Alvernia Online students are responsible for communications software and internet service. There are both minimum and suggested requirements for computer setup. The Blackboard learning management system, where students access their online courses, is accessible through the Alvernia Website at http://www.alvernia.edu/logins

Students who enroll in Alvernia online courses must possess basic computer skills and have regular access to appropriate computer hardware, software, headset & microphone and Internet connectivity in order to fully participate in coursework

PC-based	Minimum	Suggested
Processor	Core2Duo	i5 or i7
OS	Windows XP	Windows 7
RAM	1 GB	4 GB
Disk space	100 GB	250 GB or higher
Connection	DSL	Broadband, Cable
Browser	Microsoft IE 7	Microsoft IE 9, Firefox 18, Chrome 23
Flash Player	11	11.5
Java	7 update 5	7 update 10

Mac-based	Minimum	Suggested
Processor	Core2Duo	i5 or i7
OS	Tiger 10.4	Snow Lion 10.7
RAM	1 GB	4 GB
Disk space	100 GB	250 GB or higher
Connection	DSL	Broadband, Cable
Browser	Safari 4.0	Safari 5.1, Firefox 18, Chrome 23
Flash Player	11	11.5
Java	Apple supplies their own version of Java. Use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac.

Free programs, tools and media players

Below is a list of free downloadable browsers, programs and players that can be used to help you through your online learning experience.

Mozilla Firefox - web browser
Google Chrome - web browser
JAVA - required for Blackboard and Wimba to function properly
Adobe Reader - to view pdf files.
Macromedia Flash Player - to view video podcasts
Windows Media (players, encoders and codes)
QuickTime Player - to view and stream multimedia
VLC Video Lan Player. – best free multimedia player
Skype – to communicate by audio, chat and video
Join.me - share your desktop screen

Additional recommended technologies can be found on our Website at: http://de.alvernia.edu/resources/technologies/

Rev.1/9/2013