1). Up-to-date Web browser. Internet Explorer version7.0 or newer is recommended and available free from http://www.microsoft.com. Netscape Communicator version 7.2 (7.1 should be minimum) is recommended and available free from http://www.netscape.com. Javascript 1.5 and Java version 1.6x (or equivalent) should be installed.

2). Viewers. PowerPoint Viewer for Office 97 or newer is available free from Microsoft or from Dan's faculty web page, http://faculty.ed.umuc.edu/~bennette/files. The PowerPoint Viewer (or full version) might be necessary to view any slide presentations created for sharing information. You will also need an Unzip (e.g., WinZip, WinRar, Unzip, etc.) program to reduce the size of files used in our class.. If you don't have an Unzip (decompress) program, see my homepage at http://faculty.ed.umuc.edu/~bennette/files and retrieve the shareware program WINZIP for Windows and evaluate it. Alternatively, you can use the freeware program FreeZip. Another viewer that may be needed is the Adobe Acrobat Viewer (version 7 or 8), available for free at http://www.adobe.com for viewing PDF files.

3). Opnet. https://enterprise37.opnet.com/4dcgi/SIGNUP_NewUserOther Downloading this program will allow access to a virtual computer lab with many tutorials and simulations. Access to this is optional (not mandatory), but it will enhance the understanding of the content of this course since we don't have access to a physical computer lab.

4). Ability to create GIF screenshots.. You must be able to create, display and share screenshots. You can use a freeware tool called HyperSnap (available on my web page at http://faculty.ed.umuc.edu/~bennette/files although a new version may be available) or use any equivalent method (pressing ALT-PrintScreen and PASTE into PAINT)..

5) Qualcomm PureVoice, Windows Media Player or RealOne Player . The Qualcomm PureVoice mail plug-in may be required or an equivalent program (like Windows Media Player, RealOne Player) to create and listen to MP3 sound files. The software PureVoice is available from http://www.eudora.com and may be used to share "voice" attachments when mailing the instructor. Any MP3 files submitted into WebTycho must be accompanied by its text equivalent.

6). Up-to-date Virus scanner. This should be a standard program that you already own and use. We will be conducting our virtual classroom on the Internet, downloading and visiting many world wide web sites. This type of program is for your protection and I strongly urge you to utilize it appropriately to diminish the chances of your PC getting infected and you passing infections on to our virtual classmates (for which you could be additionally penalized). Most of you may be eligible to acquire your anti-virus software free from your military IT offices.