The following is a list of basic requirements you must meet in order to be successful in completing this online course. In addition to the hardware and software requirements listed below, you should be very familiar with using the Internet, retrieving and sending email documents, opening and attaching word and excel documents to email documents, as well as a working knowledge of using both Word and Excel.

1. Computer: PC – Pentium III or higher with Internet Access: Pentium IV preferred. MAC – G3 or better.
2. Operating Systerm: PC – NT, 2000, or XP: MAC: OS X.
3. RAM: 512 MB or higher
4. Internet connection speed: 56kbps or higher speed
5. Sound Card: Recommended with speakers
6. Plugins: Audio – RealAudio/Realvideo. Its web site is found at http://www.realaudio.com: Video: Video plugin software may be required to see video presentations of course materials. The recommended plugin is RealPlayer. Its web site is found at http://www.real.com. Quicktime (www.apple.com/quicktime). Adobe Acrobat Reader (www.adobe.com/products/acrobat).
7. Browers: Internet Explorer (preferred), Safari (MAC), or Netscape Communicator.

Please Note: AOL browser is NOT recommended. You may use AOL to connect, but you then need to use either the Netscape browser or Internet Explorer browser.

• Cookies: All students, especially those who connect to the Internet through AOL, must be sure the cookies’ setting under the Preferences tab is set to “Accept All Cookies”.
• Software: You must have and know how to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. I will be sending Word and Excel attachments through email to you. Also, you will be required to send Word and Excel attachments back to me. You must have a working knowledge of both Word and Excel in order to succeed in this course. Also, I recommend that you have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer. I will include a series of PowerPoint presentations for each chapter that will help you to better understand the materials.

Problems with Blackboard and/or IVC E-Mail Accounts

If you are having problems with your IVC Blackboard or email account, call IVC technical support at (949) 451-5696. This number is only available M - F, 8:00 am to 7:00 PM.

You can also access the Blackboard Online Support Center.

The toll-free 24 hour technical support number for South Orange County Community College District Blackboard Support Center is:

(866) 940-8991