University of Iowa

Technical Requirements/Download Page

  1. Check the system and connection requirements for your computer.
  2. Verify whether your computer can play or read files from various programs.
  3. Download free software as needed.
  4. 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 1.5 Mbps or higher connection.

Internet Browser

Recommended (one or more of the following):

  • Windows: IE7+,  Firefox,  Chrome,  Safari5+
  • Mac: Safari5+,  Firefox,  Chrome
  • Other browsers may be used, however you may experience performance problems

Client system requirements: Hosted and licensed deployments

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; Safari5+
  • 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+

ITS Suggested Computer Configurations for Students

System requirements for ZOOM Virtual Classroom

Additional requirements/recommendations

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.

  1. Test a sample file. (Download times will vary depending on your Internet connection speed.)
  2. Download/update your software by following the appropriate link in the Software column.
  3. If you cannot download the software or read the sample file, verify your system requirements and/or contact us.
Software Samples and Comments

Adobe Reader Download

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
 Test This Basic PDF Document PDF iconsample_pdf.pdf
Both 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 test meeting

 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:
doe-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.)

Technical Support