Computer Requirements
Students taking WSU online courses need regular access to a computer with Internet access. Because your computer is your connection to your courses – essentially the way you "go to class" – you also need to have a backup plan should your primary computer become unavailable.
If you are seeking a degree, it may be possible to receive a loan for a computer.
Online Media Center
Most required course media is available in the online Media Center so you can watch your provided course videos, presentations, and other media on your computer, instead of having DVDs mailed to you.
To access the Media Center before the semester begins, select the Media Center link on any WSU Online Current Student web page, or go to zzusis and select the WSU Online Media Center quick link from the list of WSU Online links on the right. (When the semester begins, you will also be able to access the Media Center in your Angel course space.)
Before your courses begin, we recommend that you sample a video in the Media Center to see if you can view it without any difficulty.
We also recommend that before your courses begin you perform the online Media Center speed test to ensure you are able to view the media in the online Media Center successfully. The speed test checks the average download speed on your computer.
If your average download speed indicates that you will have issues viewing online media, and your course contains videos, we recommend that you request hard copies of the online media for your courses.
Note: Please ensure that all popup blockers are configured to accept popups from http://online.wsu.edu or disable them.
Technology minimum requirements
Internet Connection:
- DSL or Cable Internet recommended
Windows Operating System Requirements:
- Win 7/Vista/Windows XP
- Pentium III 450MHz or faster processor (or equivalent)
- 1 GB of RAM
- Browser Requirements: Download the most recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari (free downloads)
Note: Please ensure that all popup blockers are configured to accept popups from http://online.wsu.edu or disable them.
Macintosh Minimum Requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2
- PowerPC® G3 500MHz or faster processor
- Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor
- 1 GB of RAM
- Browser Requirements: Download the most recent version of Firefox, Safari or Chrome (free downloads)
Note: Please ensure that all popup blockers are configured to accept popups from http://online.wsu.edu or disable them.
Media Hardware:
- DVD player
Media Software:
- Flash Player (download)
- Adobe Reader (download)
- Real Player (download)
- Java (download).
- Windows Media Player (download)
*When using RealPlayer, firewalls might cause problems that require reconfiguring settings. If you are connecting to the Internet via AOL, MSN, Earthlink, Sympatico, Mindspring, Netcom, Sprynet, Compuserve, Prodigy Internet, or another common internet service provider (ISP), you should not need to configure RealPlayer for use with a firewall. If you aren’t able to view the videostreamed presentations, contact the WSU IT Help Desk for help (call toll-free 800-608-3839 or send an email to WSU IT Help Desk).
