To participate effectively in our distance learning courses, you must have full access to a reliable computer that is connected to the Internet. You will require full permission to use, change configurations, and install programs on the computer you will be using for the duration of the course.
Special Note to Corporate Laptop Users
In many cases corporate laptops can have severe restrictions placed on the laptop to prevent changes to network or software settings. In some cases our wireless network will require changes to your DNS and or browsers in order to connect properly. We do not recommend you use a corporate owned laptop unless you have access, or can get access, to make some changes to the laptop if required. Please contact Computer Services for additional information.
You should also have a basic understanding of your computer and a basic understanding of browsers and the Microsoft Office applications. Although nothing replaces a good, paid, computer course, a good site that offers free training is http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers.
Computer Requirements:
Your computer hardware and software should meet or exceed the following requirements:
| Computer Requirements | ||
| Windows | Macintosh | |
| Operating System | Recommended: Windows 8 or higher | Recommended: One of the 3 most recent releases (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work, but may have issues) (please see Known Issues) |
| Processor | Recommended: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core | Recommended: Intel processor |
| Memory (RAM) | Recommended: 4 GB (or better) | Recommended: 4 GB (or better) |
| Internet Browser | Recommended: Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (latest version) (Chrome required for Programs using online exams. Check with your Program Office for requirements) Please note that Internet Explorer is no longer supported. Microsoft Edge and Safari are not recommended. | Recommended: Chrome or Firefox (Chrome required for Programs using online exams. Check with your Program Office for requirements) Please note that Internet Explorer is no longer supported. Microsoft Edge and Safari are not recommended. |
| Office Suite | Required: | Required: |
| Antivirus | Recommended: See Top Antivirus for Windows | Recommended: See Top Antivirus for Mac |
| Anti-Malware | Recommended: Windows Defender (free) or MalwareBytes | Recommended: MalwareBytes |
| Internet Service | Recommended: Please note that it is strongly recommended that you have access to Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop is not practical due to the high volume and tight deadlines that you can expect in some courses | Recommended: Please note that it is strongly recommended that you have access to Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop is not practical due to the high volume and tight deadlines that you can expect in some courses |
| Peripherals | Microphone: Recommend headset with microphone to limit background noise Webcam: Recommend 320X240 VGA resolution minimum (Microphone and Webcam are required for Programs using online exams. Check with your Program Office for requirements) | Microphone: Recommend headset with microphone to limit background noise Webcam: Recommend 320X240 VGA resolution minimum (Microphone and Webcam are required for Programs using online exams. Check with your Program Office for requirements) |
| E-Mail Capability | Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system - Recommended: Gmail Please see our information regarding government and Microsoft accounts. | Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system - Recommended: Gmail Please see our information regarding government and Microsoft accounts. |
| Recommended Hardware when in residence |
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| Other* |
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| Mobile Devices* |
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*RRU does not endorse nor support the 3rd party applications listed above. The apps and software listed above are suggestions only and should be used at your own discretion.
Please Note: Some courses may have additional and/or alternate computer requirements. Please check with the academic department for your program. If you will be accessing your course through your employer's network, please check with your work's IT department to verify computer and network access. As noted above Internet Explorer is no longer supported. If that is the only browser allowed at your company, you will be unable to access most of your course information while at your company.
Contact Computer Services for assistance
As always, should you need further assistance, please contact Computer Services by phone (250-391-2659, 1-866-808-5429), email or Online Request Form
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