MSGL hardware and software requirements

Last updated 6/25/09

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

• Computer: Laptops are strongly recommended because you can bring them to class or use them while travelling. A laptop with a built-in mic and Webcam is ideal. MSGL will provide a headset during orientation of first week if you don't already have one so, you can use Wimba, which is a video and audio conferencing tool built in to CE. You will use it for virtual team work, team presentations, and sometimes for virtual lectures or office hours with your professor.
  
  
• Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, or 7 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 Windows too if you use Boot Camp, Parallels, VMware, and VirtualPC. You will need a PC to run Microsoft Project 2007 after the first semester. MSGL will help you get a free copy of Project 2007 before your second term begins, but you will need to attain a copy of Windows if you don't have one for your Mac.
  
  
• Processor: Dual-core processors (or faster) like Intel Core 2 Duo, and AMD Athlon X2 are 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. 2 or 4 GB (gigabyte) is preferred, but you should have at least 1 GB.
  
  
• Hard drive: You should have a 60 GB hard drive at least, but when it comes to hard drives, the more gigabytes the better.
  
  
• Ethernet port and wireless capability: An Ethernet port or wireless Internet capability is vital. If you have a laptop, you can get wireless access in the MSGL classroom and throughout most of USD by connecting to the "usd" network. You use your CE user name and password to log in. If you have your own mobile broadband modem, you can use that instead.
  
  
• Internet connection: Broadband cable, DSL, mobile Internet modem, 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 Wimba.
  
  

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 still use Office 2003.
  
  
• Microsoft Project 2007. MSGL will help you get a free copy 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 be incompatible with USD's wireless network.


• Web browser optimized for CE. Internet Explorer 6 and 7 are still the best choices. Firefox is a good browser to have as a back-up.
  
  
• Note: Academic discounts on hardware and software are available with your student ID at the USD bookstore or online at http://www.usdbookstore.com