Technology Requirements

Franklin University encourages the use of electronic communication, technology, and computing for the purpose of instruction, administration, advancement, research, and study. Franklin’s campus network and Internet resources were designed and implemented to support and enhance the education of Franklin University students. Students are provided with technology resources in classrooms, kiosks, laboratories and via the Internet. A wide variety of applications are available, including online courseware, scientific simulations, business applications, desktop publishing software, and a variety of programming environments.

The following hardware and software requirements are applicable for all registered students:

General Technology Requirements

 Minimum Hardware Requirements:

• Desktop or Laptop with 1GHz CPU
• Monitor, 800 X 600 resolution (1024 X 768 required for Office 2007)
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 64 MB Video RAM
• 8 GB or higher of available hard drive space at the beginning of each term
• DVD optical drive recommended
• Sound card and speakers
• Internet connectivity (Broadband required for an optimal experience)
• Printer
• Headset with Microphone
• USB (thumb) drive port and drive (required for transferring data from Franklin University machines)

Operating System and Software Requirements:

• Windows XP with Service Pack 2
• Microsoft Office 2003 required, Office 2007 recommended (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
• Internet browser is required – the latest Microsoft Internet Explorer recommended
• Virus protection – updated regularly with scans performed regularly
• Familiarity with firewall, pop-up blocker, and anti-spam software (if these applications are used)
• Email is provided by Franklin University

Internet Browser Plug-Ins (Latest Version):

• RealPlayer
• QuickTime Player
• Adobe Flash Player
• Windows Media Player
• Adobe Reader
• Shockwave
• Java-JS2E version (Java Runtime Environment)

Students who choose to use applications other than those listed do so knowing that faculty will be using the software listed above. It is the student’s responsibility to create and distribute correspondence and shared files in a format that can be read by faculty and fellow classmates.

In order to use all of the Franklin supplied technology resources, students must be able to load software on the computers they will be using. Some courses may require additional software. Technology changes rapidly – as a result, these requirements are subject to change.

Special Technology Requirements

Computer and Information Sciences and Healthcare Information Systems Management majors (COMP, MIS, DCOM, HISM, ITEC, and WEBD) are expected to exceed the General Technology Requirements. To maximize the educational experience, Computer and Information Sciences students as well as Healthcare Information Systems Management students must have:

• A current model computer (less than 2 years of age)
• DVD optical drive
• 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB or more recommended)
• Broadband access
• 40 GB or higher of available hard drive space at the beginning of each term

Computer and Information Sciences students, in addition to Healthcare Information Systems Management students, must be prepared to invest in additional software when necessary and be able to install and uninstall this software without assistance. Master of Science in Marketing & Communication students must also have the following in addition to the General Technology Requirements:

• Broadband access
• Web Cam