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System Requirements

All students participating in online courses are required to have regular access to a computer with internet access. The following are suggested computer standards; though these suggestions are not absolute, they provide a guideline so you can avoid some common technical problems.

Hardware

• Windows with Pentium 4 or equivalent
• Macintosh G4 or higher
• 512 MB RAM minimum - 1 GB RAM or higher is recommended

Internet Access

• DSL or Cable is recommended
• If you have dial-up (56K or less for bandwidth), there might be the need to visit a local library or school to download large documents based on the course

Software

• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Macintosh with OS 10.2
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher is suggested
• Microsoft Word/Office is suggested for most courses - a six month version can be purchased from the SFCC Bookstore for $9.95 + $4.00 for shipping (if requested). Additional details can be seen at http://www.sfccmo.edu/pages/250.asp 
• Cookies and JavaScript enabled browsers are required
• Adobe Acrobat Reader and Flash Plug-in: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/ (both the reader and browser plug-in is free)
• Security software – It might be necessary, based on the Internet security package installed, to allow pop-ups from Blackboard. Make sure to keep all your definitions for both spyware and virus software updated daily or as a minimum on a weekly basis
• Java **

Other specialized plug-ins or software might be required based on the class and instructor requirement. The instructor will have this information listed in the syllabus.

**Java - check this installation by going into the Collaboration Tool within Blackboard's Communication section and joining a Chat room. If the chat window comes up, then your machine has the proper version of Java. However, if you get an install message, follow the installation procedures to install Java 2. Java 2 is required for the equation editor and the chat features within Blackboard. If you are on a modem, the chat window initialization and installation will take some time.

E-Mail

• All students have an active SFCC e-mail account; this email account is expected to be utilized in all of your online courses. Student email can be access through mySTAR (the campus portal) ay https://mystar.sfccmo.edu (FAQs and assistance is located on the main page of the portal). 
• Always check your email once a day!