Technical Information
Before you enroll in a course, make sure you have access to a computer and Internet connection that meet the requirements.
Some eCampus courses have specific technical requirements in addition to the general requirements listed below. Check course descriptions and course information pages for details.
- Browsers and plugins
- Operating system requirements
- Hardware specifications
- Internet connection requirements
- Firewalls
- Technical Help
- How-to's and tutorials
Looking for a computer?
- SPC's computer labs and Information Commons are open every day, with computers available for students. Visit the SPC campus nearest you or contact information@spcollege.edu for computer lab hours.
- If you don't live near an SPC campus, check with your local public library or any cybercafés in your area.
- To explore purchasing a new computer of your own, check out discounts available at SPC's Computer Connection.
Browsers and Plugins
- Use our automated system checkup tool to make sure your computer's browser meets online course requirements.
- The checkup tool will also enable you to download any plugins you may need for your course work. (Plugins are software add-ons that enable your browser to correctly display certain types of video and animation.)
| Platform | Recommended Browser | Other Options |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0 or above. You can download the latest version of IE free | Netscape Navigator 7.1 or above. You can download the latest version of Netscape free. America Online 10.0 or above. If you are using an earlier version, download Version 10.0 from your AOL homepage. |
| Macintosh | Firefox 1.x or higher |
Operating System Requirements
| Platform | System requirement |
|---|---|
|
Windows |
Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 |
|
Apple Macintosh |
System 10.x or higher |
WebTV |
WebTV is not compatible with the software used in online courses. |
Hardware Specifications
| Platform | Minimum Specifications | Recommended Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Windows |
Pentium IV with a 1 gigahertz processor and 256 megabytes of RAM Monitor Sound card |
Pentium IV with a 2 gigahertz processor and 512 megabytes of RAM Monitor Sound card |
Macintosh |
G4 or higher with 256 megabytes of RAM Monitor Sound card |
G5 with 512 megabytes of RAM Monitor Sound card |
Internet connection requirements
Some course features, such as video segments, may load slowly or incompletely when a dial-up connection is used. In addition, some courses require a cable connection for certain assignments. Check the course description and course information page for specific requirements before you enroll.
Firewalls
If you plan to access your online course from an office that has a firewall, you may have difficulty with the course software program, ANGEL. Contact your company's Information Systems department and discuss the issue with them. Make sure you have any problems solved before the course begins.
If the firewall problem can't be solved, you may want to consider using a computer at another location to take your course. (See options listed above.)
Need help?
For additional technical information and support, go to the Technical Help page.
