireless connections are not supported in our learning platform. Performance may be suboptimal due to latency and signal instability.
If AOL is your ISP, you must use the Internet Explorer or Firefox browser, rather than the default AOL browser, to complete coursework in a college course online. Simply launch the appropriate browser after logging onto your AOL account.

If you connect to the Internet through your employer, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network.

Email Account
A valid email address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in components of your coursework.

Plug-ins
All plug-ins needed to participate in components of your online coursework are available free of charge. It is recommended that you review the list of plug-ins and install them prior to beginning your coursework.

Computer and Internet Security
The ease and convenience of accessing educational materials through the Internet brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets of 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 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.

Since an anti-virus program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably on a weekly basis.

Personal firewalls are another means to protect your computer from malicious activity when you are connected to the Internet. Windows comes with a built-in personal Firewall. It is recommended that you enable the Windows Internet Connection Firewall and learn how to use this application to protect your computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.

Along with keeping your antivirus updated, it is equally, if not more important to also ensure that your Windows critical updates are current. As Microsoft finds weaknesses in their Operating Systems, they post updates that can be downloaded and installed. These updates can be set to occur automatically, but they may at times require user input to complete the update. You can learn more about Windows updates at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/windowsupdate/learn/windowsxp.mspx. Your Windows updates should be checked on a weekly basis.

More information from Microsoft.

Screen Settings

Your screen resolution (size) should be set at minimum 1024 x 768 or higher.

Buying a System? Here's what we purchase when we buy new computers …

If you are purchasing a new system, the following are the specifications for all new computers purchased by Apollo College Online for student labs. These specifications exceed the Minimum Requirements, but they may provide you with a guideline for configuring your new system.

Laptop
  • Processor: AMD Turion ZM-80 (2.1Ghz),
  • Monitor: 15.4 WXGA display,
  • RAM: 2GB RAM (800DDR2/1DM),
  • Hard drive: 160GB HD (7200RPM),
  • DVDRW drive,
  • Connectivity: Intel 802.11 a/b/g/n (wireless), 56k modem
  • Warranty: 3-yr warranty
Desktop
  • ENERGY STAR® 5.0 Qualified EPEAT™ Gold 85% efficient power supply
  • Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo E8500 processor (3.16 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)
  • Memory: - 4 GB DDR2 800 MHz non-ECC (2 x 2 GB DIMM)
  • Hard Drive: - 250 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, SMART IV
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
  • Optical Drive: 16X/48X SATA DVD-ROM
  • Sound: Integrated High Definition audio with ADI1884 codec
  • Network Card: Integrated Intel 82567LM 10/100/1000
  • 19-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor
  • Warranty: 3 years



MISSION OF APOLLO COLLEGE
To prepare graduates to become health care professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume entry-level positions in the health care industry.
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