| Computer Requirements
As part of the acceptance requirements for the Masters of Dental Hygiene program,
students are required to have access to a computer with the minimum recommended
configuration and possess at least minimum capabilities for computer literacy.
Computer literacy is knowledge and understanding of the personal computer
beyond word processing — the skill set necessary to efficiently
utilize a personal computer for coursework. This includes, but is not
restricted to,
- installing and configuring software;
- accessing the Internet (connecting via an Internet Service Provider);
- utilizing Internet resources such as email (sending and receiving
messages, subscribing to listservs, opening attachments) and the World
Wide Web;
- uploading and downloading files;
- printing; and
- troubleshooting common problems
Please note that the STUDENT is expected to possess these capabilities.
If you do not possess these skills, and if you rely on others to do these
things for you, then you can expect to experience some difficulties as
you progress through your program of study.
Computer and Software Recommendations
Each student in the Master of Dental Hygiene program at the University
of Tennessee Health Science Center is required to have a computer and
Internet access. Below is a list of hardware and software recommendations.
You are strongly encouraged to ensure your hardware and software complies
with or is more advanced than, these minimum recommendations. Your professors
will be using similar hardware and software programs and will expect you
to use them also.
Minimum Hardware Recommendations
Processor: 3.00 GHz (or higher) Pentium IV processor (or similar-type of processor, including Celeron and others)
Processor Speed: 1.5GHz or faster
Operating System: Windows XP Professional, not home edition; Note: Some of the software that is used in the courses will not work with the VISTA operating system.
RAM/Memory: At least 1GB RAM Hard Disk Capacity: At least 40GB or higher
Monitor: At least 15" color high resolution, multiscan color monitor (17" is preferred)
Audio/Sound card: 16 bit sound card (required for both audio and video support)
Multimedia capabilities:
Video & audio (speakers and microphone, preferably headset); and access to any PC-type camera/webcam (any brand with USB connector)
Minimum Software Recommendations
Microsoft Office 2003 (will need Compatibility Pack available at Helpdesk website) or 2007 Professional Edition which includes the following programs:
- Word for word processing
- Excel for spreadsheets
- PowerPoint for presentations
- Access for database management
- Outlook for email, calendar, contact management, and tasks
Microsoft Office is available at a significant discount to students at the UTHSC General Stores (901-448-6152). Be sure to obtain a version of Microsoft Office that includes Access.
McAfee Antivirus software This can be obtained by going to the UTHSC Helpdesk site at http://www.utmem.edu/helpdesk/downloads.php.
Internet Recommendations
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, version 6 or 7 (recommended because Virtual Chat, a component of BlackBoard, our course management software, functions more efficiently with Internet Explorer)
Internet Explorer 8 is NOT compatible with the UTHSC current Blackboard version of 7.3. There are a couple of solutions to correct this problem.
1. Use a compatible browser:
Windows XP - IE 6, 7, Netscape 8.0, Firefox 2.0
Windows Vista - IE 7, Netscape 7.1, Firefox 2.0
Mac OS 10.3 - Safari 1.2
Mac OS 10.4 - Firefox 1.5, Safari 2.0
2. Change the setting for the Compatibility View if you wish to use Internet Explorer 8: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/easier.aspx (click "Compatibility View" link to the left"
Reader for PDF documents
The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader available for free from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. or from the Helpdesk site indicate above. Adobe has other products that are not free -- make sure you're getting the correct program. Acrobat Reader is free but just plain Acrobat is not.
Compression Utility
WinZip
This may come with your computer. If it does not, you can download this
utility from http://www.winzip.com/winzip
Movie / Audio Player
The latest version of QuickTime, Windows Media Player or RealPlayer, all of which are free downloads.
- QuickTime - http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
- Windows Media Player should come already installed on your new system (if it is Windows)
- RealPlayer - http://www.real.com -- (Note: You want the FREE download of the RealPlayer program. You are not required to download their more expensive player.)
Minimum Internet Service Provider (ISP) Requirements
You must have access to the Internet via one of the following methods:
- DSL (e.g. Bell South)
- Cable modem (e.g. Comcast)
- Satellite (e.g. DirecTV
- Dial-up (e.g. AOL or EarthLink dial-up), NOT Recommended
NOTE: We do not recommend dial-up unless it is the only service available in your area.
NOTE: If you are using AOL as your Internet Service Provider, do not use the browser that is integrated into AOL when accessing UT systems. This is often a problem. Instead, use AOL to obtain your Internet Connection and then use Internet Explorer to browse the Internet.
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