What kind of computer and computer literacy do I need to possess?

  • You must be able to fluently access the internet, use email, know how to upload and download files, be familiar with internet etiquette, and be able to use Moodle, SSU's Learning Management System.
  • Your computer should have enough memory and processing power to handle media-rich content, such as high-resolution video, Java applications, and real-time internet collaboration applications. A computer more than 4 or 5 years old may not be able to run the software used by the Nursing courses.
  • When off-campus, you need to have fast, reliable, network access, and sufficient bandwidth to be able to upload and download large files. If you bring a laptop or mobile device to campus, it should have WiFi and a web browser.
  • Your computer should have current anti-virus software installed, and you should keep current with anti-virus updates.
  • Your computer should have Microsoft Office, or other applications that can open, view and edit files created by Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
  • You will need to have Adobe Acrobat, or some other application that reads PDF files.
  • You will need to keep your computer's operating system and supporting applications (such as Java) updated.
  • The IT Help Desk provides some technical support to SSU students.

See SSU Information Technology's Get Started page for information about getting started with computing at SSU, email, technical support, and more.

See SSU Information Technology's Workstation Hardware & Software Standards page, specifically the Computer Platforms section for the recommended minimum computing hardware for new purchases. Note, that page is targeted to SSU faculty and staff workstations provided to employees by the University. However, the same hardware recommendations are a good indicator of what Nursing students should have access to off campus.

FAQ Category