Students Section

Technical Requirements

Your Computer

You must have convenient access to a computer that meets these minimum standards:

* Windows 2000© or later operating system
* A web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6+ or Mozilla Firefox 1.5+)
* Java version 1.5 or later
* A word processing program (Microsoft Word© recommended)
* Speakers
* Sound Card
* Printer
* Internet access

Browser and Plug-In check

When you first log in to WebCT 6, a "Browser Check-up" window will pop up. It will tell you what you need to do to prepare your computer for online learning. This may involve downloading and installing some software, such as the Adobe Acrobat Reader or a specific version of Java. The Browser Check-up will provide information about where to get what you need.

Pop-Up Blockers

In WebCT, many items appear in pop-up windows. You must turn off or temporarily disable any pop-up blockers you have running on your computer. These are commonly found in security software such as McAfee or Symantec, and also in popular toolbar applications such as the Yahoo! or Google Toolbars. For instructions on enabling your web browser to allow pop-up windows, see the "Allowing Pop-Up Windows section of the WebCT How-To Section.

Spyware/Malware Information

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term is often used interchangeably with adware and malware, which is software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer.

Spyware may secretly record your personal information by logging your keystrokes, recording your web browsing history, and or scanning documents on your computer's hard disk. Most of the time, spyware simply tracks visits to websites and sends that information to an advertising agency - hence the name adware. However, some malicious spyware variants attempt to intercept passwords or credit card numbers as a user enters them into a web form or other applications; these are overtly criminal.

Any spyware uses the resources of your computer without your permission and can severely diminish its speed and integrity. It’s a good idea to regularly check your computer for these unwanted programs and get rid of them.

Here are some links to help you determine if your computer is infected with spyware, or malware: