California Southern University (CalSouthern) uses electronic communication. Our learners must have reliable email access with the capability to send and receive attached files. Learners must also be able to navigate the World Wide Web.
CalSouthern recommends the following hardware requirements for PC systems:
- Pentium 300 MHz or faster processor
- Minimum 32 MB RAM
- Minimum 2 GB free hard disk space
- CD-ROM drive
- 28.8 Kbps or faster modem
- Color monitor, keyboard, mouse
Purchasing computer equipment: Computers and other peripheral equipment can be purchased through CalSouthern's Computer Purchase Program offered by Dell. Costs vary depending on the system components you select. Learn more!
Learners and Faculty Mentors will need to obtain an Internet Service Provider (ISP), as well as an e-mail address. We recommend that you contact a local Internet Service Provider for technical assistance.
CalSouthern requires the following software applications for PC systems:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows Operating System
- Norton Anti-Virus virus software
*A virus is a program which can destroy information on you hard drive and/or external drive(s). The virus may just corrupt a single file or it may corrupt multiple files, including the system files needed to run your computer. Viruses can be transferred to your computer by using someone else's file that you obtained, usually as an email attachment. It is important to use a virus scanner to detect viruses that may exist. Software such as Norton's Anti-Virus software program locates known viruses and warns the user of their existence. Since new viruses are always being created, it is important to update your list of known viruses regularly. Microsoft Outlook Express (email bundled with Internet Explorer)
CalSouthern utilizes Rich Text Format (.rtf) for the information the University sends out. This assures the widest compatibility. CalSouthern uses Microsoft Word, which normally has a .doc extension on files it creates. Microsoft Word provides direct readability for previous versions of Word and several other word processors. Adobe Acrobat Reader is also recommended, as it may also be useful for accessing information on the Internet.
Download the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer (free) at www.microsoft.com.
Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat (free) at www.adobe.com/prodinex.acrobat