INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required eResource
The text for the course is accessed through the Cisco Network Academy (www.netacad.com). You will need an account on the Network Academy. Your instructor will create an account for you and you will receive instructions in your KCTCS email. If you have not received the email for access to the Network Academy, contact your instructor right away.
All resources are available in your Blackboard course and were paid with the eResource fees charged along with your tuition. You do not need to go to the bookstore.
Minimum technical requirements:
- Windows XP or above, Mac OSX 10.5 "Leopard" or above
- 512 MB RAM (2GB or higher optimal)
- Reliable e-mail software and active e-mail account
- Reliable Internet access (High speed such as cable or DSL recommended)
- Printer strongly recommended
- Your course may require special plug-ins (free) to access Streaming Media (video clips)
- Use of a Browser (See browser list. Check browser.)
Software Requirements
Packet Tracer Software
Cisco Packet Tracer (PT) is a powerful network simulation program that allows students to experiment with network designs and behavior. It provides simulation, visualization, authoring, assessment, and collaboration capabilities and facilitates the teaching and learning of complex technology concepts. Essentially, you can practice building, configuring, and troubleshooting what you are learning in the Cisco curriculum. You can build networks that are very simple (literally two machines) to very complex. The best thing is that it is free to download and use for students in the Cisco Networking Academy.
We will use PT extensively in our Cisco classes. It will be used for demonstrations, quizzes, tests, and lab finals. There are multiple versions of PT, including versions for Windows, Linux Ubuntu, Mobile iOS (iPad and iPhone), and Mobile Android.
To download the desktop version, you will need to log into your Network Academy account and search for Packet Tracer. You can get the mobile version by either downloading from the App store or the Google Play store. They are free, but you will need your Network Academy logon info to access the full functioning packages.
You may watch a video on downloading PT and installing it on a Windows machine here.
If you have any problems, please contact your instructor.
All currently enrolled KCTCS students are eligible to install the full version of Office 365 Pro on up to 5 devices for free?
This includes PC, Mac, Apple tablets and phones, and Android tablets and phones. The software will continue to work as long as you are enrolled in at least one class at a KCTCS college. This gives you access to Outlook (for email), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Read more at: https://kctcs.edu/Current_Students/Software_Discounts.aspx
Learners will need to make sure appropriate software and plug-ins are installed on your computer. Be sure to review, and if necessary, install appropriate software and plug-ins listed in the software section of the Start Here >>>>> area in the Blackboard module shell.
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Flash Player
- Adobe Shockwave Player
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- QuickTime
- Real Player
* Disable any pop-up blockers on your system while using Blackboard.
Browsers
It is recommended learners have more than one browser installed. At times it may be necessary to access certain web applications using various browsers. These browsers are free to download and install.
- Google Chrome - https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/
- Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
- Microsoft Internet Explorer - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/download-ie
Be sure you understand how to disable any pop-up blockers on your system. This may be necessary while using Blackboard.
Other Resources
To assist with communication it is recommended that you purchase a microphone/headset/webcam.
- Microphone/headset - to utilize Voice Tools available on Blackboard including Blackboard Collaborate and Live Classroom.
- WebCam (optional) - allows visual communications on the learners end.
Additionally, if you have a smart phone or tablet, you can download and use the Bb Mobile Learn App.