Recommended Hardware & Software

Student Skill Level: Familiarity with computer applications, including word processing and email is required.

Connectivity: You must have computer and Internet access for all online (sec. IN) and hybrid (sec. Y) courses. A T1 or higher, DSL, Cable, or high speed Satellite connection is recommended (56k dial-up will work, but your courses will run very slowly and there may be video features that you will have to access from a faster location, like a library).

HCC's library offers computer access on a first come, first served basis. Some of our computer labs are available at certain times of the week for non-computer class work. Public libraries and most local colleges also provide internet access.

Hardware: Minimum and recommended computer and connection requirements are as follows.

  Apple Macintosh Microsoft Windows
Minimum Recommended Minimum Recommended
Operating System MacOS 10.5 MacOS 10.7 Windows XP Windows 7
CPU Memory  1 GB of RAM 2 GB of RAM 500 MB of RAM 2 GB of RAM
Internet Connection 56 kb ps Dial-up Modem will only allow you to do basic work. You will probably have to visit a library or other location to complete some of your required course activities. Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband, Mi-Fi, or DSL) 56 kb ps Dial-up Modem will only allow you to do basic work. You will probably have to visit a library or other location to complete some of your required course activities. Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband, Mi-Fi, or DSL)
Free Hard Disk Space 4 GB 16 GB 4 GB 16 GB

CD/DVD Drive

 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Speakers Headphones Desktop Headphones Desktop
Java Script Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled
Cookies Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled
Pop-up Blocker Off Off Off Off

Software: Minimum and recommended software requirements are described below.

Software
Minimum Recommended
Browser IE 8 or later, Firefox 9, Chrome 17 Firefox 9
Productivity software Microsoft Office 2004, 2007, 2010 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or OpenOffice (latest free version, available at http://www.openoffice.org/) Microsoft Office  2010 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Antivirus Updated Anti-Virus protection, installed and running.
Installed Adobe Reader 10 - http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Installed Flash  10 - http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/                                                  
Installed Adobe Shockwave 10 - http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/
Installed Quicktime Player 7 -  http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
Installed  Windows Media Player 12 - Comes with Windows 7 or Windows Media Player 11 (For XP)  -  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/windows-media-player

Other Software Needs: You will be required to turn in many written assignments, so you will need access to a word processing program. We recommend Microsoft Office, since it is the most common suite of software. However, other word processing programs are usually sufficient. If you have questions about what software might be necessary, please check the course syllabus or contact the instructor for the course. It is your responsibility to have access to the software for your course.

Some Internet courses require more RAM and hard drive capacity due to specialized software needs. This will be indicated in your course syllabus. Some courses also require the purchase of additional software. Most courses do not require special software, but if you are in a program that requires extensive computer skills (CIS, NET, GIS, etc.), you may need to purchase special software and upgrade your computer's capabilities.

Remember you are responsible for the safety and integrity of your work. If you use borrowed or lab computers, make sure all your work is stored on removable media, like a flashdrive.

In many cases, open source (free) versions of software are available. Visit the Downloads page for suggestions.