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Getting Ready for the TAFE Virtual Campus
Just as you need
a pen and paper for traditional classes, there are certain items that are
essential for your participation in online learning from home.
You
will need:
- A computer
- A modem
- An Internet
Service Provider
- Internet
software
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Choosing
a Computer
The vast majority
of TAFE students use IBM compatible computers.Students having a
Macintosh or other should consult their dealer or network to obtain
the equivelant average computer configuration recommended:
| Average
Computer Hardware Requirements |
IBM
compatible computer with a Celeron 1.7GB processor
128 Mb of SDRAM
15" Monitor with 800 x 600 monitor display
20 Gb hard disk, 1.44 Mb floppy disk
CD ROM drive and sound card
56K Modem Internal or external
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In addition to your
computer it is highly desirable to have:
A printer that enables
you to print out `hard copies' from your computer. It is easier to read
and/or proof large amounts of text on paper than on a computer screen.
A backup system
such as a Zip drive or a CD Burner. If your computer crashes and
you have not saved regular backups - your files and your work can
be lost forever. As a rule of thumb, important work should be maintained
in three separate storage locations e.g hard drive, printed copy,
floppy/Zip/CD.
Choosing a Modem
A modem is an interface
or hardware card or box that allows you to connect to the Internet using
your normal telephone line. It may be external to your computer or it
may be inside the computer.
The speed of a modem
basically determines how fast your computer accesses the Internet. Other
influences are the speed your ISP connection (Internet Service Provider)
and the speed of your computer to process information.
It is very frustrating
if you are waiting for information to continually download. The faster
the better.
A 28.8k modem is the
minimum speed we recommend however it is more desirable to use a 56k modem
(twice the speed!) if you can. The 56k modem is the standard these days
although the quality of the telephone line still determines the speed
of connection.
With the introduction
of optical fibre cabling in many areas (cable television) there is now
also the capability to purchase cable modem access (through the likes
of Optus and Telstra). Cable modems are extremely fast (hundreds of times
faster than a 56k modem) but are quite expensive. Choose
what suits you and your budget best.
Choosing
an Internet Service Provider
In order to connect
to the Internet, you need an account with an Internet Service Provider
(ISP).
You will need to
find an ISP to which you can connect with a local call and which will
provide good service at an affordable cost.
The responsibilities
of an Internet Service Provider are to:
- provide a connection
to the Internet,
- provide the software
required to access the Internet,
- provide users
with a user id, password and email address for the Internet,
- provide assistance
to connect a user's computer, both at home and/or at work,
- provide backup
support when required.
In selecting one of
the five hundred Internet Service Providers operating in various parts
of Australia, you need to take into account its:
- Location,
- Cost,
- Performance, and
- Customer support.
To locate an ISP
in your area you could try Kim Davies' Isp list at; http://www.cynosure.com.au/isp
Choosing
Internet Software
In order to use the
Internet you need specific software. Most new computers come preloaded
with this software. You should check with your computer supplier before
purchasing. If your computer does not have this software loaded you will
need to install it. Most of it is available for free. Software you might
need includes:
- A Web browser
(Netscape Communicator 4.5 or higher and/or Microsoft Internet Explorer
4.5 or higher are recommended)
- An email program
(to send and receive messages across the Internet)
- A virus checking
program (to check that files received across the Internet are free of
computer viruses)
- A file compression
program (to decompress files which have been reduced in size for Internet
delivery)
Some useful software
can be found at:
Other software to
consider:
- A Word Processing
program (e.g. Microsoft Word) will be very useful if you are intending
to write and submit reports or assignments over the Internet.
- Browser plug-ins
enable your browser to read and display different file formats. As new
technologies develop, the amount of plug-ins and functions they perform
increase dramatically. In most cases you will be `prompted' to download
a plugin (or update) when required. The latest and most popular plug-ins
are incorporated into the browsers themselves.
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