- Check the system and connection requirements for your computer.
- Verify whether your computer can play or read files from various programs.
- Download free software as needed.
- Contact us for technical assistance.
System and Connection Requirements
Note: If you meet the minimum system requirements, you will be able to download all of the software and test all of the sample files on this page.
Internet Connection: Online course materials require an Internet connection and browser
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Recommended:
- Wired connection highly recommended.
- DSL/cable 1 MB or higher connection.
Internet Browser
Recommended (one or more of the following):
- Internet Explorer 8 or higher (IE 5.x or higher is required for Media Player Slides with Audio and Adobe Reader)
- Mozilla Firefox 3 or higher (Firefox works with Windows Media Player.)
- For Adobe Connect, we DO NOT recommend Google Chrome
- Other browsers may be used, however you may experience performance problems
Client system requirements: Hosted and licensed deployments
http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/tech-specs.html
Windows
- 1.4GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 or faster processor (or equivalent) for Microsoft® Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
- • Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit)
- • 4 GB of RAM (or higher) for Windows 7 or Windows 8
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or later; Mozilla Firefox; Google Chrome
- Adobe® Flash® Player 11.2+
Mac OS
- 1.83GHz Intel Core™ Duo or faster processor
- 4 GB of RAM (or higher)
- Mac OS X 10.8, 10.9, 10.10
- Mozilla Firefox; Apple Safari; Google Chrome
- Adobe Flash Player 11.2+
System requirements for ZOOM Virtual Classroom
Additional requirements/recommendations
- Bandwidth: DSL/cable (wired connection recommended; >1Mbps downstream)
- Verizon Speed Test: https://www.verizon.com/speedtest/
- Ookla Speed Test: http://www.speedtest.net/
- Keep your operating system updated: Microsoft Windows Update Site
- Updated anti-virus protection (As per UI/ITS: http://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/100582):
- Windows:
- Microsoft Security Essentials | http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download
- Pre-installed on Windows 8 systems
- Macintosh:
- Sophos Endpoint Protection | http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
- Windows:
Reminder: If you meet the minimum system requirements, you will be able to download all of the software and test all of the sample files on this page.
Test Sample Files/Download Software
Many courses utilize a number of formats in the delivery of course material.
Note: Courses do not typically use all of the following programs. See your course website for specific software requirements for your course.
- Test a sample file. (Download times will vary depending on your Internet connection speed.)
- Download/update your software by following the appropriate link in the Software column.
- If you cannot download the software or read the sample file, verify your system requirements and/or contact us.
| Software | Samples and Comments |
 |
Test This Basic PDF Document  sample_pdf.pdfBoth basic PDFs and eBook PDFs are viewable with Adobe Reader. Note: Because of recent security updates we strongly encourage you to download and install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
|
Zoom Virtual Classroom |
Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, group messaging, and a software-defined conference room solution into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and wireless screen-sharing experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Linux, Zoom Rooms, and H.323/SIP room systems. Getting started |
Contact Us
If you meet the minimum system and connection requirements, yet are having problems with the sample documents or the software downloads, please contact us for technical assistance:
dce-techsupport@uiowa.edu, or call during regular office hours at (319) 335-3925. Please provide the following information:
- your full name (and Hawk ID if you know it);
- your contact information (phone number and e-mail);
- your computer type and operating system (e.g., PC or Mac; Windows 8, Windows 10, MacOS X 10.10, etc.);
- your type of Internet connection (DSL, Cable, Fiber Optic, Wifi, dial up);
- the primary browser you use (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari);
- location (Home, Work, Public Library, Internet Cafe, etc.);
- a description of your problem (opening the sample file, downloading the software, and which type of file etc.)