Online Computer System Requirements
Please Note: Students taking online courses are responsible for having the required hardware and software prior to each hemester start date. When you apply, please complete and submit the Computer Requirements Questionnaire online.
Hardware Requirements
PC System:
Hardware: (minimum)
- Operating System: Windows 7, Vista or XP
- CPU: 1 GHz
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Hard Drive: 500 MB free space
- Monitor: 800x600 16-bit color display or better
- Sound Card
- Speakers
Hardware: (recommended)
- Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, or XP
- CPU: 2.3 GHz
- Memory: 3 GB DDR3 RAM
- Hard Drive: 250 GB (2 GB free)
- Monitor: 800x600 16-bit color display or better
- DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-Rom Combo or DVD+/RW
- Sound Card
- Speakers
- Webcam (not required, but recommended if you want to Skype with other class members)
Macintosh System Requirements:
Hardware: (minimum)
- Operating System: Mac OS 10.5+
- CPU: PowerPC G3, G4, or G5
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Hard Drive: 500 MB free space
- Network: 256+ kbps
- Monitor: 800x600 16-bit color display or better
- Sound Card
- Speakers
Hardware: (recommended)
- Operating System: Mac OS 10.6+
- CPU: Mac computer with an Intel processor
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Hard Drive: 250 GB (2 GB free)
- Monitor: 800x600 16-bit color display or better
- DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-Rom Combo or DVD+/RW
- Sound Card
- Speakers
- Webcam (not required, but recommended if you want to Skype with other class members)
Please be aware that the Google Chromebook is not currently compatible with our Online program.
Software Requirements (PC)
Internet Browsers - Internet Explorer 8 or 9, Firefox (latest version) (Browser must be Java and JavaScript enabled).
It is recommended that you do not use Opera, Safari, or Google Chrome as these browsers are unsupported. The AOL browser is also unsupported.
The following free applications are required for viewing audio/video media:
- Windows Media Player - Download WMP
- QuickTime 7 - PC users can download QuickTime here.
- iTunes - Download iTunes (Mac users will already have iTunes loaded on their system)
- Java Plug-in – PC users must download the latest Java plug-in here.
Microsoft Office 2003 or higher - Microsoft Office 2003 or higher version is required. Just enter your Belhaven e-mail address to get a significant educational discount.
Antivirus Utility - Belhaven encourages online students to use antivirus software on their incoming and outgoing e-mail. Both Norton Internet Security and AVG work well for protecting incoming and outgoing email.
Adobe Acrobat Reader - We require all students to have the free Adobe Reader version 6 or higher. We often distribute school documents in PDF format.
Unzipping Utility - We require that our students have an unzipping file decompression utility such as WinZip. Windows XP comes with this capability built in and requires no separate utility.
Software Firewalls and Filters - All of the popular software firewalls and parental filters can be configured for conferencing software, but because of the variations between software brands, updates, and home networks, we do not provide any assistance with this configuration. They all come with adequate documentation to support configuring them for any application.
Pop-up Blockers - Internet browser should allow pop-ups from the following sites:
cybergate.belhaven.edu
In Internet Explorer 8, click on Tools, Pop-up Blocker, Pop-up Blocker Settings. Then type each of the web addresses above and add them to the list of allowed websites by clicking Add.
In Mozilla Firefox, Click on Tools, Options and then on Content. Click on the Exceptions button beside Block pop-up windows and then type each of the web addresses above and add them to the list of allowed websites by clicking Allow.
Software Requirements (Macintosh)
Internet Browser - Safari 5+ or the latest version of Firefox
It is recommended that you not use Opera or Google Chrome as these browsers are unsupported for the live classroom or for accessing streaming videos.
Java Plug-in - Java for Macintosh is a part of Apple’s software updates. To ensure that your Mac has the latest software updates, follow the instructions listed Microsoft Office 2004 or higher version is required. Microsoft Office for Mac is located on the lower right when clicking the above link. Just enter your Belhaven e-mail address to get a significant educational discount.
Flip4Mac - Allows Mac users to play windows media files. Download Here.
Please Note: Some audio/video files may be provided in MP3 or MP4 format to make them capable for downloading to mobile devices such as an MP3/4 player or tablet, but individual devices are not supported by Belhaven University. Students should seek assistance from the device manufacturer should they require assistance with the videos playing on a specific device.
Internet Requirements
Recommended Internet Speed: 1.5 Mbps or higher
Cable Internet - This is the best type of high speed internet connection for attending Belhaven classes online. This type of service is usually offered through a local cable service provider.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services come in various grades. It is recommended to use a 3 Mbps downstream/384 Kbps upstream or better DSL connection. Contact your service provider to find out the speeds available. The faster the connection, the better your online course experience will be.
Please Read Carefully:
Wireless/Satellite - A wireless or satellite internet connection is not an option at this time. Connecting wirelessly or via satellite causes the student to experience delays or disconnection when streaming video. If a student is using a broadband wireless router, he or she will be required to physically plug in to the connection box rather than using the router for streaming video. However, a wireless or satellite connection can be used for most of the other functions needed, including e-mail, testing, assignment submittal, etc.
Wireless Card or USB - The strength of your connection is dependent on the strength of the signal of the service area you are in. Therefore, this type of connection does not meet Belhaven’s minimum requirements for streaming video, as it can be undependable. A wireless card or USB can be used for most of the other functions needed, including e-mail, testing, assignment submittal, etc.
Dial-up - We recognize that it is challenging for students who live in rural areas to find a high speed internet service. However, a dial-up modem internet connection is not acceptable for use in viewing video lectures. We want each student to get the best experience and education possible through the online program, so we highly recommend a high speed broadband or DSL connection.
Many small, private companies are now offering high speed connections to rural areas. You may find such a company in your area by searching the internet for “high speed internet Your city, Your state.” Also, keep in mind that with special permission, some employers will allow employees to use their computers at work for educational purposes.
Internet Accelerators - Internet accelerators do not accelerate your connection. They "cache" web pages and employ various methods to make web pages available to you more quickly. These processes interfere with conferencing and should be disabled or uninstalled.
E-mail - All Belhaven students will be provided with a free Belhaven e-mail address. This address is used to communicate all information to the students. Dissemination of information is not sent to personal e-mail addresses due to security guidelines.
Computer Skills Needed:
- Knowledge of common computing terms
- Thorough knowledge of word processing, including attachments, spell check, copy and paste, etc.
- Proficiency with sending/receiving e-mail, including e-mail with attached files.
- Proficiency with web browser software
- Familiarity with navigating the World Wide Web
