what you need

What is needed to participate in the bbbonline pilot?

The only requirement is a personal computer with an Internet connection, web browser and CD-ROM drive.

To study online you will need regular access to a computer equipped with a modem and appropriate software (see 'essential software' section below) You will need access to the Internet from that computer. This connection is provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is also beneficial to have a printer connected to the computer.

Hardware requirements

The computer

The computer may be in a classroom, a library or other community-based access centre, or at home.

Computer Capacity

Type	PC	Macintosh
Operating System	Windows 95/98/2000, NT4, ME, XP	Macintosh System 8.0 or later
CPU (speed)	Pentium Class (or equivalent) - 200 MHz or faster processor	Power PC processor
RAM (number of programs you can run at any one time)	64 MB of RAM minimum (ideally more to view multimedia satisfactorily)	64 MB of RAM minimum (ideally more to view multimedia satisfactorily)
CD-ROM	Yes	The CD that is supplied with the bbbonline program DOES NOT work on a Mac
Soundcard	Yes	Yes
Speakers	Yes	Yes
Modem (connection to the Internet via your ISP)	Minimum 28.8 kbps (56kbps or broadband access preferable)	Minimum 28.8 kbps (56kbps or broadband access preferable)

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Online learning from home will require an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that provides you with access to the Internet and generally also with a start-up kit with an Internet browser and possibly other software. There are a number of factors you should consider when deciding which ISP to use:

• the cost of logging into the ISP. Only use ISPs that use local phone numbers otherwise your telephone company will charge for STD calls.
  
• the reputation of the ISP for reliability and support. Enquire from people in your region to research this information. You don’t want an ISP connection that 'drops out' regularly or provides minimal or unfriendly support. Local ISP providers can be found in the phonebook for your area. Your chosen ISP will set up an account, which will be your gateway to the Internet. If you do not know what your email address is, check with your ISP.

BBBonline software

BBBOnline uses a web-based platform to deliver its online programs, enabling the delivery of online learning right to your home. No need to install separate software. You will have access to the BBBOnline learning materials via your Internet connection and web browser.

You will need to register with BBBonline to participate in the program. Once you are registered, you will receive a password to access the learning materials. Go to join-us on the bbbonline website or contact Luke Harris on (03) 5327 9413 or email Luke at la.harris@ballarat.edu.au

Essential software for your computer

In order to effectively undertake learning tasks and communicate with other operators online, you should have the following software installed on your computer:

Software applications

It is preferable that you have access to applications software compatible with Microsoft Office. You will need a word-processing, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat (free download and/or available on the CD-ROM), and a picture-viewing program (also see required plug-ins).

E-mail facilities

It is preferable you have e-mail facilities on your computer. E-mail software is usually provided with your software applications (e.g. Outlook Express for Microsoft Windows). Your ISP will set up an email address for you. Check with your ISP for installation of e-mail facilities on your computer. If you do not know what your e-mail address is, check with your ISP.

Internet browser

An Internet browser is a software tool for exploring the Internet and viewing the World Wide Web. Although there are many different brands of browsers, the two that are most commonly used are Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape Communicator (NC). Browser sofware is usually included in the software provided by your Internet Service Provider. You can download a free version of each of these browsers and access their ‘help’ services at the following web sites:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie
  
• Netscape Navigator http://www.netscape.com/download/

Virus scan

Given the recent proliferation in viruses and worms it is strongly recommended that you install a virus scan on your computer. Virus scans can be bought from computer retailers or downloaded (on a trial basis) from the Internet, for example:

• Norton AntiVirus http://www.symantec.com/ (look for free trialware products)
  
• McAfee Virus Scan http://www.mcafee.com/ (look for evaluation software)

Required plug-ins

A ‘plug-in’ is a hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system. For example, there are number of plug-ins for the Netscape Navigator browser that enable it to display different types of audio or video messages. There are many useful plug-ins that will assist you with your online learning. Many plug-ins are free and can be downloaded from the Internet.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (this application allows you to read large documents in PDF format ) PDF is short for portable document format and the software can be downloaded for free from http://www.adobe.com/
  
• RealPlayer Basic A useful plug-in that allows you to hear and see streaming video and audio. RealPlayer Basic can be downloaded for free from http://www.real.com/

Other useful software for your computer

Although you may not use them for your online learning activities, there are other useful software products that you may wish to install on your computer.

• Macromedia Flash (animation and interactive content) can be downloaded from http://www.macromedia.com/
  
• QuickTime (used to view QuickTime video in the browser window) can be downloaded from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/