System Requirements

Recommended PC Platform

This discussion does not apply to you if you need a MAC.

Trying to recommend what type of PC a person ought to purchase is difficult at best given how fast the technology changes. One could probably recommend a new set of standards on a weekly basis. That said, if you're going out to buy a PC here are some guidelines you should follow.

First and perhaps most importantly, before purchasing, speak to an instructor in the program you're in. There may be special options that you can use that are specific to that department.

The four most important components are the processor, the memory (RAM), the hard disk drive and the monitor. Generally speaking, adjusting these four components will make the most impact on price.

  • Processor should be a Pentium 1.5 GHz or faster.
  • Your PC should have at least 512 megabytes of memory (RAM). If you're trying to make a decision as to whether you need to get a faster processor or purchase more RAM, you'll get more performance for the money by purchasing more RAM.
  • When purchasing a hard disk drive, get the biggest one that you can afford. Normally a a drive size of 80 gigabytes is fairly common. You may find a hard drive of that size limiting after a short period of owning your new computer. Many times for less than $100 you can double the hard drive space and for less than $150, you can triple the hard drive space. The bottom line here is to balance what makes sense against what you want to spend. If you don't mind adding $50 or $100 to the price of your computer, do it and get a bigger disk. One other consideration here is that adding a hard drive six months after you buy your computer can be a headache, it's much easier to do it at the point of purchase.
  • The monitor is also a matter of personal preference. 17" is the standard. If you want to go bigger, you can, but it typically adds a couple hundred dollars to the price of the computer. Another consideration is the size of the monitor. A 19" monitor is nice, but they are typically very large. Make sure that your workspace can accommodate a device that large.

Executive Summary

  • Processor - 1.5 GHz or faster
  • RAM - 256 meg minimum
  • Hard Disk Drive - at least 40 gigabytes, but buy as big as you can afford
  • Monitor - 17" recommended, 19", nice, but consider the size of the device relative to your workspace
  • Windows XP as an operating system, this generally comes with the computer. Either the Home or Professional version is acceptable. Operating systems older than this may not be supported by all of our software

Other Considerations

Your computer should also have the following components, spend as much or as little as you want on these, most of the time, they are standard:

  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • CD-Rom Drive
  • Sound Card
  • Speakers

Optional equipment

  • Microphone - some instructors do voice chats over the internet
  • DVD Drive
  • CD-Recorder - they're handy, but unnecessary for courses here
  • Key Drive - this is a very handy way to take your work with you
  • Printer - there are all kinds of choices at a variety of price ranges. Buy what makes sense for you.

Software Considerations

  • Internet Explorer (the most recent version, currently 7) is the preferred browser. Netscape will probably work, but not all instructors carefully check their web sites in both browsers. Please, eliminate headaches for all involved parties and use Internet Explorer
  • You may also need various browser plug-ins.
  • If you're taking an online class, you need a connection to the internet and an email account that can send and receive attachments
  • Windows XP - either the Home or Professional version is acceptable but generally speaking the professional version is more powerful

Microsoft Software

Thanks to the implementation of a software licensing agreement with Microsoft, you now have the ability to get significant Microsoft software like Office XP Premium (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Front Page), Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro. This is literally hundreds of dollars of software at radically reduced prices. For more information, pricing and to order, go to http://wiscsoftware.wisc.edu/wisc

Other Software

Web Browsers

You can use any browser you choose (such as Explorer, Moxilla Fire Fox, Netscape, etc), but be aware that Internet Explorer is the preferred browser at Western (version 6 or later) and instructors are most likely to make sure that their sites work with this browser to support student learning.

RealPlayer

RealPlayer is used to serve streaming audio and streaming video. Some of the instructors use this technology to integrate audio and video into their web sites. RealPlayer is a plug-in that allows your browser to play this high quality audio and video. The player is free though you may have to dig through the site to find the free version. RealNetworks sells a more advanced version of the player but there is no need to purchase this. Simply download the free version and you will be all set.

QuickTime

QuickTime Player's simple and clean interface gets out of the way, letting your audience focus on your message, rather than advertisements from other parties. The standalone QuickTime Player is easy for anyone to use and enjoy.

WinZip

WinZip is a file compression program. File compression takes groups of files and compacts them into much smaller files. The small files lend themselves well to Internet downloads. Winzip is offered in an evaluation version and you are supposed to pay for it after 30 days. If you choose not to pay for it (there are likely few that have actually purchased it) the program still works.

WinZip tutorial

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to read special files commonly called PDF files. A PDF file is basically a very nicely formatted document that is part of a web site. You can view a document like this over the internet, search it and all of the embedded graphics and charts remain with the document.

Internet service Providers

In some cases, instructors use the internet to augment their instruction. In other cases an entire course is taught via the internet. At Western, nearly every computer on campus and in the labs has a direct connection to the internet. This may very well be all of the internet access you need. On the other hand if you are taking an internet based course or want to be able to view an instructor web site from your home computer, you will have to sign up with an internet service provider. These providers basically provide you with a modem connection to the internet. Normally they also give you at least one email account and in many cases offer you space to create your own web page. There are many internet service providers in the greater LaCrosse Area. Pick one that meets your needs and has the best pricing for you. A round number is about $20 per month for unlimited access. You also need to pick a provider that has a local telephone number for where you live. The last thing you want to do is pay long distance for an internet connection. The list below is by no means complete, but should give you a reasonably good selection.

Free Email

In many classes, email becomes an essential component.  Western offers free email to all students and you can sign up on our website.  Just go to WWW.westerntc.edu and click on My Western.