Technology Requirements
for UWA Online Students

In order to use UWA technology effectively, it is recommended that students meet the following requirements:

Skills

  • Use of email
  • Use of Web browsers.
  • Downloading files from the Internet.
  • Completing online forms.

Hardware Requirements

  • Internet connection: Students will need access to the Internet using a telephone connection (56k), DSL, or cable modem. DSL or cable modem will provide the best performance.
  • Monitor: Capable of displaying information at least 800x600 pixels. For best performance, access Blackboard using 1024x768 resolution or higher.
  • Memory: Minimum 64 MB RAM.
  • Processor speed: 200 MHz or higher recommended.

Software Requirements

  • Web Browser: Use the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser (5.0 or higher). Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6) works best with Blackboard on computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. If you don't already have IE 6, you may download it at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp.
  • Do not use the AOL browser to access Blackboard.
  • Microsoft Office: Although not required to access Blackboard, students should have Microsoft Office 2000 or Office XP installed in their personal computers to view and access documents provided by the instructor or Microsoft Office Converters and Viewers - MS Word Viewer, MS Power Point Viewer, and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Anti-virus software: Highly recommended for students; required for instructors. This is for your own protection and the protection of others. Online courses involve much file sharing, which increases your risk of computer virus infection. Anti-virus software will help protect your computer in case of exposure to a computer virus.