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Getting Started Fact Sheet

This fact sheet will provide you with some basic information to help ensure a successful online learning experience! For specific George Mason IT information, please visit the GMU IT Gateway at http://itu.gmu.edu/techservices.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Once you are registered for the course, you will need to activate your George Mason University email account and obtain your Mason ID (“G number”). To access this information, visit http://itusupport.gmu.edu/ or call 703-993-8870.

2. These courses are provided using WebCT 4.1 as the main software interface. A direct link to Web CT is located on the George Mason University home page at http://www.gmu.edu under the ‘Students’ tab: http://www.gmu.edu/mlstudents.

3. You will need to enter your id and password to log in. Please note that you will not be able to access the course information until 24 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.

4. Students automatically receive a WebCT username and password authorization when they first register for courses at George Mason. The username and password are the same as your Mason e-mail account username and password.

WHAT COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE COURSES?

1. Since this course is accessed entirely online, it is important that you have sufficient computer skills and updated equipment to be able to utilize a number of software programs, including word processing programs (i.e. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect), email, Adobe Acrobat Reader (to access online articles and reading materials), be comfortable browsing the Internet (using Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox), and Windows Media Player.

2. Minimum Hardware and connectivity requirements:
   
   Computer and processor
   Personal computer with a 400-megahertz (MHz) or higher processor
   
   Memory
   128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or above recommended
   
   Hard disk
   2 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space (Hard disk usage will vary depending on configuration; custom installation choices may require more or less hard disk space.)
   
   Operating system
   Microsoft Windows® 2000 Professional with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
   
   Display
   Super VGA (800 × 600) or a higher-resolution monitor
   
   Internet Connection
   High Speed Internet Connection (minimum speed 100kb/sec)
   
   Programs
   PowerPoint 2003 or PowerPoint version 2002
   Windows Media Player
   Adobe Acrobat Reader
   Internet Browser. For browser compatibility requirements for WebCT, visit http://webct.com/drc_vista/viewpage?name=ask_drc_browser_zone.

WHERE DO I GO FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT?

1. First, be sure you have the necessary hardware, software and connectivity requirements. Then determine what kind of problem you are experiencing, in order to contact the appropriate resource for help.

2. If you are experiencing problems with your GMU email account, contact the ITU Support Center. Phone (703) 993-8870 or by email at support@gmu.edu.

3. If you can not access WebCT, contact webct@gmu.edu. Students typically receive a response within 24 hours with the exception of the first week of classes when response time can require up to 48 hours.

4. If you have specific course related questions, contact your instructor. You will receive an introductory email to your GMU email account from your instructor the week prior to the beginning of the course schedule.

WHERE CAN I GET CAMPUS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES?

1. The George Mason University homepage is the best place to begin to obtain campus resource information - http://www.gmu.edu.

2. For information on accessing Library Resources, visit http://library.gmu.edu/distance.

3. For research assistance via e-mail and live chat through Ask-a-Librarian, visit http://library.gmu.edu/research/.

4. If you have any additional questions, please email Joanne Hawk at distchhs@gmu.edu or call 703-993-8896.