Technology Requirements for Online Courses

Before You Begin

• Have an institutional email address provided by MUST University.
• Have access to a compatible computer and a reliable broadband internet connection.
• Before your first course, MUST University recommends completing the Online Orientation and the supplemental course LIB101-Library Orientation.

How It Works

Because MUST University is a fully online institution, success in its courses depends on self-motivation, familiarity with using a computer and the internet, adequate language and writing skills, and good time management.

To take part in online courses, students need to:

• Have access to a computer that meets the minimum technology requirements (see the full list below).
• Have reliable internet service with a broadband connection.
• Have an institutional email address provided by MUST University.

The minimum technology requirements provided by MUST University are:

• Operating system: Windows XP Service Pack 2 (Home and Professional editions), Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X 10.5.x and later.
• Microsoft 365: students receive free access to the Microsoft 365 application suite, recommended for use in their studies.
• Processor and memory (RAM): there is no specific requirement for processor speed or RAM, but more limited equipment may affect page and tool loading times.
• Supported browsers: on Windows, Google Chrome 10 or later, or Firefox 7.0.x or later; on Mac, Safari 4 or later, Firefox 7.0.x or later, or Google Chrome 10 or later.
• Internet connection: reliable internet service with a broadband connection.
• Flash and Java plugins: embedded videos and document previews may require Adobe Flash Player; it is the student's responsibility to keep their computer's software up to date so courses run properly.
• PDF reader: many courses use PDF files to deliver content, which requires Adobe Reader or Apple Preview (Mac only).
• Other media players: some courses may use audio or video that requires a specific player, such as QuickTime, Windows Media Player, or Real Player, or the Microsoft Silverlight plugin (free to download).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer with a specific processor or memory (RAM) configuration?

There is no specific requirement for processor speed or RAM. Even so, a more limited computer may affect page and tool loading during your courses.

Which browser should I use?

It depends on your operating system. On Windows, use Google Chrome 10 or later, or Firefox 7.0.x or later. On Mac, use Safari 4 or later, Firefox 7.0.x or later, or Google Chrome 10 or later.

Do I need to pay for Microsoft 365?

No. MUST University students receive free access to the Microsoft 365 application suite.

What happens if I don't have Adobe Flash Player or Adobe Reader installed?

You may not be able to view embedded videos, document previews, or PDF files used in your courses. It is the student's responsibility to keep these programs installed and up to date on their computer.

What kind of internet connection do I need?

Reliable internet service with a broadband connection.

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See Also

In the Knowledge Base

• FAQ - Information Technology (IT)