Consult Microsoft Office help and training – https://support.office.com/ for additional help using Microsoft Office. Check with your instructor for information on downloads that may be available at no cost from your institution. For example, Microsoft Office may be available at no charge to you.

These are free downloads. Always check and keep your browser, plugins and other software up to date. 

Your internet connection is one of the most important components to achieve a rewarding online experience.  A slow internet connection may cause the MyCC to timeout or limit access to course materials. 

• See the minimum specification below for your High-Speed Broadband service.
• An internet speed test is provided below to check both upload and download speeds.

High-Speed Broadband 1.5+ MB/s (WiFi)

Internet Speed Test – https://bit.ly/2KzkzPG

Computing devices used to successfully complete online course work should be reviewed and checked against minimum technical specifications. The devices should be reliable with an up-to-date operating system.  The internet connection should be at least a broadband service and reliable.

Hardware Specifications:

• Processor (Central Processing Unit) 2 GHz + 
• RAM (Random Access Memory) 4 GB +
• Storage (Hard Drive) 250 GB (minimum)
• Monitor minimum resolution (1280 x 1024)
• Video Graphics Card 
• Keyboard and Mouse

Computer Peripherals:  

• Speakers
• Headphones – (Noise-cancelling headset is recommended)
• Microphone
• Web Camera
  
• Public access computers may not allow access to web cameras.

System Check

• The system check will test JavaScript, Cookies, and Browser for compatibility.
• Try the Cengage System Check website.

Operating System Requirements

• Personal Computer – Your PC operating system should be at least Windows 8 or higher (full version not RT or Mobile). It is best to upgrade to a newer operating system if possible.
• Check the latest operating system on windows – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13443/windows-which-operating-system
• How to update windows to a later version – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028685/windows-10-get-the-update (windows 10 2018 update instructions)
• “Windows Update” – It is also important that you run “Windows Update” to ensure you have all the latest security patches and updates.
• Follow the steps below:
  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Depending on which Control Panel view you use, Classic or Category, do one of the following:
     1. Click System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab.
     2. Click Performance and Maintenance, click System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab.
  3. Click the option that you want. Make sure Automatic Updates is not turned off.

• Mac – The OS, at a minimum should be 10.7 or higher (Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave most reliable).
  • To check what mac system, you are using:
    • Check the latest operating system on mac – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201260
    • How to update mac to a later version – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541