UC Davis Extension - Professional and Continuing Education
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Online Learning Technical Requirements

Minimum Technical Requirements

Hardware

  • A minimum of Windows 2000 or Macintosh OS 9.1.
  • A stable connection to the Web.
  • A minimum screen resolution of 800 x 600 (our courses are designed to be maximized at this resolution).

Software


Browsers:

We strongly recommend you download the latest fully-released version of one browser.

Please check memory requirements for running each browser. The following browsers we know are compatible with our Distance Learning Campus.

  • Netscape Communicator 7.0 or higher
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or higher

Please avoid browsers that are in beta status, as this may cause system-wide complications. Staying current with the latest released version of Internet browsers allows for multimedia elements like Flash to function and can help stabilize your Web experience.

Basic Computer Skills

To have a successful learning experience, make sure you know how to do the following:

  • Computer: You should have experience using a personal computer, knowing how to use a keyboard and mouse, save and open files, navigate the file systems, install software and print documents.
  • Internet/Browser Basics: You should know how to open and close browsers, bookmark URLs, input URLs into the location/address bar, print, navigate the Web, download files from Web sites and install software.
  • Email: You should know how to save and organize emails, as well as send and open attachments.

Internet Connections and Email

Access: An Internet access account, with modem connection speeds of at least 28.8K or higher. 56K connection or greater is recommended.

Email: You will need an email account and address to take our online courses.

Receiving Distance Learning Campus Passwords: If you are enrolled in a Web-based course on the Distance Learning Campus you will receive a password to access your course via email on the start date, or within two business days of enrolling if you enroll after the start date. You need to set up your email account to receive email from "extensiondlc.net"; otherwise, a spam filter may redirect or strip the email we send containing your password.

If you do not receive your password in the timeframe indicated, please email us.