Minimum PC Specifications

• Pentium 4 processor or equivalent AMD with 1GB of RAM
• 60GB hard disk space available after Operating System install
• Internet connection (See recommendations on Internet access.)
• CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive (Some software may require a DVD drive for installation.)
• Sound capabilities with speakers or headset and a basic microphone or both are important

Computer specifications are reviewed and revised annually to accommodate changes in technology. Although every attempt is made to ensure that these specifications satisfy all curricular needs for students completing a college course online, Baker reserves the right to require upgrades in the event of technology changes. Students will be given 90 days notice before such changes are implemented.
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3) What computer software do I need to take a class online?

Operating system:

• Windows XP (with Service Pack 3), Windows Vista (32-bit recommended for maximum software compatibility) or Windows 7. It is strongly recommended that you have administrative rights to the computer used for college online coursework. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrator rights (such as a library computer or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions, such as installing plug-ins. 
• MAC OS 10 or higher is supported, but some applications may require Windows OS. You should be prepared to run the Parallels desktop and a Windows OS if you elect to use a Mac system.

Productivity tools: If using Baker-provided laptops, they include the Microsoft Office 2007 Professional for Windows package (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Baker will provide students using a Mac with Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. Installation CDs will be mailed to you after you are fully enrolled.  If you are not using a Baker-provided laptop, then you will be provided access to all software needed to complete your coursework.  This could include Microsoft Office 2007 or higher, MS Project and/or PH Stat Excel add-in.  Your personal machine must be able to load applications via internet download or physical CD/DVD drive. Contact the helpdesk to obtain these CDs.

 Internet access: ISP account for Internet access and email address (See more on Internet connectivity specifications below.)

Java-enabled browser:

• Windows: Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher. Free download available at Internet Explorer
• Windows: Mozilla Firefox 3.x or higher. Free download available at Mozilla
• MAC: Mozilla Firefox 3.x or higher. Free download available at Mozilla

NOTE: The AOL, Opera and Safari browsers are NOT currently supported for online coursework. You may use AOL for your ISP, but should use either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox with the versions listed above for a browser.
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4) What plug-ins will I need to access the resources in my course?
All plug-ins needed to participate in online coursework are available free of charge. Review the list of plug-ins below and install them before beginning your course. 

• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Digital Editions  NOTE: We recommend that you obtain the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader as well as Adobe Digital Editions. Use these links to download the current version:

• RealPlayer (Basic)
• Apple QuickTime Player

Additional plug-ins and downloads may be required for a specific course. The courses will include information for obtaining and installing the appropriate plug-ins.

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5) What kind of security do I need?
The ease and convenience of online education through the World Wide Web brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets for unwanted and often malicious attacks and intrusions by computer viruses and hackers. To prevent this, we recommend using an anti-virus package and a corporate or personal firewall. Your computer is subject to virus attack whether you are surfing the Internet or getting information from floppy disks, CDs or a network. Email attachments are particularly vulnerable. 

Symantec AntiVirus will be provided free of charge. After you are admitted and enrolled and have created a student portal account you will be able to select a link that will download a current version of Symantec AntiVirus. Symantec AntiVirus is one of the most popular and effective anti-virus programs on the market. This product offers the security of automatic protection against viruses, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets and other dangerous code. This program also offers automatic retrieval of new anti-virus definitions for updating. Because an anti-virus program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably weekly.

Personal firewalls are another means to protect your computer from malicious activity when you are connected to the Internet. Windows comes with a built-in personal firewall. It is recommended that you enable the Windows Internet Connection Firewall and learn how to use this application to protect your computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet. The help desk can help you enable this firewall. Call 785.594-4544 or submit an online Help Desk request for assistance.

• Windows Defender Anti-Spyware

Windows Defender is free downloadable software to help defend your computer from junk email, spam and unwanted downloaded attachments. We suggest you use this software.

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6) How can I get Internet access?
Internet access is required to participate in online components of your college courses at Baker. An Internet service provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet in order of preference:

• 56K dial-up connection: Many course components will have suboptimal performance when accessed through a 56K dial-up connection.
• Satellite and/or wireless Internet connection: Satellite and wireless connections are not recommended. Performance may be suboptimal due to latency and signal instability.

If AOL is your ISP, you must use the Internet Explorer or Firefox browser, rather than the default AOL browser, to complete coursework in a college course online. Simply launch the appropriate browser after logging into your AOL account.

If you connect to the Internet through your company, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network.
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7) What email account should I use?
We provide all students an email address that we require you to use. This will prevent issues with spam blockers and other problems that may prevent you from receiving email from your instructors. It will also enable you to participate in special student offers that are available only to students with a ".edu" email address.
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8) Can I use Web TV to access my courses?
Courseware cannot be accessed using Web TV.
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9) What should I do if I need assistive technologies?
Students who need assistive technologies will have different computer and technology requirements. Please check with your academic advisor to determine the requirements for the specific technologies needed to support your coursework.
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10) What if I am purchasing a new computer system?
If you are purchasing a new computer system, the following are recommended by Baker University. These specifications may provide you with a guideline for configuring your new system.

Windows-Based System | Desktop

• Operating system - Genuine Windows 7® Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate Edition with current security patches and updates
• Current Anti-virus program (e.g. Mcafee, Norton, AVG, etc.). If bought more than 3 years ago, it isn’t current.
• Anti-virus program must have current virus definitions
• Processor - Intel® Core 2 Duo 1.86Ghz or better
• Memory - 2GB RAM or better
• Hard drive - 80GB or better
• Optical drive - 16X DVD+/-RW drive
• Video/graphics - Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 or better
• Network card
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• High-speed Internet access
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or Firefox 3.x
• Administrative access to the computer (to have the ability to install course-specific software or reach certain links)
• Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 with Access, Microsoft Project, & PH Stat plugin for Excel

Windows-Based System | Laptop

• Operating system - Genuine Windows 7® Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate Edition with current security patches and updates
• Current anti-virus program (e.g. Mcafee, Norton, AVG, etc.). If bought more than 3 years ago, it isn’t current.
• Anti-virus program must have current virus definitions.
• Processor - Intel® Core 2 Duo 1.86Ghz or better
• Memory - 2 GB RAM or better
• Hard drive - 80GB or better
• Optical drive - 16X DVD+/-RW drive
• Video graphics - Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 or better
• Wireless LAN - Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
• Battery - 6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery
• High-speed Internet access
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or Firefox 2.0.x
• Administrative access to the computer (in order to have the ability to install course-specific software or reach certain links)
• Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 with Access, Microsoft Project, & PH Stat plugin for Excel

Apple-Based System

• Operating system – OS 10.4 or better
• Current Anti-virus program (e.g. Mcafee, Norton, AVG, etc.). If bought more than 3 years ago, it isn’t current.
• Anti-virus program must have current virus definitions
• Processor - Intel® Core 2 Duo 1.86Ghz or better
• Memory - 2 GB RAM or better
• Hard drive - 80GB or better
• Optical drive -  16X DVD+/-RW drive
• High-speed Internet access
• Safari Browser 5.0
• Administrative access to the computer (in order to have the ability to install course-specific software or reach certain links)
• Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 with Access, Microsoft Project, & PH Stat plugin for Excel

**Apple/Mac users must be able to access a PC because some course textbooks have supplemental CDs/DVDs that WILL NOT work on or install to Apple computers.

11) How do I contact Baker University for technical support?

• By phone at 785.594.4544
• Online Help Desk request

12) What should I do if I have the wrong LOGIN information?
You can call 785.594.4544 or submit an online Help Desk request for assistance.     

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13) What should I do if I can't remember my login name and password?
You can call 785.594.4544 or submit an online Help Desk request for assistance.
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