To participate effectively in our distance learning courses, you must have full access to a reliable computer that is connected to the Internet. You will require full permission to use, change configurations, and install programs on the computer you will be using for the duration of the course.


Quick links to the information listed below (or you can scroll down): 
    •  Computer Requirements Table 
    •  Make sure your computer is ready 
    •  Strongly recommended (Antivirus, knowledge, etc.) 
    •  New computer vs. old computer 
    •  Learner Responsibilities
    •  Royal Roads Benefits 
    •  Disclaimer


Computer Requirements:
Your computer and communications hardware and software should meet or exceed the following requirements:

Computer Requirements
	Windows	Macintosh
Operating System	Recommended: Windows XP	Recommended: Latest Mac OS
Processor	Recommended: Pentium IV 1.3 GHz (or better)	Recommended: G3/G4 (or better)
Memory (RAM)	Recommended: 256 MB (or better)	Recommended: 256 MB (or better)
Internet Browser	Recommended: Internet Explorer (latest version)	Recommended: FireFox (please see "Known Issues")
Office Suite	Recommended:  Microsoft Office 2003	Recommended:  Microsoft Office 2004
Internet Service	Recommended: DSL, Cable, or Satellite (the faster the better)	Recommended: DSL, Cable, or Satellite (the faster the better)
FTP Access	Recommended: Internet Explorer (or an FTP program)	Recommended: Fetch FTP Program
E-Mail Capability	Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system	Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system

Please Note: Some courses may have additional and/or alternate computer requirements. Please check with the academic department for your program. If you will be accessing your course through your employer's network, please check with your work's IT department to verify computer and network access.


Make sure your computer is ready:
1) Please run your computer through the Tech Check.

2) If you have a Royal Roads username and password, please try going through the Online Road Trip Tutorial which can be found here.


Strongly recommended (Antivirus, knowledge, etc.): 
    •  A combination of software and/or hardware to protect your computer from internet threats. (e.g., antivirus software, firewall, router, etc.) Click here for more information on personal computer security. 
    •  Basic computer knowledge (organize/open/edit/save files, basic formatting skills in Word/Excel/PowerPoint, comfortable browsing the Internet with Internet Explorer.) While not mandatory, you will find your course will be much easier for you if you are more comfortable with using the technology. 
    •  Using Windows XP for your operating system and using Windows update to keep your computer current. This will help minimize most compatibility issues with your course pages. 
    •  Office 2000/XP (minimum) – Office 2003 (highly recommended). You should have Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Check with your instructor or course program office if you will require other programs during your studies. For information on MS Office products, click here. 
    •  A USB flash drive can be a handy device to transfer your files between computers. 
    •  Check out our list of other useful software here.


New computer vs. old computer:
If you purchased a new computer within the last four years, it should be updateable to accommodate your studies.

For older computers, please see: Known Issues


Learner Responsibilities:
Learners are responsible for all computer expenses such as subscriptions to Internet Providers, hardware or software purchases, computer repair and maintenance, etc.

Learners will need to provide their own network cables when staying in residence.


Royal Roads benefits:
All registered learners are eligible for a reduced price on the purchase of Microsoft applications from any authorized Microsoft Educational reseller (please be prepared to show your student ID card or other documentation to prove your student status).


Disclaimer:
Royal Roads University assumes no liability for personal or workplace computing equipment used during your course of study. We are not liable for damages caused by or thought to have been caused by the installation of software purchased from us, provided by us or obtained through links posted on our website. We are not accountable for issues you may have surrounding the installation and/or use of said software.


Please note: These requirements are subject to change without notice.

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If you experience problems, please contact Computer Services:

We can serve you faster if you Request Assistance On-line! Or, you can also:

Access information and resources online at: http://ComputerServices.royalroads.ca/ 
E-mail your questions to: ComputerServices@royalroads.ca 
Call us at (250) 391-2659 or Toll Free in North America at 1-866-808-5429

If you have feedback or comments, we would like to hear from you! Please e-mail ComputerServicesFeedback@royalroads.ca