Courses will be offered through WebVista (formerly WebCT Vista) . To participate in these courses you will need access to a computer capable of running a modern web browser. You will also need an Internet connection with at least a dial–up modem connection speed of 56K; a broadband (ethernet, cable modem, DSL) connection is highly recommended. In addition, sound output is also necessary for your computer.

WebVista Windows Minimum Requirements

• A Pentium processor-based PC or compatible computer
• At least 64 MB of RAM
• Windows 98 of later

WebVista Macintosh Minimum Requirements

• Power PC or higher
• At least 64 MB of RAM
• Mac OS X

Some courses may require additional plugins for your web brower. These plugins may have additional requirements beyond what has been previously stated.

When using WebVista, you will need to use a supported Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Safari. You can find more information related to system requirements here:

WebVista System Requirements or Important Browser Set Up Information

Some of our courses use streaming media which will require a recent version of Apple QuickTime Player, available free of charge from apple.com.

Quicktime Windows Minimum Requirements

• A Pentium processor-based PC or compatible computer
• At least 128MB of RAM
• Windows 2000/XP

Quicktime Macintosh Minimum Requirements

• 400 MHz G3 processor or faster
• At least 128 MB of RAM
• Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later

There also may be external links that require the use of other media players such as RealOne player or Windows media player, both of which are free downloads. You can check and test your web browser here. Also, many courses use Adobe PDF's which require the free Abobe Acrobat Reader. Check the syllabus for your course to see what browser plugins will be required.

Many of UMD´s Web services (electronic library databases) require you to be connected to UMD´s network. We strongly recommend you use a VPN client when connecting from outside of UMD. VPN lets you make a secure connection to a University computer from an off–campus, non–UMD connection (for example, cable or DSL modem). When you use UMD's VPN service, it makes your computer appear as though it is directly attached to UMDNet, and provides the same security and access to restricted resources that you have while on campus. In addition, the university offers students anti–virus software and other security tools.

• VPN (Virtual Private Network)
• Norton Antivirus Software
• Other Security Tools
• Connecting from off campus

You can use IMP WebMail to send and receive email to other UMD accounts (users@d.umn.edu) without making any changes.

In addition, you can use your own email program (Outlook, Eudora, Apple Mail, Entourage, Mozilla Thunderbird, etc.). See configure other email clients for details.

• Use this link for other questions regarding your Internet/email account.