Prep Your Computer for Online School
If you're enrolled in online school, you'll want to make sure that your computer is as prepared as you are for your first day of class.
First and foremost, you need to have regular and reliable access to an Internet-enabled computer—preferably your own, but a family member's or a roommate's computer will do if you're able to use it regularly.
Whether it's a PC or a Macintosh, you'll want to make sure that it meets the system requirements specified by your particular online school's technical support information.
That information will include minimum processing speed, minimum Internet connection speed and recommended software. At the very least you will need an approved web browser; other commonly used programs include Adobe Reader, word processing programs like Microsoft Word, and plug-ins such as Java and Flash. If you're really tech savvy, you can also take advantage of time management and organizational tools such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook.
Also critical is being well acquainted with your computer and familiar with browsing the Internet. Online school will be a breeze if you're accustomed to sending e-mail, downloading and uploading files and programs, using the software described above, and finding information on the World Wide Web.
When your computer has all the hardware and software it needs, and you're comfortable using it, then you'll be ahead of the game when you start attending online school.
Online Degrees 101
Use our Online Degrees 101 guide to explore and learn the ABCs of online education. Here you'll find a wealth of information to get you started in your online education.
- Distance Learning Overview
- Online Education Tips
- Online College Comparison
- Online Degree Differences
- Online School Accreditation
- For-Profit vs Nonprofit Online Schools
- Online Education Glossary
- Interview with an Online Student
- Interview with an Online Professor
- Major and Career Decision Guide
- Online Degrees 101 Home
- Find Online Schools
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