Most operating systems are acceptable. Windows 7, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Open the Start menu, right-click Computer, and select Properties from the menu to find out what you have. (SP1) or Windows XP SP3. Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6. Go to the Apple menu and select About This Mac to find out what you have. Leopard. Safari 4/5. Apple Java 5 or higher.
MAC OS X (10.4.11) WILL NOT WORK)
USB headset with microphone, (also: click here or here or here ) is recommended, but any mic and headphones will work, even inexpensive units. A video web cam is not necessary. It is not recommended students use the microphone built-in to their computer
Browser: MS Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox, or most other browsers (latest version by platform).
Software Firewalls and Filters: Make sure your firewalls, virus software, or filters do not interfere with classes. Please see your firewall and filter documentation for configuration assistance.
Antivirus Utility: Families must run antivirus software on their incoming and outgoing email. Norton Internet Security package works well for protecting incoming and outgoing email and it is the utility that most families use.
Adobe Acrobat Reader: All families must have the free downloadable Adobe Acrobat Reader version 9 or higher installed on their computers.
Wordprocessing: Assignments MUST be saved and submitted as plain text using Wordpad (Windows), Notepad (Windows), or Textedit (Mac).
When Taking Classes: Make sure there are no unnecessary programs running in the background on your computer. Other programs (like Instant Messenger, etc.) can suck up resources and cause interference with the audio in our classroom. Hold down these three buttons on your keyboard at the same time: "Ctrl," "Alt," and "Delete." When you do that you should see a screen pop up which says "Windows Task Manager." If there are programs running there which you aren't using, go ahead and click "End Task." It will free up more space for Classes.
Our Virtual Classroom Setup Using WebEx:
TESTING YOUR COMPUTER: Apologia Academy classes use Webex for their virtual classrooms. You must check to ensure your computer works properly with Webex (PC's & Mac's). Follow the directions below. You do NOT need an account with Apologia Academy or Webex to test your system, nor do you need an account with Webex as a registered student.
Please review System Requirements before proceeding - Click here for System Requirements
If you are unable to join or having difficulty running the test, please contact WebEx Support at 866.229.3239 Option 1 or visit support.webex.com for helpful support information.
You can also set up WebEx on your computer by clicking the following link:
