If your pc passes the following 10 tests then you're ready to go!
Be sure to let your instructor know if you have any questions.
- Windows Updates. If you are using your computer online (either dial-up or high-speed cable) then it is essential to keep the Windows Update and Antivirus updated daily. This may be set on Automatic, but I never assume and test mine several times per week.
- Warning: When (or if) asks "Do you want to upgrade to Internet Explorer v7, say NO. Although it is becoming an industry standard, if you're running v6 it will have fewer compatibility issues.
- Click here for the Flash test (be patient if you're not on high-speed cable). If it's not installed, here's the Flash download. Flash technology (.SWF) is used on many web sites to view video clips and movies. A good example is animation. Therefore it is important that you have the latest version of flash installed and working properly.
- Adobe
Reader file
(formerly called Acrobat Reader)
If this test fails, simply
download the most recent free version of Adobe Reader.
- Microsoft
Word file
If this test fails, contact your instructor.
They will instruct you around this problem
(RTF file type).
- RTF
file (industry standard
for transferring word processed files between
Macs and PC's.)
- View Active Media Setup Make sure your browser is able to view active media, which is commonly used in online courses.
- YackPack System Firewall Test (If you need to record audio for your instructor, make sure this test is working).
- Audio-Speaker and Microphone Test Part of the beauty of online education is the ability to send and receive audio to your instructor and peers. Here is the test and setup instructions.
- Excel
spreadsheet (You will need to enable the Excel Macros)
If this test fails it may be because: 1) you do not have a spreadsheet on your computer that can read Excel files; or your Excel security level is not set properly. It must be set to enable macros. Ignore the warning that it may contain a virus --- the error message is bogus. If you do not have Excel, please download and install this free Excel Viewer from Microsoft.
- AVI
(media/video file)
This file type is used for multimedia presentations
(video demonstrations, etc.)
Downloading Microsoft Media
Player (preferably v9 or above) will enable your pc to read
this filetype.
- MP3
file
This is rapidly becoming the industry standard
for recording audio due to very small filesize.
Downloading Microsoft media
player or Apples QuickTime will allow you to listen to these types
of media files.
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