HCC Online Technical Requirements
Taking courses delivered via the Internet means that you will need a computer, required software and a connection to the Internet. Let's start with the computer.
You may use a PC or Macintosh to complete your online course. At minimum, your computer should meet the following requirements.
Minimum System Requirements
| Hardware and Software | PC | MAC |
| Operating System | Windows XP | MAC OS 9.0 |
| Memory | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| CPU | 1.0 GHz or higher | Power MAC G3 or higher |
| Free Disk Space | 10 MB or more | 10 MB or more |
| Browser | Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Mozilla 2.0 or higher | Mozilla 2.0 or higher |
| Browser Settings |
JavaScript enabled Popup blockers disabled Cookies enabled |
JavaScript enabled Popup blockers disabled Cookies enabled |
| Productivity Software | MS Office or viewers | MS Office or viewers |
| Internet Connection | 56 K modem (DSL recommended) | 56 K modem (DSL recommended) |
| Other | Sound card and speakers (microphone and webcam recommended) | Sounds card and speakers (microphone and webcam recommended) |
If you purchased a computer within the last two or three years, in all probability your computer meets these requirements.
Plug-Ins
Plug-ins are small applications that allow your Internet browser to display and/or access the latest tools used in web pages. For example, websites may display short films or tutorials that use the program Flash. If you do not have the Flash plug-in, then your computer will not display Flash based materials.
It is your responsibility to:
- Connect to the internet--A modem with a dial-up phone connection will be much slower than a DSL, T1 or ISDN line.
- Install hardware and software required for the class--HCC tech support and/or instructor do not provide assistance with this.
- Use email
- Add attachments to emails
- Enter web addresses
- Download a file from a website
- Upload a file to a website
- Use a discussion board
- Use the internet to research information
- Cut, paste and save files
- If you feel your basic computing skills are lacking, student help and tutorials will be available at elearn portal.
- Attaching a document to an email message
- Navigating within your course
- Using a discussion board
- Participating in a chat session
- Researching via the Internet