Technology Requirements
The technology requirements listed below have been established
to ensure success in navigating the George Fox Evangelical
Seminary virtual learning communities (VLCs) and hybrid courses.
Hardware: Computer Required
PC
(Windows-based computers) |
MAC
(Apple-based computers) |
Operating System
(Platform on which the computer is based)
- Minimum: XP
- Recommended: XP
Processor
(Interprets program commands and processes data)
- Minimum: Pentium IV, 1 GHz
- Recommended: Core 2 Duo, 1.8 GHz
Ram
(Space in which processor does its work)
- Minimum: 512 MB
- Recommended: 2 GB
Free Hard Drive Space
(Space in which data is stored)
|
Operating System
(Platform on which the computer is based)
- OS X
- Minimum: 10.4 (Tiger)
- REcommended: 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor
(Interprets program commands and processes data)
- Minimum: PowerPC G4, 1 GHz
- Recommended: Intel 2 GHz
Ram
(Space in which processor does its work)
- Minimum: 512 MB
- Recommended: 2 GB
Free Hard Drive Space
(Space in which data is stored)
|
Monitor Settings
(The screen display)
- Color Minimum: 16 bit color
- Color Recommended: 32 bit color
- Resolution Minimum: 1024x600
- Resolution Recommended: 1024x768
Peripherals
(Hardware that is not essential to process data, but can be added to a computer)
Minimum
|
Recommended
|
- CD/DVD Player
- Sound Card (Used for listening to media)
- USB Port (allows plug-and-play connection between computer and peripherals)
- Wireless Card or Adapter that supports bg and wpa encryption (allows computer to connect to networks, such as Wi-Fi and printers, through microwaves, rather than hardwire cables)
- Microphone
|
- CD/DVD (Read/Write on a CD or DVD)
- Sound Card(Used for listening to media)
- USB Port(allows plug-and-play connection between computer and peripherals)
- Wireless Card or Adapter that supports bg and wpa encryption (allows computer to connect to networks, such as Wi-Fi and printers, through microwaves, rather than hardwire cables)
- Web camera (Mic and camera can be used for web-conferencing)
- Graphics card (see Second Life graphics card recommendations http://secondlife.com/support/sysreqs.php)
|
Software
Office Suite (Collection of software programs that enable computer to process word documents, spreadsheets, media presentations, e-mail communication, etc.)
- Required: MS Word and PowerPoint
- In Microsoft Office ’97 or higher (2003 or 2007)
- or
- Open Office
Browser(Program that allows computer to connect to the World Wide Web)
- Required: FireFox
- FireFox is the browser of choice for FoxTale.
Plug Ins (auxiliary software programs that are based on a main program, like an Acrobat reader that enables computer to use a pdf file produced by Adobe Acrobat)
- Required:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- QuickTime
- Adobe Flash Player
- iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/)
- Java (http://java.com/en/)
- Other plug ins may be required for specific courses.
See GFU IT Downloadable Software at Technology Downloads for download information.
You can purchase Microsoft, Adobe, and other software through the vendor,Techhead.org where you’ll receive an educational discount when you select George Fox University (OR) in the “Higher Ed” dropdown menu on the home page.
Backup/Storage
- Recommend 8 G jump drive to back up files (not recommended for archiving)
- Recommend burning file to CD/DVD for archiving
Internet Connection
Speed (The speed at which data is transferred between the Internet and the local network/computer)
- Minimum: 56 Kbps (will limit ability to view media and participate in web conferencing)
- Highly Recommended: Broadband (DSL, Cable, Ethernet)
- While high-speed connection is not required, it is highly recommended because dial-up users may experience limited or no access to some resources such as streamed media.
Network Connection (Connecting the computer to a host that supports multiple computers)
Required for Portland Center face-to-face gatherings:
- Wireless (card or adapter allows computer to connect to networks, such as Wi-Fi and printers, through microwaves, rather than hardwire cables)
We highly recommend laptop computers since this program requires seven gatherings for face-to-face instruction. Those who are not able to acquire a laptop may make arrangements with the MAML administrative assistant Darla Samuelson to reserve a ‘loaner’ laptop when meeting at the Portland Center.
See GFU IT laptop purchase offerings at GFU laptop
