1GHz or faster CPU
256 MB or more of RAM
56K dial-up connection (DSL or Cable Broadband strongly suggested)
Windows XP (Mac OS X and Linux/Unix OS are suitable for most, but not all, online course applications
CD-ROM drive (DVD drive may be required for some course content
Sound card and speakers/headphones may be required for some course content
Video card and monitor capable of displaying at least 16 bit color (thousands of colors)
Current Web Browser (Internet Explorer or FireFox suggested)
Word Processing software (Microsoft Word required for some online course applications)

Note: Specific classes may require additional hardware or software.

PowerPoint Viewer

This plug-in allows students who do not have PowerPoint software on their computers to view PowerPoint presentations their instructors may use in courses.

Microsoft Word Viewer

If you don't have Microsoft Word on your computer, this invaluable plug-in will enable you to read Word documents that may be part of your online course.

Macromedia's Shockwave and Flash

This plug-in allows students to view web documents that incorporate Shockwave and/or Flash technology.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

A must have for serious web users, this allows students to view documents in their classes that instructors have converted to this format.

Realplayer

This plug-in is commonly used for listening to audio clips that may be a part of course documents or web pages.

Apple Quicktime

A highest quality media player.  Not usually required for classes, but very cool to have.

Microsoft Mediaplayer

Another media player plug-in that may be required for some courses.