Below are the basic computer hardware and software requirements necessary to be successful in online courses.

Computer

Students will need to own or have daily access to a computer or laptop. Computers and laptops should be five years old or newer, and should at least meet the minimum requirements listed below. iPads and smart phones are good for logging into Canvas to check grades and to see when assignments are due, but you will need a laptop or desktop computer to submit assignments, quizzes, discussions, etc.  Be advised: the Canvas App for tablets and smart phones does not have all the abilities that the desktop application has.

Minimum specifications for a PC:

  • Operating System: Windows 7
  • Memory: 2GB
  • Processor: 2GHz

Minimum specifications for a Mac:

  • Operating System: OS 10.6.8
  • Memory: 2GB
  • Processor: 2GHz

Internet

You will need a dependable Internet connection when taking online courses. If you don’t have the Internet, you can get Internet access by signing up with a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is recommended that you have connection speeds of at least 512Kbps.

TIPS:

  • Because Wi-Fi connections can occasionally lose signal, we recommend you use a hard wired connection when taking quizzes, if possible.
  • If the Internet goes down at your residence and you have a Wi-Fi compatible device, go to a local place that offers free Wi-Fi (e.g. coffee shops, McDonald’s, public libraries, etc.). Students in and around Walla Walla can go to the WWCC campus to use its free Wi-Fi. Clarkston students can use WWCC Clarkston Center’s free Wi-Fi.

Web Browsers

The best browsers to use with Canvas are Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Do not use Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or Safari when working with Canvas. You can download Chrome and Firefox from the links below.

Plug-Ins

Plug-ins are programs that work with your web browser to run certain features on websites. Java and Adobe Flash are examples of plug-ins that Canvas uses, and they should be kept up to date for Canvas to function correctly. You can download Java* and Adobe Flash* from the links below.

*Note: Sometimes these plug-ins want to install extra programs on your computer–these programs are optional. Be sure to look for these optional programs, and uncheck their boxes if you don’t wish for them to be installed onto your machine.

 Pearson MyLab & Mastering

Pre-college math classes, as well as some college-level math courses, will require you to use one of the Pearson Lab products. Click on the links below to see the system requirements for a few of the products you might be using.