Basic Computer Equipment Needed

For successful work, the Baptist University of Florida student must have up-to-date computer hardware and software. All courses, both online and classroom, contain some online components using Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Students are expected to receive email messages, find information, complete and submit assignments, etc., and will need certain equipment, or access to it, in order to be successful. Having the needed computer hardware and software, or access to it, is the student’s responsibility. Needed items are described below:

Fast, low-latency, reliable internet connection

A “broadband” or better internet connection is strongly required. This can generally be obtained through a good quality fiber, DSL or cable internet connection. Dial-up internet service will not be sufficient. To verify connection speed and latency, a prospective student or student should use a “speed test” site such as www.speedtest.net. The speed should show at least 3.8 Mbps download and 2 Mbps uploaded. A dial-up service would test as 0.06 Mbps download which would not be sufficient for BUF online course work.

BUF provides Wi-Fi coverage for most of the Graceville campus.

Tethering and HotSpots are not supported.

Computer hardware requirements

A computer capable of running a full version of Microsoft Windows 10 or later, or Mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) or later, is required to complete most coursework. Devices running Windows in S mode, Mac iOS, Google’s Chrome OS, Linux, etc., (such as phones, tablets, and Chromebooks) will not be able to complete all required coursework.

A minimum of 10 GB available disk space, 4 GB RAM – higher is recommended.

A minimum of Intel Quad-core 1.8Ghz CPU -or- AMD Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU – higher is recommended.

A minimum video resolution of 1280 x 760 – higher is recommended.

A webcam with microphone or a webcam and separate microphone. Many laptops have these built in.

Computer software requirements

Microsoft Windows or Mac OS compatible with current versions of Microsoft Office

Windows running in “S” mode will not be able to complete all required coursework nor can the course required programs be installed. Therefore, the student is advised to not acquire a computer with Windows in S mode or they must switch Windows out of S mode to be able to run all required programs and applications.

Microsoft Office (The entire Microsoft Office suite is available free of charge to current students through Office 365.)

A current version of one or more of the major internet browsers-Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, or Chrome.

Microsoft Edge for MacOS is not supported at this time.

Adobe Reader

JavaScript enabled

Cookies enabled

The current version of Java installed and updated

For online proctored testing, which is required for many mid-terms and final exams:

ProctorFree	Desktop Application, downloaded during a practice test
Operating system	Windows 8+, 10+ or MacOS 10.12 (Sierra) *Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, and mobile devices are not supported.
Hardware Requirements	1 GB available disk space, 2 GM RAM Intel Quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU -or- AMD Quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU
Web Browser	Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer 11+ *Microsoft Edge is not supported for MacOS at this time.
Internet Speed**	Upload: (greater than) 1 Mbps, Download: (greater than) 2 Mbps *Tethering and HotSpots are not supported.
Web Camera	We suggest students use the embedded web camera in their laptop or and standard web cam purchased and manufactured within the last 5 years. *3D Webcams are not supported.
Note:	An Active broadband internet connection is assumed since the examinations are done online. Hotspots and tethering are not supported at this time.** Current specifications are at http://support.proctorfree.com/portal/en/kb/articles/technical-requirements .

Online applied music students will provide a webcam or video camera capable of transmitting video and USB condenser microphone with a frequency range of no less than 20H to 20kHZ. Students taking applied music lessons that require recorded accompaniment must also provide a sound source capable of broadcasting sound so that both the student and the instructor can hear the combined sound of performer and accompaniment. Audio and video transmissions must be of sufficient quality to enable the instructor to assess adequately the student’s performance. In addition, some online music courses may require one or both of the following: 1) A MIDI keyboard; 2) Finale 2014 or later software. All online applied piano students other than piano principals must have access during lessons either to a well-tuned acoustic piano or an electronic keyboard with 88 weighted keys, a sustain pedal, MIDI capabilities, and a suitable piano sound. Online piano principals must have access during lessons to a well-tuned acoustic piano.

The campus IT Lab and Library have computers with the necessary software for most courses, with the exception of some music courses. Headsets, microphones, and video cameras of any type are not provided. Therefore, students are responsible for providing their own should a course require them. Though the university cannot guarantee workstation access at all times, computers are available during operational hours except when certain classes or workshops are being taught in the IT Lab.

BUF’s IT Department does not provide support or repair for student-owned computers or those owned by other individuals. Course-related support is provided by university-employed LMS (Learning Management System) Faculty Assistants.