Connection Test/Download - Center for Credit Programs

Internet Connection Test / Download Page

Check the system and connection requirements for your computer.
Verify whether your computer can play or read files from various programs.
Download free software as needed.
Contact us for technical assistance.

System and Connection Requirements

Note: If you meet the minimum system requirements,
you will be able to download all of the software and test all of the sample files on this page.

A. Internet Connection: Online course materials require an Internet connection and browser

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Recommended
- Cable modem, DSL, or T1 - 128K or higher connection
Minimum
- 56K modem connection

2. Internet Browser

Recommended (one or more of the following)
- Internet Explorer 6 or higher (IE 5.x or higher is required for Media Player Slides with Audio and Adobe Reader)
- Mozilla Firefox 1 or higher (Firefox works with Windows Media Player, WebCT, and Blackboard; many report it is the preferred browser for WebCT.)
Minimum
- Other browsers may be used, however you may experience performance problems

B. Minimum System Requirements for Windows and Macintosh Computers

For Windows Computers (PC)

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP:
Please keep your operating system updated: Microsoft Windows Update Site
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
100 MB free disk space
Sound card with speakers and microphone or headset
Updated virus protection (Symantec Anti-Virus available as a free download to all enrolled students)

Recommended

Windows 2000 / XP:
Please keep your operating system updated: Microsoft Windows Update Site
Pentium IV 1GHz equivalent processor (or higher)
512 MB RAM (or higher)
100 MB free disk space
Sound card
USB Headset Microphone

For Mac OS X 10.1+

Please keep your operating system updated: Apple Support/Update Site

G3 233 MHz
128 MB RAM
100 MB free disk space
Updated virus protection (Symantec Anti-Virus available as a free download to all enrolled students)

For Mac OS 9

Please keep your operating system updated: Apple Support/Update Site

G3 233 MHz
64 MB RAM
100 MB free disk space
Updated virus protection (Symantec Anti-Virus available as a free download to all enrolled students)

Reminder: If you meet the minimum system requirements,
you will be able to download all of the software and test all of the sample files on this page.

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Test Sample Files/Download Software

Many courses utilize a number of formats in the delivery of course material.
Note: Courses do not typically use all of the following programs.
See your course Web site for specific software requirements for your course.

Test a sample file. (Download times will vary depending on your Internet connection speed.)
Download/update your software by following the appropriate link in the Software column.
If you cannot download the software or read the sample file, verify your system requirements and/or contact us.

Document Software	Samples and Comments
Adobe Reader Download	Test This Basic PDF Document Both basic PDFs and eBook PDFs are viewable with Adobe Reader. For more on eBooks, see Downloading Your eBooks & eBook Reading Tips. (This presentation is in the Flash format.) Note: Because of recent security updates we strongly encourage you to download and install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Microsoft Word (Campus License for enrolled Students)	Test This Word Document MS Word is the preferred format for assignments submitted by e-mail (some exceptions apply); some course materials are provided in this format.

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Media Software	Samples and Comments Test the samples, selecting a quality level as appropriate. (In many courses, you will be able to choose "Good Quality" video for easier playing at slow connections and "Better or Best Quality" video for clearer picture and sound if you have a high speed Internet connection.) See download-time key for details.
Flash Player Download	Test This Flash File Some course materials are posted as "slides with audio" using Flash. Some courses use an online virtual classroom service called Breeze. this Flash based software allows users to verbally and visually communicate. In addition to a sound card, this also requires a microphone on your computer. Visit the Geting Ready to use Breeze Web site.
Elluminate Live Download	Test Elluminate Some courses use an online virtual classroom service called Elluminate Live. This Java based software allows users to verbally and visually communicate. In addition to a sound card, this also requires a microphone on your computer. Vist the Getting Ready to use Elluminate Web site.
Windows Media Download (All 3 types, Streaming Video, Slides with Audio, and the Good/Better/Best Samples, rely on Windows Media)
	Test This Streaming Video Sample Some courses use Windows Media video that is streaming and does not download to your computer (requires DSL/Cable modem connection)
	Test This "Slides with Audio" Sample Some courses use Windows Media Slides with Audio that play in your browser; this type usually works with dial-up and high speed modems.
	Test a Windows Media "Good Quality" Sample	Test a Windows Media "Better Quality" Sample	Test a Windows Media "Best Quality" Sample
QuickTime Download	Test a QuickTime "Good Quality" Sample	Test a QuickTime "Better Quality" Sample	Test a QuickTime "Best Quality" Sample

Download-Time Key for Video Sample Clips
Clip Duration: 20 Seconds

For the above sample clips, expect the file to download to your computer in the length of time indicated to the right.

Good Quality

T1 / LAN: 0:01
DSL / Cable: 0:07
56K Modem: 0:16

Better Quality

T1 / LAN: 0:05
DSL / Cable: 0:49
56K Modem: 1:52

Best Quality

T1 / LAN: 0:09
DSL/ Cable: 1:38
56K Modem: 3:42

Contact Us

If you meet the minimum system and connection requirements, yet are having problems with the sample documents or the software downloads, please contact us for technical assistance: tech-support@continuetolearn.uiowa.edu. Please provide the following information:

your full name (and Hawk ID if you know it);
your contact information (phone number and e-mail);
your computer type and operating system (e.g., PC or Mac; Windows 98, XP, Mac OS X, etc.);
your type of Internet connection (dial-up, high speed);
the primary browser you use (e.g., Internet Explorer, AOL, Netscape);
location (Home, Work, Public Library, Internet Cafe, etc.);
a description of your problem (opening the sample file, downloading the software, and which type of file etc.)

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