To see a list of computer specifications, please visit the ITS Software & Hardware page.

At a minimum, SIUE students should meet the following technology requirements.

• Computer hardware and browser expectations
• Internet access expectations
• Software proficiency expectations
• Webcam video requirements for synchronous students
• Headphone/speaker and microphone audio requirements for synchronous students
• Self-testing

Computer hardware and browser expectations                              

As a student at SIUE, you'll frequently use these systems. Check that your computer meets or exceeds the system requirements shown for the following:

Blackboard system requirements
Zoom system requirements
LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor system requirements
YuJa system requirements for the Apple software capture application
YuJa system requirements for the PC software capture application

Self-test your system requirements

Identify which version of Windows your computer is running:
Windows version.

Identify your Mac version and system:
What is my macOS?
System information on your Mac.

(Back to top)

Internet access expectations                                                     

For synchronous students using Zoom, we recommend a minimum internet bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps (up/down), and preferably 3.0 Mbps (up/down).
Identify your internet speed

Additional information about internet broadband service and providers:
What is Broadband?
High-Speed Internet Providers

(Back to top)

Software proficiency expectations       

Your academic writing at SIUE will require that you save your work as a Microsoft Word .docx document. If you do not have Microsoft Word or equivalent word processing software, as an SIUE student, you will receive a valid SIU eID. With this eID, you'll be entitled to download a free licensed copy of Microsoft Office 365, which will include Microsoft Word.
Microsoft Office 365 with SIUE

As a student at SIUE, you may be asked to submit presentations, saving your work as a Microsoft PowerPoint .pptx file. If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent presentation software, your Microsoft Office 365 account will include Microsoft PowerPoint.
 
Looking at the links that follow, ensure that your presentation application software skills are proficient in preparing slides and video delivery as described:
Narrated presentations
Video presentations

(Back to top)

Webcam video requirements for synchronous students

Synchronous students will need a webcam or HD webcam, either built-in or USB plug-in. Visit this site for webcams recommended by Zoom, for desktop computers. If you have or would like to purchase a different webcam, or if you are using a laptop, reach out to help@siue.edu to discuss and test your hardware setup.

(Back to top)

Headphone/speaker and microphone audio requirements for synchronous students                                                                                                      

Synchronous students will need speakers or headphones, and a microphone, either built-in or USB plug-in. Visit this site for webcams recommended by Zoom, with built-in microphones, for desktop computers. If you have or would like to purchase a different webcam, reach out to help@siue.edu to discuss and test your hardware setup.

For synchronous students using laptop computers,  USB plug-in headphones or a headset with built-in microphone are recommended. This avoids feedback and ensures a quality experience. Please reach out to help@siue.edu to discuss and test your setup. Consider the following source, or similar, for your laptop audio hardware:
From Logitech

(Back to top)

Self-Testing for Students 

Blackboard
Tested devices and operating systems
Browser checker (allow pop-ups if prompted)

Zoom
You can check your audio and video equipment as follows:
Test your video
Test your audio

LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor
Webcam and system check

YuJa
Install the Recorder (PC)
Install the Recorder (Mac)
Record a test video

(Back to top)