Technical Requirements
In order to be successful in an online course, it's important to have a high-speed Internet connection along with the proper computer system and software. If you do not have these technical requirements, you may want to consider upgrading your personal computer or using another computer—on campus or at your local library. As well, follow this quick system check to determine if your computer is set up correctly to participate.
You are strongly encouraged to download, install and test system and browser requirements prior to the beginning of your course(s).
System & Browser Recommendations
| Operating System | Windows 10, 11 | Mac OS X |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i3 or equivalent; 2GHz or higher |
| Memory | 4 GB of RAM minimum (8 GB of RAM or higher recommended) |
| Hard Drive | 5 GB free disk space |
| Browser | Chrome is the preferred browser. Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from University of Guelph websites. |
| Plug-ins | Acrobat Reader |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection recommended. Web conferencing - at least 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor - at least 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, but this tool will adjust the video quality depending on connection speeds |
| Video Resolution | Resolution capable of at least 1280 × 1024 or larger Dual monitor is recommended |
| Webcam and Sound | Built-in or external webcam and microphone required for courses that have exams proctored through Respondus LockDown Browser. Also, some courses may involve students making use of the web conferencing software; for these courses, a headset with a microphone is required. (A video camera may be required.) A headset is recommended to avoid audio feedback. |
| Scanner | Some courses require students to have immediate access to a scanner or copier to create PDF files that can be emailed or uploaded to the dropbox of CourseLink (e.g., complex formulas for assignments). A device capable of taking a picture, such as a cell phone, may suffice. Please Note: Immediate local access to a printer is an asset when students are writing formulas. |
System & Software Requirements
To help ensure you have the best learning experience possible, please review the list of system and software requirements outlined below.
Modern Desktop Web Browser
- Microsoft Edge (latest)
- Mozilla Firefox (latest)
- Google Chrome (latest)
- Apple Safari (latest)
Mobile
- Android (Chrome – latest)
- iOS (Safari, Chrome – latest)
- Windows (Edge, Chrome, Firefox – latest)
- A built-in or external webcam and microphone is required.
- Internet connection should be at least 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, but this tool will adjust the video quality depending on connection speeds. Test internet speed.
Windows
- 11 and 10*
*Includes x86 32 and 64bit processors and ARM 64bit processors using x86 emulation
*Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.
Mac
- macOS 10.12 to 12.0+. macOS 13.0 "Ventura" is not yet a compatible operating system.
iPadOS
- 11.0+ (iPad only)
- Must have a compatible LMS integration
Memory
- Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
- Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
- Browser Compatibility
- Webcam with microphone for video/recording
Webcam with microphone for audio/video (if not calling in)
Windows
- Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or later
- 2 GB of RAM minimum
Mac
- macOS 10.12 or later
- 2 GB of RAM minimum
Webcam with microphone for audio/video (if not calling in)
- 800 kbps/1 Mbps (up/down) for high quality video
- 80 kbps for VoiP audio
Systems
- Windows 7 or later
- macOS 10.7 or later
- Ubuntu 12.04 or higher
Browsers
- Edge (12+)
- Firefox (27+)
- Chrome (30+)
- Safari (7+)
CourseLink Technical Support
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56939
Toll Free: 1-866-275-1478 (Canada and USA)
Email: courselink@uoguelph.ca
Hours of Operation
Walk-in Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone/Email Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.