Minimum Hardware Specs

• OS: Windows XP or Mac OS X (or higher)
• Processor: Pentium 3 500 MHz
• RAM: 256 MB
• Hard Drive: 40 GB
• Audio: Sound card with speakers and microphone (or headset)
• Video: 1024×768 resolution at 256-bit color
• CD-ROM: 12x
• Browser: IE 6.0 or greater (highly recommended), Netscape 7.1, Safari 2.0, Firefox 1.5
• Internet: 33.6k Dial-up (Broadband recommended as the content was designed for this. The user experience may be diminished on dial-up.)
• Headset or Speakers: (World Language courses require a microphone)

Minimum Peripheral Specs

• Printer: Color compatible
• Scanner: 8 bit / 200 DPI
• Fax: Not required if family has an email account
• Copy: Required
• Monitor: 1024×768 resolution

Minimum Software Required (Free)

• Java 2: www.sun.com
• Flash 9 http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW
• Acrobat Reader: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
• Shockwave 10: http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/
• Windows Media Player 10: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/10/default.aspx
• QuickTime 4: www.apple.com/quicktime/download
• Math Player: (for IE only, Virtual Sage courses only) www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/versionhistory.htm)
• Multi-page TIFF image viewer
• E-mail client with working e-mail address

 Miscellaneous Topics

• If students have a dial-up modem Internet connection, an extra phone line is needed for each additional computer in order to access the OLS.
• If students have a cable or DSL Internet connection, a router or other network device is needed to enable an Internet connection to all of the computers.
• Maintenance is required for each computer, including software upgrades and regular computer virus checks.

Technical FAQS