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Release notes for the most recent update to Engage.
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Technology Requirements
These are the technical requirements necessary for your online courses to run properly. Please read this information carefully, as you must ensure that your computer is properly configured. If you have any questions or problems, please call the university Technical Support.
Hardware
Any computer that is capable of running a modern Operating Systems (OS). For example:
- Windows 7
- Mac OS/X
- Linux
- More memory (RAM) will allow for more applications, such as your online course and Microsoft Word, to be open and will speed up your computer in general.
- A High Speed/Broadband internet connection.
- You may also wish to purchase a microphone, either standalone or with a set of headphones. These would be for the times that you may need to do Voice-Over-IP chats or Voice-Over-PowerPoint presentations.
Software
Web Browser Requirements
The following web browsers are supported and tested:
With PCs running Windows OS:
Chrome
Download the latest version of Chrome here: http://www.google.com/chromeSafari
Download the latest version of Safari here: http://www.apple.com/safari/download/Firefox 4.0 and above
Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.htmlInternet Explorer version 7.0 and above
Download the latest version of Internet Explorer for Windows here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspxWith Macs running OS X:
Chrome
Download the latest version of Chrome here: http://www.google.com/chromeSafari
Download the latest version of Safari here: http://www.apple.com/safari/download/Firefox 4.0 and above
Download the latest version of Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
Cookies Must Be Enabled on your Browser
A cookie is a small file that is placed on your computer by the server. Cookies are a very common Internet technology used by many websites, such as Amazon or eBay. Your browser has a setting that allows you to control whether you allow cookies or not.
Since cookies are so common, your browser probably already has cookies enabled. If you are unsure whether your browser is set up properly, please call Technical Support.
Suggested Plug-ins and Software
Adobe Acrobat
Your courses may include .pdf files, which require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Acrobat is not installed on your computer, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Adobe Flash
Your courses may include images or animations that require the Adobe (formerly Macromedia)Flash plug-in. If you do not have Flash installed, or have difficulty viewing the animations, you may load the most current version of the Flash plug-in here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Note: Many mobile devices have the most problems with Flash. If your mobile device cannot display Flash animation then it might not be suitable for online access.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Your courses may include Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. If you do not have PowerPoint installed on your computer, you may use the free PowerPoint viewer to view the course materials. Download the free PowerPoint viewer here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=048dc840-14e1-467d-8dca-19d2a8fd7485.
Microsoft Word
Your courses require the use of Microsoft Word to turn in written assignments. If you use any word processor other than Microsoft Word, please remember to save the file as a .doc file. It is your responsibility to ensure that your assignments can be read by the instructor.
Microsoft Excel
Your courses may require the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. If you use any spreadsheet program other than Microsoft Excel, please remember to save the file as a .xls file. It is your responsibility to ensure that your assignments can be read by the instructor.
Microsoft Office Conversion Tool
If you are using an older version of Microsoft Office (2003 or before) and you need to access Office 2007 (or later) files then please download the Office Family conversion tool here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466
- If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download a 60 day trial by going to http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx
Real Player
This course may include video and audio that will require Real Player. You may download a free version of Real Player at: http://www.real.com/realplayer.
QuickTime
This course may include video that will require QuickTime Video Player. You may download a free version of QuickTime Player at: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.
Compression/"Zip" Utility
This course may require the use of a compression utility such as WinZip to create a zipped file (*.zip). If you do not have a compression utility installed on your computer, you may download a free copy of WinZip here: http://www.winzip.com/prodpagewz.htm.
- Information Literacy Tutorial
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/infolit - Literature Review Tutorial
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/litreview - How to Do a Basic Search in SearchBox
http://www.american.edu/library/instruction/searchbox.cfm - How to Use EndNote Citation Management Software
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/AUEndNote - How to Use Find More Answers! FAQ
http://www.american.edu/library/instruction/findmoreanswers.cfm - Other Library Use Tutorials
http://www.american.edu/library/instruction/library_use.cfm - Library Subject Guides
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/home - Links to Library Databases (by title, A-Z)
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/databasesatoz - Citation Style Guide
http://subjectguides.library.american.edu/citation