Required Technology

To use the Economics Virtual Classroom, you must have access to a personal computer with

1. an Internet connection and
2. certain software programs (such as a web browser).

It doesn't matter whether the computer you're using is in a Business School computer lab, a Miami University campus lab, an on-campus dorm room, or an off-campus residence. Nor does it matter if you are using a PC or a Macintosh. However, keep this in mind:

• If you're using a computer in a Business School computer lab, all necessary hardware and software should already be installed. So log on and have fun! (Oops! Get out there and learn, that is!)
• If you're using a Miami University campus lab, the necessary hardware and software might be installed. We're currently working with Miami Computing and Information Services (MCIS) on this point. If the necessary hardware and software aren't currently available in a certain lab, please refer the lab assistant to the requirements listed below. And let Dr. Platt know.
• If you're connecting from a dorm room or off-campus residence, you'll have to make sure your computer has all the necessary hardware and software. You'll also need to make sure you have an Internet connection.

Also, computers connected to the Internet directly from the Miami University network will retrieve information much more quickly than machines connected over phones lines (a "dial-up" connection).

Required Hardware

• A Windows-based or Macintosh-based personal computer.
• A modem (28.8 kbps or higher suggested) or network adapter card.

Required Software

• One of the following operating systems:
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 95 (recommended), or
  • Macintosh System 7 (or higher)
• A good web browser. The best choices include
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (available free to everyone, but is only available to Windows95 users for the moment)
  • Netscape Navigator 4.x (available free to educational users and is available for all of the operating systems mentioned above)

Getting an Internet Connection

If you are in a dorm room, you will have a direct connection to MUnet (The Miami University Network). This will be a very fast connection relative to a modem connection. For more information about this, call the MCIS help desk at 9-7900.

If you are not in the dorms, you can dial in to MUnet through a modem. For the free software required to do this, contact the MCIS help desk. You will, however, need to purchase your own modem.

You can also connect to the Virtual Classroom without any direct connection to MUnet. All you need in an Internet connection and a web-browser (see above). In other words, you can connect via AOL or other Internet providers.

For now, contact the Miami Computing and Information Services (MCIS) Help Desk at 529-7900 for more information on getting an Internet connection.