Technical requirements
The Faculty of Business delivers course material using a web-based system. To access courses, complete assignments, and communicate with instructors and other students, each student must own or have ready access to basic computer hardware and software.
Required system
Windows computers are the primary equipment supported by Athabasca University's Help Desk, but limited assistance is available for other hardware and software platforms. Students are responsible for their own communication costs such as long-distance telephone charges and subscriptions to an internet service provider, or any other communications service requirements.
| PC minimum hardware requirements | MAC minimum hardware requirements |
|---|---|
| Built in the last 10 years | Built in the last 10 years |
| 2 GB memory or higher | 2 GB memory or higher |
| 50 GB free disk space | 50 GB free disk space |
| Integrated web camera | Integrated web camera |
| Colour screen with 1024x768 screen resolution | Colour screen with 1024x768 screen resolution |
| High-bandwidth internet connection (LTE, ADSL, cable or satellite) | High-bandwidth internet connection (LTE, ADSL, cable or satellite) |
| Mouse or trackpad | Mouse or trackpad |
| Sound capable | Printer |
| Printer | |
| PC minimum software requirements | MAC minimum software requirements |
| Microsoft Windows 10 or higher | Mac OS X or higher |
| MS Office 2010 (or newer version) - MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint | MS Office 2011 (or newer version) - MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint |
| Up-to-date Browser: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, latest versions | Up-to-date Browser: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, latest versions |
| Current anti-virus program Adobe Acrobat Reader Media player for both audio and video | Current anti-virus program Adobe Acrobat Reader Media player for both audio and video |
NOTE: should the system requirements change while you are in the program, you may need to upgrade.
Allowing pop-ups
You may access the online systems using any of the recommended browsers above. You must allow/enable pop-ups to operate this system. Please check the browser instructions to enable pop-up windows.
Plugins
- Adobe Reader (free at get.adobe.com/reader/)
Online exams
Some courses use online examinations that are invigilated remotely.
Make sure you have a secure and stable internet connection.
The invigilation service ProctorU allows you to write your online exams from your home. It provides a link to test your equipment before the examination.
Anti-Virus Protection
To keep your computer functioning safely while participating in the program, you should have security software on your system to protect against and repair viruses, spyware, and malware. You can purchase security software from many retailers or online.
Office 365
Office 365 is provided to all Athabasca University students and contains free access to the MS Office suite of applications you will need during your studies. An email with instructions on how to activate your O365 student account will be sent to your personal email address upon registration. For more information, click here.
Student ID cards
Student ID cards are available to enrolled students. Click here for more information on obtaining a student ID card (you will need your student ID number).
Technical support
Athabasca University's Computing Services Help Desk will provide technical and usage support for online learning. If you have any problems using the online learning platform, contact the Athabasca University Help Desk and identify yourself as a Faculty of Business student.
Help Desk contact info
- Computing Service Help Desk website
- Phone: 780-675-6405
- Toll-free: 1-800-788-9041 ext. 6405 (North America)
Updated August 18, 2026 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)