Computer Requirements

Hardware Requirements

You must have over three years experience using a computer; be comfortable and confident with basic computer tasks such as email, attaching files, word processing, managing your hard drive.
A resource person to help you with basic computer help, if you get stuck.
Have a computer system in your own home (exceptions made for International students without electricity).
PCs must have an XP or Vista operating system. Mac operating system 9.1+ and OS X
Computers should have at least 1 GB RAM, and suffficient hard drive space to hold files.
Broadband Internet connection such as Cable/DSL/Satellite. All rural areas in the US are covered by satellite now. Dial up connections only accepted in special circumstances.
Speaker and microphone
Scanner or fax may be needed for some courses
A printer
Additional software and hardware may need to be purchased for some courses.

Software and Plugins Needed

1. Your own email address, not shared with spouse.

2. Our system is best viewed through a modern web browser, such as Internet Explorer 6, Mozilla Firefox and other similar browsers. Some features may not work with all browsers such as Safari, Opera or Netscape.

3. Many of the documents that are used in courses use Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf).

Download the Adobe Reader

4. Some of the documents that are used in courses will be from the Microsoft Office suite.

If you do not have Word, you can download a Word viewer
If you do not have PowerPoint, you can download a PowerPoint viewer

5. Aviva Institute accepts documents saved as .doc (MS Word) or as .rtf (Rich Text Format)

If you don't have MS Word Open Office allows you to view and edit MS Office files, and is available free for Windows and for non-Windows computers.

6. Many courses have multimedia animations created using Adobe Flash that require you to have the Flash Plugin on your computer (You probably have it already if you have a modern machine)

Download Flash Player

7. In order to view some animations you will need Shockwave

Download Shockwave

8. Most courses will require the use of a media player, Microsoft Media Player, Quicktime or Real Player.

9. Some courses offer telephone conference calls or webcam meetings. You need a speaker and a microphone, for audio and a webcam for visual.

Free long distance and conference calls with your computer. www.skype.com

10. Some courses require the most recent version of Java installed already (you may already have it).

If not, you will need it download here.