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Computer Requirements for Live Online & Self-Paced Courses

Sarah Carrig

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We’re often asked what platforms work the best for our live online classes and Veritas Self-Paced Courses. In this post, we’re going to clear that up for you!

If you’d like additional help selecting a computer for your live or self-paced courses, bookmark this post and take it to your local computer store – they will be able to advise you on which computers meet the specifications and are the best deal for your money.

Supported Device Types

  • Laptop computers

  • Desktop computers

  • iPads

Computer & Mobile Device Minimum Requirements

For Windows Laptops & Desktop Computers:

  • 1.4 GHz or faster Intel® processor

  • Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8.0 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit)

  • 1 GB RAM (2 GB or higher recommended)

For Mac Laptops & Desktop Computers:

  • 1.83 GHz Intel® or faster processor

  • 1 GB RAM

  • macOS 10.14, 10.15, and 11.0

Mobile Devices: Android/iOS (live online classes)

  • For live online classes, your device must support the Adobe Connect App. It is available as a free download from most app stores, including the Google Play store and Apple App store.

  • The student is responsible to ensure that all other tangential requirements are met. For example, internet access, microphone, and keyboard to type when required.

  • While not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that a quality headset/microphone is used for all live classes. Speakerphones, cell phones, wireless microphones and low-quality headsets cause voice fluctuations and noisy background audio.

Mobile Devices (Self-Paced Courses)

  • All Apple iPads are supported (must use the Safari browser)

  • We cannot offer tech support for non-iPad tablets

  • Chromebooks are supported (older Chromebooks can lag)

Internet Requirements

  • Bandwidth: Your internet connection must provide a consistent minimum download speed of 4 mbps (megabits per second) and a consistent minimum upload speed of 1 mbps (megabits per second). In addition, the internet connection must be stable with low latency. Internet connection bandwidth can be measured using the VSA speed test at https://vsa.speedtestcustom.com/. Higher download and upload speeds are desirable.

  • Connection: High-speed cable from a reliable provider is recommended. Satellite connections or other interference-prone connections are not recommended. Veritas recommends hardwiring the client computer on the local network. Wifi connections can be adequate if stable.

  • Web browser: We recommend using the most updated version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to access your live online classes and Self-Paced Courses on Windows. Mac computers can use Safari or Chrome.

  • Edge and other browsers can be functional but are not recommended.

  • Antiquated browsers, such as Internet Explorer, should not be used.

Other Hardware

  • Computer or laptop monitor: For the best viewing of your Self-paced or live online course, the monitor should have a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 px (pixels) or higher.

  • Headphones: headphones are strongly recommended for live online classes, as this cuts down the likelihood of echoes in the classroom.

  • Microphone: Typically, it is most convenient to purchase headphones with a built-in microphone; however, a stand-alone microphone or webcam mic can also be used for live online classroom participation.

  • Webcam: If using a computer without a built-in webcam, we strongly recommend purchasing an external webcam for live online classroom participation.

Have other technology or troubleshooting questions?

Read the full Technology Handbook HERE. Inside, you will find walk-throughs of parent and student navigation for live online classes, instructions for using Adobe Connect, how to navigate your self-paced courses, troubleshooting tips, and more!