Typical courses in the MCCVLC catalog will display best at a screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and a color depth of Hi Color (16 bit/64K) or greater.  The speed of your computer, and the amount of system and video memory are important. A Pentium PC or PowerMac with at least 256Mb will significantly improve your interactive learning experience. Additional hardware such as a CD-ROM and/or sound card (with speakers or headphones) may be required for some courses. Check individual course summary pages for specific computer and software requirements.

A fast, reliable Internet connection and a personal E-mail account are basic requirements for taking advantage of courses offered through the VLC.  We recommend a minimum of a 28.8 Kbps Internet connection; a 56Kbps or broadband connection (cable modem or DSL) may provide more satisfactory results. Your connection speed is determined by your computers physical location, the speed of your connection, and the access plan purchased from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).  We encourage all learners to obtain their Internet access through an ISP that offers a reliable connection to the Internet.

Electronic mail is a critical element in communicating with your instructor and classmates. We recommend you use the electronic mail service provided by your college or your ISP. Some free electronic mail services sometimes have unexplained delays in service. If you use one of these free services, be alert to the possibility of delays in delivery of electronic mail. All Internet connection and e-mail problems need to be resolved by your ISP and/or e-mail provider.  The staff at the MCCVLC can offer general advice, but will be unable to provide definitive assistance in solving these types of problems. 

The interface between your computer and the Internet takes place within your Web browser. Web browsers, like other types of software are continuously upgraded to give you new features and/or to fix known problems. You will find accessing most courses offered through the VLC much easier with a current version of a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer®,  Netscape Navigator®, or Firefox / Mozilla®.   The Neoplanet® and Opera® browsers are also acceptable.

By clicking the "Detect My Technology Now" button below, you will run a quick application that will detect critical features of your computer operating system and web browser and report the results to you. Please pay particular attention to whether "cookies" are enabled and whether "javascripting" is enabled. This web site requires both, and there is a good chance that any online courses you may take will require these features to be enabled as well.

This technology detection tool developed with support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education.