Computer Requirements
Review these requirements carefully; computer hardware, software, and an Internet connection are the primary means of participating in courses and thus are significant contributors to academic success. Capella provides learners with the opportunity to purchase Microsoft Office, Visio, and Project at a significant discount (see Software Discounts in the Bookstore for exact pricing). These requirements are subject to change. The most current requirements are published on iGuide and are reflected in the Computer Check-Up tool. This site will also assist with checking your computer's current setup and downloading and required updates.
Internet Connection
Capella University's technical support staff strongly recommends a broadband (cable modem or DSL) Internet connection. Though not required, subscribing to a broadband connection may be the most important investment learners can make to improve their online learning experience.
Recommended Computer Software and Hardware
| All Learners |
Minimum: |
Recommended: |
| Internet Connection*** |
56K Modem |
Broadband (Cable or DSL) |
| Hardware |
20GB of free hard disk space |
30GB of free hard disk space |
| Software* |
Mac: MS Office 2008 or higher
PC: MS Office 2007 or higher
Antivirus software
|
Mac: MS Office 2008
PC: MS Office 2007
|
|
Plug-ins**
(free downloads)
|
Mac: QuickTime 7
PC: Windows Media Player 11
Adobe Acrobat Reader 9
Flash Player 10
Java 1.6.0
|
Mac: QuickTime 7
PC: Windows Media Player 12
Adobe Acrobat Reader 9
Flash Player 10
Java 1.6.0_24
|
| Peripherals |
Video card and monitor
display capable of
1024x768 pixel resolution
Speakers
Sound card
|
Video card and monitor display capable of
1280x1024 pixel resolution |
* Specific courses or programs may have additional requirements.
** Capella University provides Computer Check-Up, a learner tool for verifying and correcting browser settings, including plug-ins.
*** Courses requiring the use of a webcam or headset will require a broadband connection with a minimum speed of 256kbps upload and 512kbps download.
Recommended PC Hardware and Browsers
| PC+ |
Minimum: |
Recommended: |
| Processor |
1 GHz |
2 GHz or higher |
| Operating System |
Windows XP SP2 Home
Windows Vista Home
Windows 7 Home |
Windows XP SP3 Pro
Windows 7 Pro/Ultimate |
| RAM |
512 MB |
2 GB or higher |
Browser ++
(only 1 needed) |
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
Firefox 3.5
|
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0
Firefox 3.6
|
Recommended Macintosh Hardware and Browsers
| Mac |
Minimum: |
Recommended: |
| Processor |
G4 1.25 GHz |
Intel 2 GHz or higher |
| Operating System |
OS X (10.54) |
OS X (10.6) |
| RAM |
512 MB |
2 GB or higher |
Browser ++
(only 1 needed) |
Firefox 3.5
Safari 4.0
|
Firefox 3.6
Safari 54.0
|
+ Capella recommends that new learners use/ purchase a computer with the recommended standards listed above at the beginning of their program and review these technical standards on a regular basis.
++ While other browsers and platforms may perform adequately, Capella cannot provide technical support for browsers other than those listed above.
Browsers listed as recommended are Capella's first choice for best performance with the Capella Courseroom and related sites.
Information Technology courses also require:
- Windows version XP Pro, Vista Pro, or Win 7 Pro or higher is required for IIS functionality.
- 30GB of free hard disk space
- Macintosh users will need a Windows install or Windows setup with Parallels
- 2 GB or greater of RAM highly recommended
- Backup storage device
For information on how to keep your computer safe, please visit the Security Awareness page.
Adobe Acrobat and Flash Player are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Mac, QuickTime, and Safari are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, Visio, Internet Explorer, Media Player and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Firefox is a registered trademark of Mozilla Corporation.
Java is a registered trademark of Oracle.
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Learning & Career Outcomes
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