Preparing for an Online Course

Checking Technical Requirements.

Please review the technical requirements below and prepare your computer. It is best to do this before you begin your course. Change any settings that are necessary and download any plug ins you do not have installed on your computer. It is recommended that you have a back-up plan for accessing your course should your computer crash or Internet service go down. Most libraries provide Internet access. Computers are available in the Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center on the Mattoon campus and the Consuello Luttrell Resource Room at Kluthe in Effingham campus.

Technical Requirements

  1. Computer:
    • Complete the Browser Tune-up from BlackBoard
    • Windows XP/Vista or MAC OS X
    • 512 MB of RAM (1 GB of RAM recommended)
    • 1 GHz CPU (Central Processing Unit) or better
    • CD-ROM drive
    • VGA compatible graphics card installed
    • Sound card and speakers installed
    • 56kps or broadband (cable, satellite, or DSL) connection recommended
    • Word processing software (some instructors require documents to be saved as Microsoft Word or .RTF format)
    • Antivirus software and Operating System updates (update often to protect your computer)
  2. Supported browsers :
    • Internet Explorer 6 SP2; 7
    • Firefox 1.5x (PC only), 2.0x
    • Safari 1.3, 2.x; and 2.x for Intel x86 platform
    • Note: The browser settings must be set to enable Java and JavaScript and pop-up blocker software must be disabled prior to beginning an online course. View browser tutorial
  3. Suggested browser plug in software
  4. Applications
    • Some courses may require additional software purchases. Be sure to check with the instructor's syllabus for any additional requirements the course may require. Most additional software can be purchased at a significant lower price for students from the Lake Land College Bookstore