Technology Checklist
for Distance Learning Students

There are certain basic computing and Internet access specifications that you will need to participate in distance learning courses at Sul Ross State University. Before you begin your class, be sure you have access to the following:

For Blackboard

• A Pentium PC running Windows 98 or higher OR a Macintosh running OS 8.0 or higher with at least 64 MB of RAM
• Access to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider with at least a 56 Kbps connection. (We recommend the use of a cable modem or DSL if possible.)
• A web brower - preferably Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.5 or higher. There have been several reported problems with newer versions of Netscape; however, Netscape versions 4.x and 5.x seem to work well. Other web browsers (e.g., AOL, Compuserve) are not supported.
• Software programs or other plug-ins required by your instructor. (For example, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Media Player, Flash Player, and the PowerPoint viewer.) Check with your instructor to see what software programs and plug-ins are necessary for the class. You may download many of these plug-ins on our Software Downloads page.

Other Information

• All computer-related questions should be referred to your computer's manufacturer.
• All Internet connection questions shuld be referred to your Internet Service Provider.
• The AOL browser is not compatible with Blackboard. You many use AOL as your ISP, but you will then need to open one of the required browsers (Internet Explorer or Netscape). To do so, dial into the Internet with your AOL account. Then minimize the AOL browser window and open the Internet Explorer or Netscape browser.
• If you are using Microsoft Works, this software may pose a compatibility problem if your professor and classmates are using Microsoft Word to create, edit, and view documents. If you are using MS Works, save the document as either .rtf or .txt (If you do save as .txt you will lose the document's formatting, but it can still be viewed.)