Internet Connectivity Requirements

• You must have a reliable Internet connection of at least 512 Kbps for Canvas use.
  Many classes utilize Zoom or another video conferencing solution, this will require 1.5 Mbps(Mb/s) Download and 1.5 Mbps Upload speed.
  
  

• Check your speed at  https://speed.measurementlab.net/, and follow the below guide to see if your Internet meets our recommendations.

  Test Server 🏙	This is just informational, it will typically pick a city within a few hours of you.
  Download 🔽	Should be greater than 512 Kb/s or 0.5 Mb/s Greater than 1.0 Mbps for online class use with video, 1.5 Mb/s is preferred
  Upload 🔼	Should be greater than 0.8 Mbps for online class use with video, 1.5 Mb/s is preferred
  Latency ⌚	Should be less than 200 ms, if it's more than 200 ms try moving closer to your router or hotspot. Typical number is 30 ms.
  Retransmission	Should be close to 0.00%, if it's greater than 1.00% try moving closer to your router or connecting via a network cable

  If you don't have internet connectivity at home and are current enrolled for a course, see COVID-19 IT Student FAQ for information on getting Internet access.

Computer Requirements

• A computer less than 5 years old is recommended. 
• ChromeOS/Chromebooks will not support most of our test taking software, it can be used for most classwork but you may not be able to take the tests.
  

  
  

• For recommendations on what computer to buy check out guides online, reviews, and our Shopping for a A Computer for Online Learning page.

• If you want to borrow a laptop for the semester and have already registered for your classes, contact helpdesk@howardcc.edu.

Software Recommendations

Web Browsers

Modern browsers are supported by most websites, the Safari browser can have some issues on some sites including Canvas.

We recommend Chrome or Firefox.

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox

Office Suite

• As a credit Howard CC student, staff or faculty member you also have access to install Office 365 on 5 devices
  See Installing Office 365 for more information
  • Note: Mac OS cannot install Microsoft Access.
• You can also access Office Online or Google Docs for free
  Office Online
  Google Docs
• Mac OS has Pages
  If you are using Pages on Mac please remember to Export to Word so faculty members on Windows can open the files
  See the following guide for more information https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202227#pagesformac

Video Conferencing Software

• Zoom.us
  Many online courses utilize Zoom for teacher office hours as well as synchronous class meeting times.

Screen Readers (If applicable)

• NVDA - Free of charge, works with Firefox, Edge, Chrome
• JAWS - Popular screen reader for Windows
• Mac VoiceOver - Built in screen reader for OSX