MSGL hardware and software requirements

Last updated 2/15/08

In order to complete online course, work MSGL students and faculty should have access to the following:

• Computer: Laptops are preferable because you can bring them to class or use them while travelling. A laptop with built-in mic and Webcam is ideal.
  
  
• Operating system: Windows XP or Vista are recommend instead of Macs for support and compatibility reasons. The majority of USD, ITS, and MSGL staff, faculty, and students use PCs. However, newer Macs (especially with the Leapord Operating System) can run XP or Vista too if you use Boot Camp, Parallels, or VirtualPC. You will need a PC to run Microsoft Project 2003 after the first semester.
  
  
• Processor: Dual-core processors like Intel Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, and AMD Athlon X2 are highly recommended.
  
  
• Memory: RAM is the computer's memory. The higher the memory, the more programs you can run at one time. Your programs will run faster too. 1 or 2 GB (gigabyte) is preferred, but you should have at least 512 MB (megabytes).
  
  
• Hard drive: 60 GB hard drive at least, but when it comes to hard drives, the more gigabytes the better.
  
  
• Multimedia: A Webcam is highly recommended if your laptop doesn't have one built in already. Horizon Wimba is a video and audio conferencing tool that is built in to CE6. During the first week of classes, we will give you head sets that you can use with Horizon Wimba.
  
  
• Ethernet port: An Ethernet port or wireless Internet notebook card is vital. If you have a laptop, you can get wireless access in the MSGL classroom and throughout most of USD.
  
  
• Internet connection: Broadband cable, DSL, mobile Internet card, or satellite Internet service (at least 1.5 MB per second download speed) is required so you can view streaming video and audio, and use Horizon Wimba (an online conferencing tool).
  
  

Software

• Microsoft Office 2003 or above (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). If you have Office 2007, please save your files in Office 2003 format because most faculty have Office 2003.
  
  
• Microsoft Project 2003 or above (MSGL will help you get a free copy of Project 2003 before your second term begins).
  
  
• Anti-virus program such as Symantec, Norton, or McAfee. USD provides Symantec AntiVirus free to students at: http://www.sandiego.edu/ITS/techsupport/tutorials/symantec.php but you first need your UNET username and password, which will be provided after you become a student. Please note that Norton 360 has been known to cause problems with CE6 and USD's wireless network.


• Web browser optimized for CE6. Internet Explorer 6 and 7 are the best choices. Firefox is a good browser to have as a back-up.
  
  
• You will need a Gmail account so you can use "Google Documents" and "Google Groups."
Note: Academic discounts on hardware and software are available with your student ID through the USD bookstore or at http://www.usdbookstore.com