What kind of computer do I need?
Either a PC or a Macintosh with:
- a minimum of 64 MB of RAM
- a modem with a minimum speed of 28.8 kbps, 56 kbps is
preferred
- a sound card with speakers
If you use a PC, it must have Windows ME or newer.
If you use a Mac, it must have OS 9.1 or OS X.
You will be required to perform a small (approx. 2 MB) download
onto your PC. (Please note: If you are using a Mac, this
technology will not work.) Bismarck State College uses ExamGuard
to protect the security of our exams. ExamGuard uses secure
browser technology to disable printing, screen captures, task
switching, right click options, menus, icons/buttons, saving
content to disk, and other activities to prevent students from
sharing exam information and it significantly reduces the risk of
students accessing unauthorized material during an exam. It
ensures the confidence in the credibility and security of online
exams.
What software do I need?
You need and may download the following software for free by
clicking on a link.
PC Users: Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported) or 6.0 or
higher (recommended), Netscape Communicator 7.1 or Firefox
1.x (supported)
Mac Users: Mac Internet Explorer
5.1.X (supported) or 5.2.X (recommended), Netscape
Navigator 7.1 (recommended), Safari 1.2 (supported) or
Firefox
1.x (supported)
To take advantage of the latest technology incorporated in
this site and to minimize the need for additional plug-in
downloads, we recommend using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or
higher on a PC and 5.2.2 or higher on a MAC.
How much does the software cost?
Browsers usually are pre-loaded on computers. You may need to
upgrade your browser or Microsoft applications. If you wait until
you receive your student ID, you may qualify for a discount of up
to 70% from Microsoft. For more details, visit Microsoft.
Do I need Internet access?
Yes.
Do I need email?
Yes. The company that provides your Internet access also
provides your email address. If you don't know what your email
address is, contact the company that provides your Internet
access.
May I use AOL, Prodigy, or CompuServe for
Internet access?
Yes. America Online (AOL), Prodigy, and CompuServe are Internet
Service Providers (ISP). As part of their software they each
provide an internal web browser that allows users to browse the
web. Often, these web browsers are either customized and/or older
versions of Internet Explorer (IE). Rarely do these internal web
browsers include Netscape versions. This is true even when using
the most recent version of the ISP.
Currently the course delivery system sends emails to your email
address on behalf of the sender (ex. instructor, school
administration, etc.). This type of address spoofing is also
often associated with spam, and some service providers
consequently blacklist, or block, known companies that send such
bulk email. The online course has been added to the White list
for AOL, which means that while emails sent from the online
course follow a similar process to spamming, the online course
emails will not be blocked, but will be sent to your Bulk Sender
category in your AOL email inbox.
CAUTION: Using the internal browsers may cause sporadic
problems with an online course. To minimize the possibility of
browser-related problems, the help desk strongly recommends using
an external browser when accessing our online courses and also
when taking our Browser Test. Similarly, if your course uses the
ExamGuard feature, these internal browsers are not
supported.
Most computers have an updated version of an external browser
pre-installed.
It's easy to use an external browser:
- Connect to the ISP, but do NOT go to any websites on the
Internet;
- Minimize the ISP window;
- Open the browser, click on the address bar, type the web
address (or URL) of your online campus and press the enter key to
access the online campus homepage;
- Login, as usual.
Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows
now
Download Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 for Mac now
CAUTION: When an ISP's internal browser is not in use,
the ISP will consider the user inactive and will disconnect the
user after a period of time. To remain active and avoid being
disconnected, return to the main page of the ISP (every half hour
or so) and click on a link, or check email, or check the weather,
or open a chatroom on your ISP. Following one or all of these
tips will reset the ISP's "inactivity timer". Then continue
working on your online course.
Browser Test
Wondering if your browser meets the specs? To find out, Click Here to Take the Browser Test.
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