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Computer Access and Technical Requirements

Updated Thu, 01/28/2010 - 02:34

SIRLS expects students to have the use of a computer with online access (other than those located in the University computer labs). Typically students will own a computer, with broadband or modem access, at their home or residence. It is possible to have satisfactory access through computers in public libraries or halls of residence, etc. Students must have access to a computer that will run a web browser like Firefox, Netscape, or Internet Explorer.

To get the most out of some of our courses you may need to supplement your computer with a headset consisting of headphones and a microphone (you can buy these for $14). Alternatively most of the public access computers on campus have these.

[Explanation of the use of headphones

The School is starting to use Elluminate as another tool to assist in the delivery of its courses. Please see

 
and
 
 
Elluminate provides video conferencing, audio conferencing, and typed chat. To take best advantage of these, the User needs a web cam, sound output (speakers), and sound input (a microphone). Many computers have these video and sound facilities built in, but not all do. Communication does not rely on the web cam, so that is not really absolutely necessary. But a microphone and speakers are essential. There is an issue that can arise. Sometimes, the sound output from the speakers can be picked up by the microphone causing feedback. To prevent this, the use of a headset of headphones and a microphone is a good idea (you can buy these from a well known large store for $14). ]

Students are expected to have an understanding of and be competent with the following basic software: a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, and a web browser. Familiarity with webpage creation software is helpful. There is also the need to compress, archive, or zip files or directories for uploading and downloading [some operating systems do this automatically or semi-automatically, here is a video illustrating the process in Windows].  Please also refer to Computing Resources

Please note that email is the department's official means of communication with all students. SIRLS requires that you provide an email address at the time of admission. The University and SIRLS policy require that students obtain a NetID (see Step 2) and a University email account. The University and SIRLS communicate with students through this email account, and failure to use it regularly or forward it to an often-used account will result in missing communication essential to the progress of the degree. Upon entering the SIRLS Program, students are added to the the School's official communication listserv, IRLSADMIN, via their UA email address. It is imperative that students check their UA email regularly.