English 2053: Technical Assistance

Required Hardware

1. One of the following computers:

  • A Macintosh computer running System 7.5 or higher
  • An IBM-compatible computer running Windows 95 or higher.

2. A modem or direct Internet connection.

Optional Hardware
  • a printer
  • a scanner.
Required Software
  • A java-enabled browser capable of sending e-mail (Netscape Navigator 3.0 or above/ Internet Explorer 3.0 or above)
  • A word processing program. I strongly recommend that you use a version of Microsoft Word. Documents created in these programs have invariably translated well to my office Macintosh, permitting students to submit documents with graphics intact. I have, however, been able to work with students using other packages. Whatever program you use, be sure that it will allow you to create and/or integrate simple drawings and graphs into your documents.

Optional Software

  • A dedicated email program. Outlook Express works well and can be downloaded free with the latest version of Internet Explorer.
  • An image editing or conversion program. Software such as this is often bundled with a scanner.

Using Attachments

The reports and responses in this course can be submitted as attachments to email, but reports that include graphics may cause problems. Specific advice for each assignment is included on the assignment pages. Try to follow the file naming conventions described in each assignment. These conventions prevent one student's paper from inadvertently overwriting another's. Click here if you would like some basic instruction on How to Attach a Document to an Email

Using Email

You will use email to communicate with me and to submit the work in the course (See "Using Attachments" above). Put the course number "2053" in the subject line of any email that you send me. That way my email program will automatically place it in the class folder and send you an automated response so you will know that I have received your message.


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updated: August 18, 2002