Academic Computing & Distance Learning

Is an Online Class right for you? Computer System Requirements

To participate in SCC Online courses, students are expected to be familiar with computers and the Internet. Students are responsible for their own software and computer equipment maintenance and setup.   The SCC Helpdesk is unable to provide technical support related to the hardware, software or maintenance of a students personal computer system.

Hardware and software requirements  

Students must have access to a computer with Internet connection and a valid email address!

Recommended basic hardware and software for PC users: (minimum)

  • Pentium 2 processor with Windows 2000 or newer
  • 256 Megabytes of RAM or more (recommended)
  • audio card with speakers
  • Display with at least 800x600 pixels
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Online Internet Service Provider required (56k modem or faster connection)
  • Explorer 6.0 or Netscape 7 (may have limited features)
  • Windows Media Player 9 or newer
  • Word processing software that can save files in Word or RTF (Microsoft Word recommended)

Recommended basic hardware and software for Mac users: (minimum)

  • Mac G3 or newer with OS X
  • 128 Megabytes of RAM or more (recommended)
  • speakers
  • Display resolution with at least 800x600 pixels
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Online Internet Service Provider required (56k modem or faster connection)
  • Internet Explorer 5 for Mac OS X or Netscape 7 (older browsers are not supported), Safari, Mozilla Firefox
  • Word processing software that can save files in Word or RTF (Microsoft Word recommended) . Windows Media Player 9 for Mac OS X

If you have a pop up stopper program and/or Norton Firewall Ad-Blocker you will need to disable them when in your online course. You may also have to disable a firewall if you have one. 

You can also download plug-ins you may need here.