This page contains information you should review before beginning your online course in the College of Business.
REQUIRED SKILLS
All online students should have the following skills and abilities in order to successfully complete an online course:
- ability to access your @illinois.edu email account
- ability to send and receive emails with attachments
- ability to download and upload files
- ability to install programs on your computer (Computers that you share with others, such as those in a library or computer lab, will typically not allow you to install software.)
- ability to save files to your computer’s hard drive and retrieve them later
- ability to perform a web search and use a web browser to navigate various websites
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Internet Connection
All students must have access to a wired, high-speed network connection (DSL or cable). For many online activities, a wireless connection will suffice — but you may need a wired connection to complete online tests and quizzes.
- Hardware – PC Users
| Minimum | Recommended* |
|---|---|
| Processor: Intel Core-2 compatible | Processor: Intel Core-2 compatible or higher |
| Operating System: Windows 7 | Operating system: Windows 7 or 8 |
| Memory: 2 Gigabytes RAM | Memory: 4 Gigabytes RAM or higher |
| Hard drive: 80 Gigabytes | Hard drive: 120 Gigabytes or higher |
| Sound card and speakers | Sound card and speakers |
| Headphones and microphone | Headset with microphone (Some PC users have difficulty using USB headsets. You might find it easier to use a microphone with traditional, 3.5 millimeter connectors similar to those found on most headphones.) |
| Monitor with 1024 x 728 pixel resolution or better | Monitor with 1024 x 728 pixel resolution or better |
- Hardware – Macintosh Users
| Minimum | Recommended* |
|---|---|
| Processor: Intel, Mac OS X-compatible | Processor: Intel, Mac OS X-compatible or higher |
| Operating System: OS X version 10.8.X | Operating System: OS X 10.8 or higher |
| Headphones and microphone | USB headset with microphone (Only USB headsets are recommended for Mac users. Most microphones with traditional, 3.5 millimeter connectors will not work on Macs because they require a separate power supply.) |
| Other features should be comparable to those listed for computers running Windows. | |
*If you are purchasing a computer, we recommend these specifications.
- Required Software
All online students are expected to have certain essential software to participate in online courses. It is important to install updates and patches of all required software as they are released. This includes:
- The latest version of Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari.
- Flash Player
- Adobe Reader
- QuickTime
- Java
- Microsoft Office 2010 or higher* for Windows, or Microsoft Office 2011 or higher* for Mac. Microsoft Office includes Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, which are essential for nearly all online courses. Excel may also be required for some courses. For discounted software pricing, you may visit CITES Software Webstore
- How to install VPN for study abroad students: CITE’s VPN instruction page (http://www.cites.illinois.edu/vpn/)
Some courses may require that students purchase additional software or install free software on their computers. Review your course syllabus for any unique software requirements.