Recommended Technical Requirements for "Frustration Free" Computing Section
To review minimum technical requirements for individual statistical software packages, please visit the technical support pages of the individual vendors. See Statistical Software page.
STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO DOWNLOAD, INSTALL AND TEST COMPUTER AND BROWSER REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF CLASSES.
Operating System |
Windows 10 Note: While the course management system, interactive online conferencing tools, links to course notes and special example materials can all be accessed using either a PC or a Mac, Minitab and SAS are both PC products only. For courses where submitted work or examples primarily involve Minitab or SAS, students are strongly recommended to have access to a PC with this software. |
Processor | Intel i3 or equivalent; 2GHz or higher |
Memory | 2 GB of RAM or higher |
Hard Drive Space | 2 GB free disk space |
Browser |
Chrome is the preferred browser for students in the program to use. Check Canvas's Which browsers does Canvas support? page to review the requirements for accessing the full range of the Canvas Course Management System features. Or, check the Canvas Computer Specifications if your course is in Canvas. Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State web sites. |
Plug-ins |
Acrobat Reader [Download from Adobe] |
Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required. At least 2 Mbps download speed and 2 Mbps upload is required for exams proctored through Examity—test internet speed at www.speedtest.net |
Printer | Access to graphics-capable (inkjet or laser printer) |
DVD-ROM | May be required for installation of SAS |
Sound Card / Speakers | Required (a headset with microphone recommended - see below) |
Monitor/Video Card |
15" monitor; Capable of at least 1024 X 768 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio |
Webcam and Microphone | Built-in or external webcam and microphone required for courses that have exams proctored through Examity. Also, some courses (STAT 507, STAT 557, STAT 580, STAT 581) may involve students making use of the video conferencing software. For these courses, a headset with a microphone is required. (a video camera is not required). |
Scanner |
Some Courses (STAT 414, STAT 415, STAT 502, and others) require students to have immediate access to a scanner or copy machine that will copy written work involving complex formulas into .pdf files that can be sent in an email as attachments or uploaded into Canvas assignments. STAT 414 would require such access due to the amount of complex formulation students would be involved in authoring. Please Note: Immediate local access to a printer/scanner is essential when students are taking proctored exams in STAT 414 and STAT 415 through Examity. Please Note: Many office copy machines and some printers have this capability built-in. |
Courses with Proctored Exams
For courses using Examity you must meet the following technical requirements.
Examity® System Requirements
- You must take the exam on a desktop computer or laptop (tablets, Chromebook and cell phones do not meet our requirements).
- Desktop computer or laptop (tablets, Chromebook and cell phones do not meet our requirements)
- Webcam and microphone (built-in or external).
- Connection to network with sufficient internet speed: at least 2 Mbps download speed and 2 Mbps upload. Hot spots are not recommended. Test internet speed at https://www.speedtest.net/
- Browser with pop-up blocker disabled
Use this Examity System Check to determine if your computer is ready:
Examity Computer Readiness Check
Reaching Examity® 24/7 Support
- Phone: 855-392-6489
- Email: support@examity.com
- Live Chat: Click on the live chat link located at the top and bottom of your Examity® portal.