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.

  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.

• 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

These are utilizes heavily in online learning, we recommend having two browsers installed in case a website doesn't work on one browser.
Currently Firefox and Chrome are our recommended browsers.

• Download Google Chrome

• Download Mozilla Firefox

Office Suite

Office Suite software are often used in classes to write papers and create presentations.
We recommend you install and familiarize yourself with at least one.

Office 365

• Once you have registered for classes and received your email login information, we recommend installing Office 365 following Installing Microsoft 365 on a personal device or HCC loaner laptop. 
  Office 365 comes free with your enrollment at Howard Community College.

• Through Hoonuit we have 2 hour introductory videos on 

  • Microsoft Word

  • Powerpoint

Alternatives

• There are also online options that don't require installing software on your computer, the two primary ones are

  • Google Docs

    • Google Docs Learning Video

  • Office Online

    • Word Online Learning Video

    • Powerpoint Online Learning Video

• 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

  • Pages Learning Video

Video Conferencing Software

If you are in a scheduled remote course your classes will have Video conference meetings instead of Face to Face class time.
Video conferencing can also be used to have office hours with your professor.

Currently most faculty members utilize Zoom.us for both, you can download and install Zoom below.

• Zoom.us

Assistive Technology/Screen Readers (If applicable)

• NVDA - Free of charge, works with Firefox, Edge, Chrome

  • NVDA Learning Video 

• JAWS - Popular screen reader for Windows

• Mac VoiceOver - Built in screen reader for OSX