Internet Access
Email Account
Computer and Internet Security
Screen Settings
Following is the hardware and software needed to complete your college course online at Chamberlain:
- Windows XP (with Service Pack 2), Windows Vista (32-bit recommended for maximum software compatibility), Mac OS 10 or higher
- Microsoft Office 2007 Professional for Windows OR Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. (NOTE: This package will be available to matriculating students at deeply discounted pricing through the Student Software program after you have begun taking courses.)
- ISP account for Internet access and e -mail address
- Java-enabled Internet Browser:
Windows: Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. (Free download available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/default.mspx)
Windows: Mozilla Firefox 1.2 or higher (Free download available at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/)
MAC: Mozilla Firefox 1.3 or higher (Free download at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/)
Note: The AOL browser, Opera and Safari browsers are NOT currently supported for online coursework. You may use AOL for your ISP, but should use either IE or Netscape with the versions listed above for a browser.
Minimum PC Specifications for Online Students:
- Pentium 4 Processor or equivalent AMD (* with 512MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
- 20GB Hard Disk space available after Operating System install
- One of the following: Ethernet connection and cable or DSL modem, Wireless or satellite Internet, or 56K modem for Internet connection. (See recommendations on Internet connection below.)
- CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive - Note that some software may require a DVD drive for installation.
- Sound capabilities with speakers and/or headset and a microphone
- A Webcam may be required in some courses. Check with your academic advisor.
For questions regarding these requirements, please contact the Chamberlain Help Desk via the Chamberlain student portal at my.chamberlain.edu or call 877-784-1997.
Computer specifications are reviewed and revised on an annual basis to accommodate changes in technology. While every attempt is to ensure that these specifications satisfy all curricular needs for students completing a college course online, Chamberlain reserves the right to require upgrades in the event of technology changes. Students will be given 90 days notice before such changes are implemented.
Internet Access
Internet access is required to participate in a college course online at Chamberlain. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet. A high speed broadband connection is recommended for students in Chamberlain Online programs.
Many course components will have suboptimal performance when accessed through a 56K dial-up connection.
Satellite and wireless connections are not recommended. Performance may be suboptimal due to latency and signal instability.
If AOL is your ISP, you must use the Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 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.
Email Account
A valid e-mail address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in online coursework. All students are provided with a Chamberlain student email address that we recommend you use. This will avoid issues with Spam blockers and other problems that may prevent you from receiving email from your instructors. It will also enable you to participate in special student offers that are available only to students with a “.edu” email address.
Computer and Internet Security
The ease and convenience of online education through the World Wide Web brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets for 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 corporate or personal 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.
NOTE: McAfee VirusScan 8.5 will be available for free download from the Student Software site after you have started your classes.
McAfee Virus Scan is one of the most popular and effective anti-virus programs on the market. This product offers the security of automatic protection against viruses, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets and other dangerous code. This program also offer s automatic retrieval of new anti virus definitions for updating. Since an anti-virus program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably on a monthly basis. McAfee Virus Scan is available for download through the student software site at www.chamberlainsoftware.com.
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.
More information:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/faq.mspx
Screen Settings
Your screen resolution (size) should be set at minimum 1024 x 768 or higher.