Online Courses Technical Requirements
Minimum Computer Specifications
To ensure a reasonable speed for interactive online courses, all students and faculty must have at a minimum, the following specifications on their computers:
Operating System and Software Requirements
- Windows 10 and 11
- macOS Monterey (12.7) or higher
- Microsoft 365
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
Supported Browsers
Windows
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Mozilla Firefox (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
Macintosh
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Mozilla Firefox (recommended)
- Safari
Internet Connection
You will need a strong Internet broadband connection (DSL, Cable or faster) to participate in the online courses and a headset with attached microphone for some courses. If you do not have a computer, or a fast internet connection, computer labs are available for use by Cameron students, faculty, and staff.
Recommended Software
- Microsoft 365 – Available for faculty and students at no cost. Login to https://www.office.com using your campus account. Click on Office 365.
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Creative Cloud – Available for faculty and students at no cost.
Hardware Requirements
- 4-8 GB of RAM
- Cable, DSL or faster speed preferred
- Monitor or TV screen
- Sound card & speakers
Zoom
Many virtual classes (online classes with scheduled meetings) require the use of Zoom. In most cases, you will access your Zoom meeting through a link provided by your instructor, or the instructor may instruct you to use the Zoom link in your Blackboard course. The student may be required to enable or install a browser extension before accessing Zoom on the computer for the first time. You will need to sign-in to Zoom using your Cameron email account.
Respondus LockDown Browser™
Is a secured browser used solely for taking online exams and quizzes for courses at Cameron University. If your instructor has chosen to require the Lockdown browser for their quiz or exam, you will need to install it one time for free on the computer you will use. Some instructors may also require the use of Respondus Monitor in addition to the Lockdown Browser (see below). Once installed, you simply open it, log in and take your quiz. Read more about testing at Cameron: https://www.cameron.edu/office-of-teaching-and-learning/academic-services/testing/faculty-exam-instructions
Computer Literacy Skill
- You need to have a basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills in order to be successful in an online course. Here are some of the highlights:
- Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, applications, etc.
- Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:
- Using keyboard and mouse
- Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties
- Software installation, security and virus protection
- Using software applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email clients
- Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats
- Sending and downloading attachments
