Computer requirements

This document is to help you get your computer get ready for online courses at Learning.ac.nz. There are a few things that you need to check on your computer to make sure that you can make the most of all areas of the online courses. Once everything is checked, you will be able to begin your course with no problems. So, let's see what your computer needs…

What your computer will need

Browser

You do not need to install any special software to use courses here as they are regularly tested with a wide a range of computers, and can therefore be accessed from PC using Windows, Apple Mac's, and Linux.

We also test the environment with a variety of web browsers - so you can use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Mozilla, or Opera.

Cookies

Cookies are small data files that a server places into a secure area on your computer. Your browser must have cookies enabled to use Learning.ac.nz. There is no security consideration as cookies do not interact directly with the computer, and they can be deleted automatically once you disconnect if you wish. Read the Cookies section of your internet browser for help if you need to alter your cookie settings.

PowerPoint

Most documents are HTML format (which works with any internet browser), and some documents may be Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, which will open within the browser; or within a similar application. If you have Microsoft Office or Open Office installed on your computer you should be able to view them with no problem. You can download Open Office for free from http://www.openoffice.org Microsoft Office, you can download a free PowerPoint viewer from the Microsoft website: http://office.microsoft.com/home/default.aspx (Type "Powerpoint viewer" in the search box)

Acrobat Reader

Some documents may be presented in Adobe .pdf format - this is a way of ensuring the document looks the same to everyone. You will need Adobe Reader to view these files. This is available free from Adobe on the internet; http://www.adobe.com. There are viewers available for all types of computer – Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Flash

Some courses may feature Flash content. Flash (now owned by Adobe) is a browsers plugin that displays animations and multimedia content. Some web browsers have the Flash Player already installed.

If you do not have Flash Player installed, you can download the free Flash Player from Adobe: http://www.adobe.com.

There are players available for all types of computer – Windows PC, Mac, and Linux.

JavaScript

JavaScript may be necessary for some of the more interactive parts of your course, you should ensure this is enabled in your web browser options.

Please note: You will probably need administration rights to download and install software. If for some reason you find that you cannot install software required, contact helpdesk[AT]learning.ac.nz and we may be able to advise.