Computer Preparation

The following information will help you prepare your computer for online classes.

Software / Hardware Requirements

The following is the recommended system requirements and the necessary browser requirements.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Requirements
Operating System Requirements
Browser Requirements

The Software Downloads below include downloads for software that may be necessary for your online courses. Consulting your course instructors about additional software requirements before registering for an online course is recommended.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Requirements

Users connecting to the Distance Learning server must meet the minimum required Internet Service:
Minimum Required Speed: Dial-Up (56 Kbps)
Recommended Speed: Cable (27 Mbps) or DSL
Types Supported: Dial-Up, ISDN, Cable, DSL, T1, T3

Operating System Requirements

Macintosh Users: Mac OS X (10.13 or higher)
PC Users: Microsoft Windows 10

Browser Requirements

For PC:

Chrome with Microsoft Windows
Mozilla Firefox with Microsoft Windows Vista

For Mac OS X (10.13 or higher):

Chrome
Safari
Mozilla Firefox

Web Browser Downloads

Disclaimer: Cowley College is in no way responsible for any technical problems that occur from any software installed. Click on the web browser name below to download software.

File Management Downloads

Disclaimer: Cowley College is in no way responsible for any technical problems that occur from any software installed. Click on the file name to download software.

Student Email Account
Can be accessed through any internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari)

Word Processor
Microsoft Word is the word processor software required for many courses — NOT Microsoft Works or Corel WordPerfect! Refer to course descriptions for the version of Microsoft Word that is required. Consultation with the course instructor about additional software requirements before registering for an online course is highly recommended.

Plug-Ins
Java Script must be installed and enabled.

Virus Protection
Any Anti-Virus program will work as long as it is installed on your computer and kept up to date with the updates. Examples: Free Edition AVG, Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Virus Scan, or Trend-Micro PC-cillin.

Course Tool Downloads

NOTE: Microsoft has retired the use of viewers for their files. Cowley College provides a subscription to Office 365. With the web-based software, you will be able to view and edit documents. There is also an option to download the Office software on your computer.

Virus Detection/Protection Downloads

Disclaimer: Cowley College is in no way responsible for any technical problems that occur from any software installed.

Software downloads: