Gather Your Tools!

Ok, first things first with technology. You need to make sure you have the right hardware and software.

Hardware

To complete this course, you will need a decent computer capable of running Windows software and a lab kit to build hardware. If you have a Mac or Linux system, you can use the free Virtual Box or other virtualization software to run Windows within your system. However, some technical skill is needed to get this all working.

Software

Youou will also need to run Logisim for some of the labs. Logisim is a free, open-source digital logic simulator that allows you to design and simulate circuits. Make sure to install it early, as you may encounter setup or Java-related issues that could delay your lab work.

Go to the official Logisim download page.
Scroll down and download the latest stable version of Logisim (typically a .jar file).
Make sure you have Java installed on your system. If not:
- Go to the Java Downloads Page.
- Download and install the latest version for your operating system.
Once Java is installed, you can run Logisim by:
- Double-clicking the logisim.jar file (on most systems), or
- Running it from the command line with:
  java -jar logisim.jar
If you want a shortcut:
- On Windows: Create a .bat file with the command above.
- On Mac/Linux: Create a .desktop or .sh script depending on your desktop environment.
When you launch it, Logisim will open a graphical interface where you can begin building circuits.

Tip: Keep the .jar file in a known location (e.g., Documents/Logisim) so you can easily access it each time.

Get The Hardware
You Need
You Will Need:
Computer
You Will Need:
Internet
You Will Need:
Video & Audio
You Will Need:
Browser

If you do not have a computer at home or work, there are a variety of University-supported tools and resources that our campus technology division, Information Resources and Technology (also known as IRT), in partnership with the CSU's CSUCCESS program, offers to students:

Free Laptop Checkout Program: Provides students with a coursework-ready laptop for short or long-term academic use.
Computer Labs & Virtual Lab Access: Visit an on-campus computer lab or connect to the virtual computer lab which provides all essential tools for your coursework.

Explore the Student Tech Highlights and Student Technology Equity websites for additional details about onboarding essentials, saclink account & security, coursework tools & accessibility, computer labs and virtual labs, laptop checkout, internet connection options, printing, cybersecurity and how to get support.

Click the next tab above ⬆️ to learn more.

You will need the following hardware and software

Computer

You will need access to a computer or mobile device and the Internet. Most late-model computers have adequate processing capabilities for online courses.

A laptop with wireless capability will provide maximum flexibility for accessing the course when on or off campus.

Remember that you can borrow a laptop through the Laptop Checkout program.

Operating Systems

Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Canvas only requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up-to-date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.

Recommended Minimum Device Standards

Student Device Standards

Recommended Minimum Device Standards
General Academic Use:	Specialized Programs:
i5 Processor, Ryzen 5 or M1	i7 Processor, Ryzen 7 or M1
8GB of Ram	16GB of Ram
256 Solid State Drive	512 Solid State Drive
Webcam	Webcam

Click the next tab above ⬆️ to learn more.

You will need the following:

Internet Access

If you plan to connect to the Internet from home, you will need Internet access via either a wired network or a stable wifi connection.

Visit the Affordable Internet Alternatives webpage to learn about Low Cost Internet Services to stay connected when off-campus.

Internet Speed

- Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
- Minimum of 512kbps

Click the next tab above ⬆️ to learn more.

You will need the following

Webcam and microphone

A webcam and microphone will be required in most online or blended classes. Most standard laptops (Mac and Windows) will have a built-in webcam and microphone.

Headphones with a microphone (like iPhone headphones or earbuds) work great. An external microphone is highly recommended for clearer audio content if you are in a noisy environment or working from a shared space.

Computers without a webcam such as some desktop computers will require an external webcam.

Click the next tab above ⬆️ to learn more.

You will need the following

Supported browsers

The browser is the program you use to access the web (i.e. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.). The latest versions of the following desktop browsers are supported for your online work in Canvas courses. Please note: Although Safari is listed as a supported browser, we don't recommend Safari browser since there are known issues with the display of images, files, and playback of video. Please download and install an alternative browser as a backup.

- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
- Safari- Although Safari is listed as a supported browser, there are known issues with the display of images, files and playback of video. Please download and install an alternative browser as a backup.

Review the Browser and Computer Requirements for the Canvas webpage to know whether you have a compatible browser installed on your device/computer. The section "Is My Browser up to Date?" of the webpage will provide you with information regarding your installed browser and version and whether it is up to date.

If you have completed all activities, scroll down and click the Next button below 👇🏽.

Click on each tab above ☝️ and gather the tools you'll need
before clicking the "Next" button below to continue