Course Software

You will need three required components. You can download them separately, or get them all in one CD-ROM called the UIC Network Services Kit.

1. Web Browser
2. E-mail
3. Adobe Acrobat Reader

1. Web Browser

We recommend Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. Please note that Internet Explorer 3.0 does not work with BlueStem, the UIC web access authentication system. Using Internet Explorer 3.0 may limit your access to course materials.

How do I determine which browser I am using?

How do I upgrade to another browser?

2. E-mail

Both of the major browser suites (Netscape and IE) include an email component, or you can use Eudora, which is bundled with the Network Services Kit, or any other program that you use to read and send email now.

3. Adobe Acrobat Reader

You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view files Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), a common format for exchanging documents on the Internet. Here you can Get the Free Acrobat Reader. Instructions provided there will help you with download and installation.

Once you have installed the Acrobat Reader, you can set it up to work with your web browser. See the Acrobat Setup Guided Tour. (Will open in new window).

The UIC Network Services Kit

The UIC Network Services Kit (NSKit) bundles the Netscape Web Browser, Eudora for E-mail, the Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other Internet software on one CD-ROM. If you don't have Internet software on your computer, you may want to buy the NSKit on campus. MHPE Online students may order the NSKit by calling our office toll free at 1-877-DME-ONLN (1-877-363-6656). The cost is $15 plus a $5 charge for shipping via UPS ground. The U-of-I Online support page offers more detailed information about the UIC Network Services Kit (NSKit).

Audio and Video (optional)

At this time, no DME online courses use streaming audio or video. However, if you're curious you might want to install the RealPlayer, which allows you to access streaming audio and video from Internet sites offering this feature. The RealPlayer comes on the NSKit, or you can download it from the above link. It is possible that in the future some classes will offer streaming audio and video.

PowerPoint Presentations (optional)

Some presentations will be made in PowerPoint format. To view these presentations, you will need MS PowerPoint or the PowerPoint Viewer for Windows 95/98/NT, available for free download over the Internet. The PowerPoint Viewer is not available for the Macintosh.