MLIS Technology Requirements

Students should carefully consider the following technology specifications if they wish to facilitate completing coursework from home.  The following will cover basic technology requirements (including preferred hardware, software, and internet connections).

Note that as of spring 2006, all iSchool maintained machines, which include servers, desktops, and laptops are PC based. Operating systems are standardized using Windows 2003 and Debian Linux on servers; Windows XP Professional on desktops and laptops. Staying current with new operating system and application releases are important to our mission and the School updates frequently. Plans to upgrade iSchool systems to Windows “Vista” and Office 2007 (expected release at the end of 2006) are already in place.  The iSchool IT staff does not currently support the Macintosh operating system and there are no Macintosh computers in our computer labs. Macintosh computers are widely available elsewhere on campus, including several university maintained computer labs located in the same building. Instructors and iSchool IT staff may be unable to provide assistance to users of alternate or older operating systems and applications.

Technology Requirements for Day MLIS Students

Day MLIS students do not have specific technology requirements, although students using alternate (non-Windows) or older operating systems and applications may encounter difficulties. Some courses utilize applications that require the latest release of Windows and Office components. On-site computer labs are provided to facilitate coursework when a personal computing environment is not sufficient. Students using alternate platforms may also wish to consider installing emulation software such as Virtual PC or VMWare that allows Windows applications to be run in a virtual machine.

Technology Requirements for Distance MLIS Students

Specific requirements exist for Distance MLIS students. These requirements are in place to insure that we have a baseline set of capabilities through which we can effectively deliver remote instruction. Be advised that technology changes rapidly and specific requirements such as the operating system, software versions, and Internet connection type (broadband vs. dial-up) may change during your time in the program.

Distance students are strongly encouraged to use high-speed Internet access such as DSL or cable modem. A high-speed broadband connection will do more to improve the quality of experience in the program than a fast computer. Satellite Internet connections are not recommended, but are highly preferable to dial-up. If you must use a dial-up modem, you may experience extended delays while downloading audio and video lectures, completing exercises, and uploading assignments. You also may not be able to fully participate in some online voice or video conferencing sessions due to bandwidth constraints. Approximately 90% of students currently in the dMLIS program have a broadband connection.

Students must have the ability to install software and make changes to their computer configuration. Students may also be required to open some network ports blocked by firewalls or security software to enable certain functionality. Students are expected to keep their computers current and install the latest operating system security patches and service packs on a regular basis. Students are also expected to have an updated anti-virus product on their machines. The University of Washington provides McAfee Virus Scan to all students at no charge.

Productivity software such as Microsoft Office is available to UW students at a significant discount (approximately $70 for Office Professional). Other software such as Windows, Microsoft Access, Visio, and Visual Studio are available via free download to iSchool students or can be shipped for a nominal fee. All software can be obtained and installed just prior to beginning the program. 

Distance MLIS Technology Requirements Matrix
  Minimum Required Minimum Suggested
Hardware 1.5 GHz PC, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, sound
or
Macintosh G3 with Virtual PC (note Virtual PC allows a Mac to run Windows in software emulation mode however performance may be poor) 512MB of RAM, 40GB hard drive, DVD/CD-RW drive, sound 		2.4 GHz PC, 1GB RAM, 80 GB hard drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, sound
or
Macintosh G4 with Virtual PC (note Virtual PC allows a Mac to run Windows in software emulation mode however performance may be poor) , 1GB of RAM, 80GB drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, sound
Internet Connection 56K with minimum sustained transfer rate of 35kb/sec* cable or DSL broadband preferred, satellite if cable or DSL not available
Web Browser Internet Explorer - most current version Internet Explorer - most current version
Multimedia speakers, microphone speakers, microphone, headphones, video conference camera
Operating System Most current version of Windows or Macintosh OS X running Virtual PC and Windows. Macintosh OS X native is not supported. Most current version of Windows or Macintosh OS X running Virtual PC and Windows. Macintosh OS X native is not supported.
Productivity Software Most current version of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access (available for UW students at a substantial discount) Most current version of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access (available for UW students at a substantial discount)

*If your phone line has excessive noise or your ISP has slow dial-in modem connections, your actual throughput may not meet the requirement, even if you have a 56K modem. Check the throughput of your connection at one of these sites: www.dslreports.com/tools: click on speed test, and verify that your connection is at least 35kb/sec.; or www.speakeasy.net/speedtest

View the Information Technology Literacy Requirements.