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NIU Online, Interactive Learning Excellence
Computer Checklist
The following is a list of basic computer hardware and software minimum requirements needed to successfully take courses online. Please check the syllabus for of individual courses for additional computer hardware and software requirements.

PC Platform:

  • Operating System: Windows XP (service Pack 2) or Vista
  • Processor: Pentium 4, 2.33 gigahertz (GHz) or better
  • RAM: 512 MB or greater
  • Free Hard Disk Space: 200 MB required
  • Modem Speed: DSL or Broadband (highly recommended) or better
  • Audio: 16 bit Sound Card and Speakers or Headphones
  • Video: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or better, OR ATI Radeon 9500 or better, OR Intel 945 chipset
  • Software: Internet Explorer 7.0 , Firefox 2.0, Windows Media Player 9.0 (free version available), Acrobat Reader, Flash Plugin (9.0 or better)

Platform: Macintosh

  • Operating System: OS X version 10.3.9 or better
  • Processor: 1.8 GHz G5 or better
  • RAM: 512 MB or greater
  • Free Hard Disk Space: 200 MB
  • Modem Speed: DSL or Broadband (highly recommended) or better
  • Video: ATI Radeon 9200 and above, OR ATI Radeon X Series, OR NVIDIA GeForce 2, GeForce 4, OR NVIDIA GeForce 5000 Series and above
  • Software: Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 1.x, Safari 1.1 Windows Media Player 9.0 for Mac OS X (free version available), Acrobat Reader, Flash Plugin (9.0 or better)
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