Minimum Computer Skills and Technology Requirements

To-Do Date: Aug 24 at 11:59pm

Required Computer Skills

Students in this class should be able to:

1. Access and navigate the internet.
   

2. Use email, including attaching and downloading files.
   

3. Save and retrieve files on your computer.
   

4. Use a computer, a keyboard, and a mouse or touch pad.
   

5. Run and operate a variety of software programs, including a word processor.
   

6. Organize, copy, paste, name and rename files.
   

7. Browse, upload and attach files.
   

8. Cut and paste information from one document/program to another.

Required Technology

Computer and Internet Access

You will need access to a personal computer with Internet access. The computer should be running one of the following operating systems: Windows 10 (2019) or Mac with OSX. Computers with multimedia capabilities are preferred. *Office 2016 can be used but there is not guarantee all of the features will be there.

Note: It is important to identify and prepare a back-up computer and Internet connection to ensure capability in the event of technical problems. Don't forget that you can use the computers in either one of the MCC Libraries.

Chromebooks cannot be used.

Recommended Web Browsers

It is recommended you have the newest version of Chrome Links to an external site., Firefox Links to an external site., or Safari. Internet Explorer is not recommended (especially anything below IE 8). Review the Canvas Guidelines for supported browsers. Links to an external site.

It might be necessary to sometimes clear your cache. For steps on how to do that, visit the following link: Clearing Browser Cache. Links to an external site.

Required Plug-ins

• Adobe Flash Links to an external site.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader Links to an external site.
• Java Links to an external site.

Word Processing Software & Other Requirements

Files in this course may be created with:

• Microsoft Office  (Free Office365/2019 Pro version, which includes Access) for students and employees). MS Office Installation Steps.pdf. Contact MCC tech support with issues. Remind them you need to install Access under More Options. Download MS Office Installation Steps.pdf. Contact MCC tech support with issues. Remind them you need to install Access under More Options.
  
  
  
• Mac students only: Students will use Microsoft Office for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft Office does not have a database program for Mac students. Therefore, Mac students should have the ability to obtain use of a computer with Microsoft Access. As a potential alternative, Mac students, for database assignments only, may be able to use the open source software AirTable. However, there is no guarantee it will work with all Mac computers. Microsoft Access must be available for use should this occur.
  
  
• A reliable anti-virus is required for computer protection.

Other Specialized Software may be required. Software may not be available or identical for different platforms (Mac, PC, Linux).

Computer Hardware

Some activities in this course require that you use a microphone and a web-camera. You can purchase both from retail stores such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc.