Recommended Toolkit for Brandeis MSIA Students
The most significant software for students is a reasonably up-to-date Web browser to access Latte, Brandeis’ Distance Learning environment, as well as other sites on the Internet. We recommend either IE or Firefox. Google Chrome does not provide editing controls when entering or modifying posts so its use is discouraged. Minimum versions recommended are IE 8 and Firefox 3.5.
Word processing software is required that is capable of producing documents in .rtf, .doc or .docx format. Software capable of reading files in .pdf format is also required.
Some courses will require labs. The following configuration is recommended to be the minimum hardware configuration for completing laboratory exercises.
- Computer running Windows Vista or higher, Linux or Mac OS X. You will need administrative accessto this computer in order to perform installation of required software. Some software may only beavailable on Windows or Linux: be prepared to run this software in a virtual machine if necessary.
- CPU: 64bit based 2.0 GHz or higher CPU is required (Multi-Core recommended)
- Minimum of 4 Gigabytes of RAM (More RAM is highly recommended)
- DVD/CD Combo Drive
- 2 free USB Ports
- At least 50 Gigabytes of free space on your Host System Hard Drive
The following software is required:
- VMware Workstation 8, VMware Fusion 4.0, or VMware Player 4.0 or higher versions. VMware Playeris free of charge; the other two require payment. All of the above software allows you to create andrun a virtual machine.
- Other software will vary based on the particular course. Every effort is made to utilize free or open-source software, or software made available via the course textbook.