Go through the list below to ensure your computer is ready. If you are planning on working on your online course at home, you need to check your home computer, as well.

• A reliable Internet connection - You will need to access your course site each day, and possibly multiple times throughout each day. It is to your benefit that you work on a network that has a fast connection speed. A DSL or cable modem is preferred but not completely necessary. If you are using a dial-up connection, you may have trouble accessing video components from the course site. If your Internet access is through a slower connection, it is important to communicate this with your Online Teacher.

• Internet Explorer (IE), Netscape, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari (Mac only) - These are the most common browsers used for accessing websites. Most online courses can be viewed through these browser tools. Be sure that your version of the browser is the most current so that it contains all the plug-ins and protections that are necessary for safe surfing of the web.

• An active email account - Your Online Teacher will use your personal email address as a communication tool. Be sure to check your email often for messages! If you do not have your own email account, ask your Mentor Teacher if his/her email address can be used for your communication with your Online Teacher.

• Microsoft Word - Many course-related assignments will need to be completed using a word processor. Microsoft Word is the most common word processor used for BCPS online courses. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, try saving your documents as text-only or in a format that can be read by those who use Microsoft Word.

• Microsoft PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer - You may be asked to view presentations to reinforce content in your online course. If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer, you can download the PowerPoint Viewer for free from the Microsoft website.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader - Often times, PDF files are used in online courses. To check your computer for Adobe Acrobat Reader, try to open the Adobe Acrobat Reader Test Document.

• If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, it can be downloaded from http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

• Shockwave or Flash Player - Many websites and online courses include multimedia components. These are viewed using Shockwave or Flash. To check your computer for Flash capabilities, try to open the Flash Player Test.

• To download the free Flash Player, visit http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.

• To download the free Shockwave Player, visit http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/.

• Security Settings

• Some browsers will block Active X and Flash Content. You can recognize that this is happening if you see a yellow bar along the top of your browser window. Each browser handles security in a different manner, but you can unblock this content by clicking on the yellow bar and following the instructions provided.
  

• It is important that your browser accept pop-ups. Many of the online courses use links that open in a new window; therefore, if your browser has pop-ups DISABLED, you will not be able to view these links. To enable pop-ups, use the Tools menu in your browser. Scroll down to Pop-Up Blocker and make sure you are allowing pop-ups. If you have a Yahoo!, Google, or another vendor's toolbar, you may need to right-click on the toolbar and enable pop-ups, as well.

For more information about the technical requirements for online courses AND for links to download sites for popular online course applications, visit Minimum Computer Requirements for Online Courses.

TIP

Where will you work?

Since you may be working at school and at home on your online course, it is important to check any and all computers that you may use.