Computer Requirements

Hardware and Software Requirements

To get the most out of your online experience at CES, you will want to make sure that your computer and software meet the minimum requirements described below. If you need help figuring this out, please email the Tech Department describing your problem as concisely as possible.

PC Hardware

1. Processor: Pentium 4 or better (recommended)
2. Operating System: Windows XP (recommended)
3. Hard Drive: 20 GB or larger (recommended)
4. Memory: 512 MB RAM (minimum)
5. Display: Color video display running at least 800 X 600 dpi with 32,000 (16 bit) color (minimum)
6. Sound: Sound card with speakers and/or headphones (optional)
7. Built-in or USB microphone (optional)
8. Built-in or USB webcam (optional)

Macintosh Hardware

1. Processor: G4 or better (recommended)
2. Operating System: OS X 10.3 or higher (recommended)
3. Hard Drive: 20 GB or larger (recommended)
4. Memory: 512 MB RAM (minimum)
5. Display: Color video display running at least 800 X 600 dpi with 32,000 (16 bit) color (minimum)
6. Sound: external speakers and/or headphones (optional)
7. Built-in or USB microphone (optional)
8. Built-in or USB webcam (optional)

Network Connection:

A broadband connection is highly recommended. This could be either DSL, cable or satellite or your connection at school or work. While you may be able to get by with a 56K dial-up connection, it is not recommended and you may find yourself getting frustrated with how long it takes you to get your online work done.

Required Software:

• Web browser (REQUIRED): A current version of Firefox is strongly recommended. This browser is available for both PC and Mac and may be downloaded for free at www.mozilla.com.
• Word Processor (REQUIRED): OpenOffice for Mac and PC and NeoOffice for Mac are open-source software suites available as free downloads. Commercial software includes Microsoft Word ’97 or higher.
• Adobe Reader (REQUIRED): Many of the documents that will be posted on Moodle will be PDF files.
  Free download for both PC and Mac.

The Moodle course management system is used for CES online courses and for all CES Licensure courses, whether conducted online or in the classroom. Moodle is accessed through the Massachusetts Distance Learning Network page at: http://moodle.collaborative.org

Browser Test:

To check your browser to make sure it meets the minimum requirements for taking online courses, visit the Browser Test for Moodle page at moodle.collaborative.org/test/.

Course participants will need to create an account. Prior to beginning a class, participants will be asked to enroll in a Moodle tutorial class to become familiar with the system.