Required Computer Equipment

You don't need a super-duper fancy computer to take a Distance Calculus course.

The basic requirements are a relatively-new computer (purchased within the last 4-5 years), and a high-speed connection to the internet.

As part of the Distance Calculus courses, you will be instructed in how to use the software. The goal of the course is to LEARN CALCULUS, not to learn your computer (although you will get better at your computer in the process!)

The MINIMUM COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE required is the ability to send/receive email via the internet. If you can do that (and most everyone can!), then you are READY!

Specific Computer Requirements

• Recent Operating System
  
  • Windows PCs: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
  • Macintosh PCs: OSX 10.6, 10.5, 10.4, 10.3
  • Linux PCs: Ubuntu or CentOS/RedHat
• Computer Algebra Software
  Most Distance Calculus courses use the LiveMath™ software, which you may download and run the free 30-day demo to try it out! (For Mac, Windows, and Linux) [Note: some courses use the Mathematica™ software, which is a bit more "computer intensive" in terms of its minimum requirements.]

• Web Browser: Firefox
  Distance Calculus courses rely upon the Firefox web browser. (If you are Windows user, and hooked on using IE, we will need to gently expand your horizons to Firefox.) [Mac users: Safari is acceptable, too]

• iTunes
  As just about everyone has an iPod or iPhone these days, we rely upon iTunes for downloading and watching course lecture movies. [In case iTunes does not work for you, we offer other free alternatives: VLC media player and/or Miro podcast/media player, both for Mac, Windows, and Linux.]

• PDF Software (Acrobat Reader or ...)
  Some files used in the Distance Calculus courses utilize the PDF format. Free software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader is sufficient to viewing the PDF files. [Note: Mac users have built-in PDF with the Preview application.]

• Webcam & Microphone (If Applicable)
  Some Distance Calculus courses with a video creation component will require the usage of a webcam and a microphone to achieve the recording of the video solutions the student will make. If you do not have a webcam nor a microphone, we will provide you with some options (ranging from cheap to not-so-cheap) for purchasing this additional equipment.

• Available Hard Drive Space
  Your computer hard drive should have at least 10 GB available on it - many of the Distance Calculus courses include lecture movies that take up some disc space on your hard drive.

• High-Speed Internet
  Some students who utilize their employer's high speed internet while at work might have some difficulty, as some "restricted" networks often have difficult using [Note: If you are still on dial-up, you **might** be able to participate in the course, but ... upgrade to high speed if you can.]