Telos Home
Contents
Basic Computer Terms
byte (unit of
space): represents the number of pieces of data your hard
drive can store; the higher the measurement, the more information
your computer can store KB (kilobyte):
1000 bytes MB (megabyte):
1000 KB G (gigabyte):
1000 MB RAM (random-access memory): short-term memory used to process information; the higher the number of RAMs, the more data your computer can process at one time
ISP (Internet Service Provider): a company that provides access to the Internet and electronic mail; providers offer varying levels of access speed, attached file capabilities, and computing services |
Applying to Telos (continued)
5 Computer Requirements
As a distance-learning institute, Telos relies heavily on electronic communication. Thus, you must have access to computer hardware, software, and e-mail services.
Computer standards
You must have access to a multimedia computer allowing you to utilize Telos training media, complete written assignments, and send homework files to tutors via e-mail.
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Minimum hardware standards for an IBM-compatible system: Pentium®/586, 100 MHz processor, 16 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive, 4x CD-ROM, 16-bit sound card, 28.8 Kbps modem, VGA color monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. |
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Recommended hardware standards for an IBM-compatible system: 200 MHz or faster Pentium® processor, 64 MB RAM or more, 1.2 G or greater hard drive, 24x or faster CD-ROM, 16-bit sound card (full duplex), 56 Kbps or faster modem, 15" or larger SVGA color monitor (.28 mm dot pitch), speakers, keyboard, and mouse. |
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Minimum hardware standards for a Macintosh system: 68040 processor, 16 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive, 4x CD-ROM, built-in sound, 28.8 Kbps modem, VGA color monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. |
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Recommended hardware standards for a Macintosh system: PPC 603e, 180 MHz or faster processor, 32 MB RAM or more, 1.2 G or greater hard drive, 24x or faster CD-ROM, built-in sound (full duplex), 56 Kbps or faster modem, 15" or larger SVGA color monitor (.28 mm dot pitch), speakers, keyboard, and mouse. |
Software specifications
You must use either Microsoft® Word or Corel® WordPerfect®
(minimum version 6 for both) for word-processing assignments. (Please
note that Microsoft® Works is not an acceptable word processor.) Minimum
operating systems are Windows® 95 for PC and System 7 for Macintosh®.
You are responsible to obtain your own software (available through university
bookstores or directly from the distributor) and must purchase required
software before registration.
During Telos studies, you will receive many files formatted in Adobe®
Acrobat®. For this reason, you are required to download the free Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader program from the Adobe Web site. (You will receive
instructions for the download process when you are accepted into Telos.)
Internet Service Provider
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) connects you to the Internet and electronic
mail. Reliable communication with the Telos staff and your tutors depends
largely on an ISP that supports attached files of at least 4 MB and a
modem operating speed of 2.8 KB/second or faster. You must meet e-mail
requirements by the registration deadline.
Families desiring an ISP that filters Internet content may consider American
Family Online®. Learn more about American Family Online at: www.afo.net
or call 1-888-817-9314.
Although some ISPs have file-attachment capability, they do not consistently
manage the required file attachment load. Juno™ and Juno Web™
must be version 5.0 or higher. Some students have used America Online®
(AOL®), Hotmail®, and Yahoo!® with little difficulty. However,
they have not been consistently reliable. If you choose to use these ISPs
and find that they do not perform as needed, you are responsible to secure
a reliable service without interrupting your assignment schedule.
