Computer Requirements & Support
- Am I required to have any special
computer skills for these online courses?
- What computer programs and equipment do I need?
- What internet browser will I need to take these online courses?
- Where can I go for computer support?
- Will a slow typist get behind in class?
- Will I need a Univeristy of Florida e-mail account for these online courses?
- Will I need an extra phone line for online classes?
Am I required to have any special computer skills for these online courses?
Not at all. The computer skills necessary for successful participation in these online
courses are quite basic. You must have regular access to a computer and be
familiar with routine computer skills, such as Windows, e-mail, basic typing, and
Internet browsing.
What computer programs and equipment do I need?
Consult the official University of Florida computer and software requirements for
general reccommendation and a sample computer configuration. A computer with
Microsoft Windows operating system and Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher will be
sufficient for these online courses. Online students will also need a connection to
the Internet through phone lines with at least a 56k modem (most people with
internet access have a modem that is at least this fast). Additionally be sure that
your computer is equipped with a CD-ROM. Our courses contain Microsoft Producer
2003 presentations. For specific software requirements to view these presentations,
visit Microsoft's Producer 2003 system requirements page.
What internet browser will I need to take these online courses?
Students that use the later versions of Internet Explorer normally experience the
least amount of problems. Although WebCT does not completely support the
Netscape or AOL browsers, an AOL connection can be used in conjunction with the
IE 5.0 or higher browser. A few versions of the Netscape browser are compatible.
Configuration settings and advice on how to use the AOL connection and advice on
how to use other browsers is available from WebCT (the course management
software used for these courses).
Where can I go for computer support?
Online help for WebCT (the computer application used to run the online courses)
is available at: http://www.webct.ufl.edu/resources.html
For more computer trouble shooting tips and login advice, please contact the
UF Help Desk (392-HELP or helpdesk@ufl.edu).
Will a slow typist get behind in class?
The only time a slow typist may have a little trouble is in a chat session, but even
this disadvantage is not a big deal. Otherwise, slow typists should do fine, even
though they may of course require a little more time to finish some assignments
and/or projects.
Will I need a University of Florida e-mail account for these online courses?
Yes. You be given instructions on how to create your UF email account once you
have been registered for the course.
Will I need an extra phone line for online classes?
All you will need for participation in these online courses is a computer and an
Internet connection with at least a 56K modem (most people with internet access
have a modem that is at least that fast).
