• Support Details - online scan of your computer to tell you what version of operating system and software you are running to assist tech support in helping resolve a problem.
• WinZip
• CutePDF This program allows you to create PDF files from almost any printable document
• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 This compatibility pack will enable you to open Office 2007 documents using Office 2000, XP, or 2003
• Floola - iPod or mobil phone manager for iTunes
• What's Running 2.2

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Microsoft Word Viewer
• Microsoft Excel Viewer
• Microsoft Access Viewer
• Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer
• Pictomio - Image Viewer

• OpenOffice OpenOffice.org offers a free productivity suite compatible with all major office suites
• WordWeb WordWeb is a good thesaurus/dictionary resource; it shows pronunciations, definitions, synonyms, and anyonyms of words; also, it gives examples of how the word can be used as a noun, verb, adjective, and/or adverb.
• PhotoScape Image Editor

• Mozilla Firefox
• Internet Explorer
• Safari for Windows and Mac
• Google Chrome

• Adobe Flash
• Adobe Shockwave

• QuickTime
• Windows Media Player
• RealPlayer
• Codec.com Media Player Classic Alternative to Windows Media Player
• Codec.com RealPlayer Alternative Alternative to RealPlayer
• WinAmp

• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Malwarebytes
• SUPERAnitSpyware

• Microsoft Windows Essential

You must be signed up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in order to access the Internet from home. Be sure to choose a provider that permits you to use a Web browser.. Some providers require the use of their own proprietary browser; these browsers may not provide all the functionality needed for your online course(s). If you are using a provider like this (for example, AOL), you must minimize that program and use an alternate Web browser to access Angel.

The Internet browsers that work the best with Canvas are Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari. To download and of these browsers for free, please refer to "Browsers" in the "Downloads" page above

If you do not have home Internet access

For persons without home internet access, the following options are available:Computers are available on Richland's campus in many locations:

• Learning Resource Center (Library)
• Open Computer Lab (C150)
• Student Learning Center (S117)
• Richland Wireless Access on Campus (if you have a laptop with wireless capability)

Before beginning your online course(s), your computer needs to be up-to-date with the appropriate hardware and software requirements. Your home computer needs to have the following

• Operating System: Windows XP or higher or MAC OSX or higher
• Network connection: 56K modem connection minimum; Broadband, DSL, or Wireless high-speed connection highly recommended
• Browser Plug-ins:
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Flash
  • JavaScript enabled
• Anti-virus Software: Keep virus definitions updated and scan your computer on a regular basis.
  • Note: It is strongly recommended that only one anti-virus program be used on your computer; if more than one is used, they will conflict with each other and cause problems.
• Spyware Removal Software: Keep spyware/malware/adware definitions updated and scan your computer on a regular basis.
  • Note: It is strongly recommended that more than one spyware removal program be used on your computer; sometimes one application may detect a new threat that another program may not.
• Application Software: Richland Community College uses Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010, which include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
  • If you do not have Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010: Office 2007 and 2010 documents are not compatible with older versions of Office (2000, XP, or 2003). However, there is a free "Compatibility Pack" available from Microsoft, that once installed on your home computer, will allow you to open Office 2007 & 2010 documents.
  • If you do not have Microsoft Office: There are links to free software viewers available for download in the "Productivity" section under the "Downloads" section on this page. These viewers will allow you to view and print Microsoft Office documents, but not create or modify them. There are also links to other free, open-source software programs that emulate Microsoft Office.
  • NOTE: If you use any software program other than Microsoft Office for coursework, care must be taken to save the document in a format that your instructor(s) will be able to open (Microsoft format, or Rich Text Format). Contact the Online Learning Help Desk if you need assistance with this.
  • Important: Not all online courses require the use of Microsoft Office; please check with your instructor(s) for specific course requirements.