Buying
a New Computer?
If you are going to purchase a new computer* in preparation for taking
courses from Michigan State University, the system should have these
recommended features:
Recommended System Requirements
Pentium® 4 or Celeron processor at 1.7 GHz or higher
256 Megabytes of RAM or higher
20 GB hard drive or larger
Windows® XP
Broadband internet connection (DSL or cable modem) or 56k modem
Sound card and speakers
CD-ROM drive
* Please see MSU Computer
Store for university-discounted computers through Dell
Systems.
Already
have a Computer?
If you already own a computer and want to know if it will work for
Michigan State University courses, you need these minimum requirements:
Minimum
System Requirements
Pentium® II 200 MHZ
64 Megabytes of RAM
Windows® 98SE
Video at 800x600 at 256 colors
Modem with a minimum transfer rate of 28.8 Kbps.
Sound card and speakers
CD-ROM drive
The Department of Family & Child Ecology encourages people to
invest in a computer that meets the Recommended Requirements
rather than the Minimum System Requirements.
The Minimum System Requirements are meant to serve as a guideline
for what is acceptable to allow access to most courses using technology.
Be aware that some courses may utilize more advanced technologies
and the Minimum System Requirements may be limiting. One example
of this would be the speed at which more complicated web pages or
interactive lessons will display. An older/slower computer system
may take minutes to display video content and may play it back at
a choppy rate. The Minimum System will still be able to access that
content, but it may be at a limited quality. A system closer to
the Recommended Requirements will provide a more enjoyable and educationally
valuable experience. It is currently recommended that you
purchase a new system with no less than a 1.0 GHz processor. A system
such as this should cost under $800.
What
do I need in order to do the coursework for a World Wide Web Course?
You need Internet access and an e-mail account, both of which can
be obtained through an Internet service provider.
What Other reasons do I need access to the World Wide
Web? For courses which utilize the World Wide Web for
all or a major portion of the course delivery, web access is mandatory.
Even for courses that do not require access to the web you may find
having access useful if you have a research paper to write, or if
you're just curious about a class topic, you can cruise the Web to
locate answers. Think of the Web as a very large and accessible public
library. Most of the Web sites are free to browse and can be downloaded
or printed on your computer's printer.
How do I obtain Internet access?
You will need to select an Internet service provider, and pay a monthly
fee to get your computer to connect to the Internet. Usually this
fee is around $10-$20 a month. There are both local and national Internet
service providers from which to choose. Choose a company that will
let your computer dial a local phone number to connect to the Internet,
so that you won't have to pay long distance charges.
When do I need to acquire access to the Internet?
You should have your modem, e-mail address and Internet access in
working order at least two weeks before your course starts, so that
you can practice accessing the Internet and make sure everything is
in working order.
