Technology Requirements, Recommendations, and Troubleshooting
You should proactively review your at-home technology setup to ensure that you are equipped with the minimum requirements. If you have questions or concerns about your technology, please email support@usa.edu.
Hardware Requirements
At a minimum, you will need the following:
Access to a laptop or desktop computer
Broadband Internet access
Microphone and speakers (either built-in internal or external)
Webcam (either built-in internal or external)
Operating System Requirements
Windows 8+ or later (Windows 10 recommended)
MacOS 10.13+ or later (macOS 10.14 recommended)
Screen Resolution Settings
Your screen resolution (dimensions) should be set at 1024 x 768 or higher.
Internet Connection and Settings
Online classes at USAHS employ a variety of multimedia materials that will be viewed and downloaded. You must have a connection that allows for the streaming and downloading of potentially large size files in a timely manner. A high-speed broadband Internet connection (such as DSL or cable internet service).
Please review all of the NetworkTroubleshooting Tips to ensure a positive learning experience in your home environment
Access to Free Internet and WiFi
The University cannot guarantee or provide support with external Internet and/or Wifi service. However, we are aware of the following potentially free or reduced-cost providers below, who are making services available for a limited time due to the COVID-19 crisis:
FCC agreement
https://www.fcc.gov/service-providers-pledge-consumer-support-during-pandemic
Providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
Comcast COVID-19 response
Offers free WiFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time
Charter Free Internet offer for 2 months
AT&T COVID-19 response
Offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families
Verizon COVID-19 response
No special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
Sprint COVID-19 response
https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm
Follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge
T-Mobile COVID-19 response
https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response
Follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge
Internet Browsers
Windows Users
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Mac OS Users
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
If you are using a screen reader, we recommend Firefox and Jaws on a Windows system, and Safari and VoiceOver on a Mac.
Use the Blackboard Browser Checker tool to check whether your browser supports the most recent release of Blackboard Learn.
Internet Browser Settings
When using Blackboard, the following browser settings are essential:
Pop-Up Blocker: disabled
Javascript: enabled
Cookies: enabled
Productivity Tools / Software
Microsoft 365 is available for free to all USAHS students. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Skype, and more. Visit the Tech Support site for information about how to download your Microsoft Office Suite, or review these instructions:
Most courses also utilize .pdf documents. In order to view .pdf documents, you will need to download and install Adobe PDF Reader.
Your instructor may require the use of additional software for your course that may not be listed on this page. Review your course syllabus and contact your professor for additional information if needed.
How to Get Help
Get help from the USAHS Help Desk, including self-service, chat, phone, email, and virtual kiosk.
Keep Learning Resources