Technical Requirements, Computer and Software Recommendations

NINER READY LAPTOP INITIATIVE

As a Distance Education student, it will be required to have access to convenient and appropriate technology as our programs are almost entirely online. For information please visit the Niner Ready Laptop Intitiative.

Technical Requirements

Most DE courses are online; however, any site-based course may also require an online component. View the University Course Schedule to see how your course will be delivered. Learn how to use those delivery methods below.

Canvas

Canvas is UNC Charlotte’s learning management system used to deliver course content, administer quizzes, submit assignments, and more, all in a secure online environment. When used alone, Canvas is an asynchronous tool, but instructors may utilize synchronous technology such as WebEx as a required part of your course.

Review the minimum technical requirements to access Canvas.

Google Drive

To access files with Google Drive system and browser requirements must be met.

WebEx

WebEx Training Center is a web conferencing program which lets people interact with one another “live” in a virtual online meeting environment.

You can meet, learn and collaborate from anywhere you have access to a mobile device, tablet, or computer and an Internet connection using multi-way audio and video, application sharing and content display. All WebEx Training Center sessions are recordable, so instructors can record sessions and those unable to attend the live meeting can playback the session at a later time.

Instructors and students can open live sessions directly from their Canvas courses for classes, virtual office hours, problem-solving sessions and more. Students can view and download recordings from Canvas courses as well.

View and Check WebEx Technical Requirements

Computer Recommendations

The following computer recommendations come from NinerTech. NinerTech Store was launched in 2009 with its founding principle to be a leading provider of service to the campus. Operating as a nonprofit arm of the university, NinerTech concentrates on providing services that are unique, exemplary, and irreplaceable.

College Of Engineering: Recommended computer requirements

College of Arts + Architecture: Recommended computer requirements

Software Recommendations

Recommended Free Software Downloads

ITS Software Downloads

Software is available to students registered for classes in the current term to install at no additional charge through ITS Downloads.

It is highly recommened students have an AntiVirus software. If you do not have one, please download: Trend Micro Including AntiVirus (PC, Mac)

Microsoft Office 365

The Microsoft Student Advantage Program allows UNC Charlotte students to have a free subscription to Office 365 ProPlus while they are actively enrolled as students. Microsoft Office aims to provide a comprehensive set of tools to collect and consolidate any type of information; a quick and easy way to share critical information with others.

Software for Purchase