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What are the minimum computer hardware and software requirements for using Vista?

Sample Computer Configuration for Vista

Minimum Hardware Recommendation

2 Gigahertz P4 CPU with 512 Megabytes of RAM (or of similar performance), 40 Gigabyte Hard Drive
CDRW
USB port(s)
10/100 Ethernet Adapter for Broadband and/or 56K Data Modem for dialup network connection
WiFi 802.11 b or g. Wireless network adapter (Laptops only & only if Wireless network connectivity is offered on campus)
Sound card, and speakers or headphones
1024 by 768 resolution monitor
Printer

Windows-based computers are the dominant choice in most academic programs. If you are considering purchasing other platforms, such as a Macintosh, please carefully examine the requirements and recommendations of the departments or programs of which you are part.

Computer Performance and Hard Drive

Because you are either taking or instructing courses that use online delivery and communications (via Vista), the minimum recommendation provided here is one that ensures that both students and instructors have a reasonable use experience when dealing with online and learning materials. More importantly, a smooth experience will make teaching and learning more effective.

Hard drive space will vary depending on the needs of the program and the habits of the student or instructor. Sufficient space must be allowed for your data and applications. Check with your academic department for any specific requirements.

CDRW for Backups

The ability to read and write CDs provides a great deal of flexibility to transfer data and most importantly to create permanent backups of your work in Vista. It is important to backup important data files that are stored on your computer. Other backup alternatives are available, such as, back up files onto another computer or use a backup service on the internet. Or you might consider a large (100MB or larger) storage device, such a USB Flash Drive, Zip Drive, CD-R or CD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-RW, USB or Firewire external hard drive (make sure your computer has compatible ports), or other similar technology that will allow you to make frequent, easy and preferably automated backups of your files.

USB Ports

Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are a convenience. Many external devices can be connected through this port to the computer, such as flash memory, MP3 players, external Hard drives, DVD burners, Ethernet adapters, etc.. Some devices may require USB2.0 or higher.

Ethernet Adapter for Connection to the Network

An Ethernet adapter is required for connection to the network. Broadband connectivity is highly recommended (DSL, Cable, or Satellite). Students and instructors using dialup only may experience difficulties with Vista and may need to use facilities available on campus. Housing and many department complexes offer broadband services as part of their standard living arrangements. In addition, broadband services can be contracted locally. Ethernet connection ports are available in most campus labs, classrooms, libraries and other public places to accommodate students and instructors with notebook computers.

Wireless Connection to the Network

Sound card

Use of multimedia for instruction is now commonplace. A reasonable sound quality is important for uses such as streamed video of classes, distance tutoring, and narrated PowerPoint.

Monitor

A monitor resolution less than indicated here will result in web pages not fitting on a single screen. This will require scrolling vertically and horizontally to view a complete page.

Java Plug-in
Sun Java Runtime Environment JRE 1.4.2+ (aka Java 4.2+) / JRE 1.5+ (aka Java 5+)
Blackboard-Validated Browser for Vista 2.0
PC: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.0, Mozilla 1.7
Mac: Safari 1.3.1 (for OSX 10.3.9), Safari 2.0.1 (for OSX 10.4.2) - Although these versions have yet to be officially certified, they should work well with Vista. Official certification for Safari will coincide with Vista 3.0.6 (December 2005).
Players and Viewers
Adobe Reader
Adobe SVG Viewer
Apple QuickTime
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel Viewers
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
RealOne Player
Windows Media Player

My Windows XP computer comes with Microsoft Java pre-installed. Can't I just use this version with Vista?

No. Microsoft's version of Java is NOT SUPPORTED for use with Vista. You must download and install Sun's version of Java. Microsoft's version of Java should NOT be uninstalled, as this may result in system instability. However, you should disable Microsoft's Java in whichever browser you typically use to access Vista.

Windows computers cannot have multiple versions of Sun's Java installed, or problems using Vista will result. Multiple versions can be deleted through the Add/Remove Programs control panel.

Also, even a single version of Sun's Java can become corrupt following "Automatic Updates" from Microsoft. In this case, uninstall & reinstall Sun's Java.

NOTE: Java 1.5.0_05 is recommended with Vista 3, NOT Java 1.5 Update 6 (1.5.0_06). Also, It is not necessary to uninstall Java Web Start.

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First, uninstall any older versions (or multiple versions) of Java on your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1. Click the Start button on your computer.
Step 2. Click Control Panel (If you do not see Control Panel listed, click on Settings, then click on Control Panel.)
Step 3. Add/Remove Programs.
Step 4. Look for Java 2 Runtime Environment.
Step 5. Click Remove Sun Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition. Please remove all copies or versions of Java, and restart your computer.

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Second, Install Java 1.5.0_05:

Step 2. On the next page, click to "Accept License Agreement" and then look under the "Windows Platform" heading and click "Windows Online Installation, Multi-language."

Step 3. Once you do this, you will be walked through the steps to Run/Open the Java plug-in and install it on your system.

Is there a one-stop site that tests my computer's ability to work with GeorgiaVIEW Vista?

GeorgiaVIEW Vista has a built-in browser checker that you should see in a popup window when you first login to Vista. You may also be able to manually request this built-in browser checker from the same screen where you enter your Vista userID & password.

Also, the University System of Georgia has also developed a browser checker, which provides additional information. Before contacting the Online Support Center, please access this tool. Click HERE to run the USG GeorgiaVIEW Vista Browser Checker, then download & install any recommended plug-ins. If you continue to experience any problems, follow the steps HERE.

If you have any further questions, please contact us for support. Thank you.

-Technical Support

To make sure your Internet browser has been configured correctly for use with Vista, please access the USG GeorgiaVIEW Vista Browser Checker and download/install any necessary plug-ins & components.

If after carefully going through the steps at this site to optimize your browser for use with Vista, and you are still having trouble using Vista, please contact the OSC helpdesk by clicking on the Request Support Tab at http://help.view.usg.edu

When using Vista, the browser's Back, Forward, Refresh, etc. buttons are not always reliable. For example, the Back button may redirect you to a different page, or not do anything at all, depending on the browser. If the browser does strange things after you click on these buttons, close and re-open the browser and login again.

Please use the navigation available in Vista, which like many current online applications, delivers fresh content dynamically. Clicking the Back button, for example, will often get you a cached (old) page and thus should not be relied upon.

How do I set Internet Explorer to allow me to contact Vista directly if I'm working behind a Proxy Server?

If you are working behind a proxy server, you need to know how to set Internet Explorer to allow you to contact Vista directly. Working through the proxy server puts people into the infamous "login loop." Use these settings for Internet Explorer to skip proxy servers: in Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN Settings... > for "Use a proxy server for your LAN", click Advanced > in the Exceptions box for "Do not use a proxy server for addresses beginning with:", type ga.view.usg.edu

If you have any further questions, please contact us for support. Thank you.

-Technical Support

How can I disable a pop up blocker so that I can allow pop up windows to appear when I'm using Vista?

While using Vista, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to allow pop-up windows. Pop-up blockers work in the background while you browse the Internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. However, this can prevent Vista from performing properly.

Step 1. Determine whether you computer is configured properly for Vista: USG GeorgiaVIEW USG Browser Checker

Step 2. If you have a pop-up blocker installed, you need to either disable it completely or uninstall it. Your pop-up blocker could be part of a browser toolbar (i.e. Google Toolbar, Yahoo toolbar, etc), part of your browser itself, part of a virus protection or security suite on your system, or a standalone program.

Examples of programs that include pop-up blocking functions include the following. Click the links to read how to disable pop-up windows for that specific program. If there is no link, refer to the Help in the affected program.

Also, search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name. Examples of popular pop-up blocking applications include:

Vista users who require pop-up blockers for online use when NOT using Vista should either:

Remember to toggle your pop-up blockers back on after finishing each Vista session, or
Select a specific browser without pop-up blockers enabled, just for Vista use.

There are two ways that you can enable pop-ups in Vista without opening up your browsers to unwanted pop-ups when browsing other sites:

You can choose a specific browser to use exculsively for Vista such as Firefox and another browser to use for other browsing such as Internet Explorer. Then disable the pop-up blocker on Firefox. OR
You can set your browser to allow pop-ups in Vista. Specific sites such as d.view.usg.edu or u.view.usg.edu can be exempted from pop-up blocking in all Vista-qualified web browsers except Safari. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Turn ON pop-up blockers > Pop-Up Blocker settings > In the box Address of Web site to allow: type d.view.usg.edu or u.view.usg.edu. Click Close. In Firefox, go to Tools > Options > Check Block Pop-up windows > Click Exceptions. In the box titled Address of web site: type d.view.usg.edu or u.view.usg.edu.

If you have any further questions, please contact us for support. Thank you.

-Technical Support