| FAQs (Frequently
Asked Questions)
[and our answers]
1. What Internet Service Provider (ISP) should I use?
If you already have an ISP, you might want to stay with them if you’re
satisfied with their service. If you don’t yet have an ISP or if
you’re thinking of changing, here are our recommendations:
- Most ISPs are fine. BellSouth, RoadRunner, MSN, and Juno are some
of the most common ones. If you have AOL, make sure that you use the
Internet Explorer browser rather than the AOL browser, otherwise you
will have problems accessing your courses.
- You may want to have an ISP that is a national provider or that
has an 800 number, so that you’ll be able to connect when you
travel. This would be a particularly attractive option for those persons
who live away from campus but need to travel here on a regular basis.
- Instead of an ISP that you access via a 56K dial-up modem, we strongly
suggest that have a speedier connection—such as via a cable,
DSL modem, or satellite. Contact your cable or telephone company for
more information. Current students highly recommend this option, as
you are on the computer a great deal accessing the Internet for coursework
and anything that speeds up your time is beneficial for your time
management. On average, this “high speed internet” service
costs about $30-50/month but it can use your existing phone line (DSL)
or use your TV cable connection, thus preventing the need for a 2nd
phone line. If you get DSL, you can work on the computer and make
phone calls at the same time; they use 2 different wavelengths of
your phone line. If you are out of reach of both DSL and cable modems,
i.e. you live far out in the country, you might want to use satellite
dish connections which are also very fast.
- If you opt to use an ISP that you access via a regular 56K modem,
you may want to get a 2nd telephone line or voice mail installed (so
you can be on the Internet and not have to worry about missing important
telephone calls).
2. Must I purchase a computer with the exact recommendations
that you’ve outlined above?
These are our best recommendations based on what we know today about the
technology and how we might use it most efficiently in our classes. Technology
is rapidly changing, and the things that we think are most useful today
may be replaced by others in the future. We also know that with rapid
changes, the PC that you purchase today will be obsolete within a few
months. However, based on our projected use of the technology, if you
have a computer that meets or exceeds these minimum recommendations, this
computer should serve you for the time that you are in this program. A
less powerful computer may need to be replaced prior to your graduation
from this program.
3. What other software or hardware might we be using in the
program?
Blackboard is the course management software that is used at the University
of Tennessee Health Science Center. Accessing your course sites requires
a computer with Internet access and a Java-compliant browser. You do not
have to purchase Blackboard software. You will merely need a recent version
of an Internet Browser (such as Internet Explorer 6.0) to access your
courses.
We will notify you as far in advance as possible of any other software
or hardware needs that we identify as essential.
Other Hardware that Might be Required includes:
- Some faculty in certain options require that students have a PDA
(the small handheld devices). You will be notified by your option
coordinator if this is a requirement for your program of study. At
that time further details will be given as to the specifications of
the device. Even if your option does not require a PDA (using the
Palm Operating System or the Windows CE Operating System) you will
likely find that one of these devices will greatly assist you as you
progress through your program of study.
- Some faculty use Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC) in their classes.
This means you would need a video camera hooked to your computer.
These cameras cost anywhere from $30-$110 according to the quality
of the picture. DVC may be a good way to communicate “face-to-face”
in real time with other students or faculty. Real-time audio discussions,
involving only mikes and speakers, can be used regardless of the speed
of the connection. You may want to wait to purchase a camera to see
if any of your instructors plan to use DVC. Also, if you already own
a digital video camera, most of them can be plugged into the computer
to use for DVC. Analog video cameras, however, cannot without an expensive
converter.
4. Should I consider purchasing any upgrades or any other hardware
when I purchase my computer?
Many upgrade options are available for computer systems (more RAM, faster
CD-ROM, larger hard drive, bigger monitor). If you are going to use your
computer for multimedia development, we recommend that you consider some
of the available upgrades. In general, the rule is that you should buy
the best computer system that you can reasonably afford. Features that
come preinstalled in a computer generally cause fewer problems than features
added later.
If you have equipment that exceeds any of the recommendations, that
is desirable. If you have a choice about which features to enhance the
useful life of your computer, invest in this order:
- more RAM,
- a faster processor,
- better display, and
- high capacity removable writeable media (e.g., tape backup, writable
CD or CD-RW drive).
We have recommended 512 MB of RAM. In general, the more RAM the better.
RAM is your computer’s capacity to run programs and all of their
functions. In most newer operating systems, the amount of RAM has the
largest influence on performance and decreases your chance of problems.
We’ve also recommended a 15" monitor, but noted that a 17"
monitor would be preferred. The larger the monitor, the easier on the
eyes. You can decide how much it’s worth to you to invest additional
money in a larger monitor.
You may find it more cost-effective not to purchase a printer in the computer
package that you get. Shop around, as you can often find the same printer
on sale. We are estimating the cost for an adequate printer would be $150
to $200. Ink jet supplies will run about $30/month; laser jet supplies
are cheaper.
5. Should I get my software “bundled” into my computer
package that I purchase?
Many computers come bundled with the very software you will need for your
program. Many computer systems also come already loaded with an anti-virus
program, so check your computer before you worry about that. Once you
are enrolled as a student you will be eligible for great software discounts
and the free McAfee antivirus product.
6. Where should I purchase my new computer?
Our students have experienced some difficulties with computer purchased
through stores that do not specialize in computers. Although discount
stores offer great deals on computers, it has been students’ experience
that most of these computers use proprietary and or substandard components.
This means that if you wish to upgrade you will most likely have to buy
your upgrades from the same manufacturer.
We have no financial interest in any of the computer manufacturers, but
in our experience Gateway and Dell computers hold up well, while students
using Compaq computers seem to experience more problems. We recommend
purchasing from reputable manufacturers or computer stores, making sure
the components match or exceed those recommended by the College.
Note: If you have questions or concerns about these computer hardware
or software recommendations, please contact
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Dental Hygiene
Telephone: 901-448-6230
Email:smansfield@utmem.edu (Dr.
Susan Mansfield)
|
