|
|
 |
Computer |
 |
Pentium 433 or higher processor
speed is recommended. or a MAC G4. |
|
|
 |
A slower computer will require
longer download time for graphics, text, etc. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Modem |
 |
56k is the minimum connection
speed and DSL or Cable Access is recommended. Faster connections shorten
download time for graphics, text, and other media. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Internet
Access |
 |
For access to the Internet, you
will need to set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP).
Unlimited dial-up Internet access usually costs about $19.95/month. |
|
|
 |
Check with some of the local
ISPs in your area and national ISPs for a comparison of rates.
Directory
of Local ISPs (Utah)
Directory
of National ISPs
|
|
|
 |
Some things to look for in an ISP are: |
|
|
|
| 1. |
How many hours are allowed for the
monthly rate (they most likely provide a rate for unlimited hours,
which is good if you're going to be online a lot)? |
| 2. |
Is technical support provided as part
of the service or is there an additional charge? |
| 3. |
Do e-mail accounts come with the
monthly service? |
| 4. |
How often is your service down? Do you
have a backup? When it does go down, how long is it usually down? |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
E-Mail |
 |
You will need an active WildCat Account. |
|
|
|
| Every student is
entitled to a free permanent e-mail account on the
campus WildCat Mail system. In order to use your WildCat Mail account,
you must activate your account. This can be done at the Weber
State Eservices page. |
|
|
|
|
Note: Your
instructor will be sending "group" e-mail (e-mail to all the
students in their online course) through the e-mail address WSU-Online. It
is important for you not to lock out this address from your e-mail
preferences or you may miss important information or instructions from
your instructor. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Browser |
 |
You will need software that will
allow you to browse the World Wide Web (WWW). |
|
|
 |
Different browsers have
different capabilities, but most allow viewing of graphics and text. Some
are able to display video and play music files. |
|
|
 |
To take a WSU
Online course, you must have Netscape 6.0 or higher or Internet Explorer
5.5 or higher. To find out which version you currently have, click the Help
menu and select About Internet Explorer, or About Communicator
(or Navigator). Other browsers may work. |
| |
|
 |
You will need to "tune up" your browser to work in
the online course environment. The web site for the tune-up is
http://www.webct.com/tuneup |
|
|
 |
You can download Netscape and
Internet Explorer for free. |
|
|
 |
The web site for downloading
Netscape is: http://home.netscape.com/download/index.html. |
|
|
 |
The web site for downloading
Internet Explorer is:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download/default.asp. |
|
|
|
NOTE: Downloading
Netscape or Internet Explorer can take a long time (1-2 hours on a 28.8
modem). Be prepared! |