Computer Requirements for Taking Online Courses

Minimum requirements:

  • Audio: Sound card and speakers or headphones for listening
  • Internet connection: 56 Kbps for self-paced courses (if video is present, accessibility may be very slow at this speed)
  • Screen resolution: Minimum of 800 x 600
  • Internet browser: Internet Explorer 7 or greater, Firefox 2 or greater, browser set to accept cookies, and show the newest version of a page
  • Pop-up blocker: Must be disabled

Recommended requirements:

  • All of those items recommended in minimum specifications, PLUS the following:
  • Internet connection: Cable modem, DSL, or better (required for high-quality video)
  • Screen resolution: 1024 x 768
  • A free media player may be required to view videos in some courses (e.g., Windows Media Player)

Occasionally, you may encounter course content in the form of file types that require specific applications in order to open and/or view. If you do not have the corresponding applications on your computer, and/or if your browser lacks the capability to properly display these files, you should be able to view the files by downloading free viewers or plug-ins for specific file types. These links are provided here for your convenience. Please refer back to this page when and if it is necessary while taking any SubstanceEducation.com courses.

For Microsoft Office files (such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel):
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/office?activetab=tab%3ahomeorpersonal

For Adobe PDF files, download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

Most course videos will be viewable via Windows Media Player, which can be downloaded for both Mac’s and PC’s:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.mspx