Online Student Technology Recommendations

Recommended Technology for Students in MNU Courses and Programs

To participate successfully in the online courses, and increasingly in all courses in the various MNU programs, all students must have individual access to an appropriate computer, software, and accessory hardware.

Computers and Other Hardware

Students will need a personal computer of one of the following types (Recommended: no more than three years old):

• Microsoft Windows: Windows personal computer (desktop OK, laptop recommended), with the Windows 10 or newer Windows operating system, or a Windows 10 (or later) tablet computer (e.g., Microsoft Surface). 
• Apple Mac: Mac computer (desktop OK, laptop recommended), with a recent Mac OS.
• Apple tablets (e.g., iPads) and Apple smartphones (e.g., iPhones) may be handy to have for some courses and activities, but they may not be sufficient technology by themselves. Some programs issue iPads and software to their students -- check with your program advisor.
• Others: No other personal technology devices are directly supported or recommended for MNU online courses and programs. Android devices (tablets and smartphones) may not work for some critical functions. Chromebooks and other Netbook computers may not work for some features and functions, and therefore are not recommended.
• Recommended Extras: 
  • Webcam, for creating presentations to upload for assignments. 
  • Multimedia headset (microphone and headphones) for creating presentations for assignments

Software

At least one week prior to the first session of your course or program, you must be sure your computer has current versions of the following software that may not have been initially installed on it:

1. Web browser: The recommended web browsers for most MNU online activities are Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. 
2. PDF Viewer: Adobe Acrobat Reader 
   Download: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ 
3. Productivity Software Microsoft 365 (for Windows or Mac). All MNU students may download the full Microsoft Office 365 product for free from the MNU portal once they have their student login ID and password. See the link to instructions on the portal home page.

Internet Access

You must have reliable access to the Internet. At least 1 Mbps bandwidth is recommended.  Dial-up and satellite-TV Internet connections are not recommended.

(Last updated December 2022)