Amherst

Technical Support

Students in web-based online courses seeking technical assistance should:

 

• Send email to amherstsupport@umassonline.net, or
• Call 1-800-569-6505 (or 502-753-4399 if unable to call a US toll-free line), or
• Contact support via live text chat by clicking on this link.

Technical Requirements

1. Computer requirements:

System requirements for PC:

• Windows 2000 or XP
• 64 MB of RAM (128-256 MB recommended)
• 56 kbps modem. While a dial-up modem can be used for online classes, we strongly recommend a DSL or cable modem connection.
• Sound card
• Speakers (headset w/microphone recommended)

System requirements for MAC:

• Mac OS X (version 10)
• 64 MB of RAM (128-256 MB recommended)
• 56 kbps modem. While a dial-up modem can be used for online classes, we strongly recommend a DSL or cable modem connection.
• Sound card
• Speakers (headset w/microphone recommended)

2. Internet Service Provider (ISP):

You must have Internet access to take an online class. An ISP is a company that provides you with the software necessary to connect to the Internet. Note: classes cannot be accessed using Web TV Accessibility, and functionality is limited with AOL, Prodigy, and CompuServe.

3. Java-capable browser:

In order to participate in your classes, you need to use a Java-capable web browser. For a listing of supported browsers, or to download browsers free of charge, please visit www.webct.com/tuneup.

Recommended Browsers:

PC:
Internet Explorer 6 SP2 [Download]
Firefox 1.5x, 2.0x [Download]

Mac:
Safari 1.3, 2.X [Download]

4. UMail Account: University of Massachusetts Amherst e-mail account:

You must activate your university e-mail account (UMail) to receive class log-in information. If you are a new student, directions will be sent to your non-university email address explaining how to activate your UMail account. After this initial email, all future communications will be sent to your UMail address. If you already have a UMail account, make sure your account is active. If you have questions or problems with UMail, please contact OIT (Office of Information Technologies) at 413-545-9400 or submit a help request online at www.oit.umass.edu/help.html for further assistance.

AOL and MSN USERS:

The AOL and MSN browsers are no longer supported. To access Prometheus once you have made your AOL or MSN connection, please minimize AOL/MSN and open one of the supported browsers listed above.

Other software may be needed and will be specified by the instructor of each course. Below you will find a list of software applications available to you online at no cost. Please consult your course outline/syllabus for information on any specific software required by your instructor.

Recommended Software Downloads (free)

Adobe Reader to view PDF files. [Download]

Flash Player to view an y interactive quizzes, animations, and activities created in Flash. [Download]

Microsoft Office Viewers to view any Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files in your course, if you do not have MS Office on your computer. Note: please check the system requirements necessary to download these programs. [Download]

Real Player to watch streamed video in your course. [Download]

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