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Textbook Information

Not all books are available from the Nanaimo Vancouver Island University Bookstore.  Some courses will require you to purchase books from a supplier other than the Vancouver Island University Bookstore.  This information is provided at the beginning of each textbook list (below).  It is the student’s responsibility to order books early enough so they arrive prior to the courses starting. Order early enough to receive your books prior to the start of the course.

The Vancouver Island University Bookstore can be reached by any of the following methods.

Phone: 250-740-6200 | Toll-Free: 1-866-965-2665 | bookstore@viu.ca

For an up-to-date list of hardware requirements and textbooks, please see click here

Computer and Add-on Requirements

Students must have regular access to a personal computer and the Internet. Students who do not have a computer can check their local library, college, or learning centre in their home communities.

Hardware

For all Specialties

  • PC computer (not a Macintosh).
  • Platform: Windows 95/98/NT/XP/Vista
  • CPU: Pentium or faster
  • Memory: 64 MB of RAM
  • Modem/Cable access to the Internet: 56kps or faster is recommended. Modems will work but they are generally slow. Try to find a computer using a cable connection (library, community centre, college).
  • Modem/Cable access to the Internet: Minimum connection of 56kps or faster is recommended.

If you have not already done so, let's ensure your Internet Browser is configured properly and that you have all the necessary software in place to complete your on-line course!

Click Requirements – http://www.viuonline.ca/students/requirements.php to access a web page that will automatically check your computer:

  • A "Green Checkmark" indicates that a specific requirement is OK.
  • A "Red X" indicates you need to make a change to Internet Settings -or- download some necessary software by following the directions presented on the screen.

You do not need to download Desire2Learn but you do need an Internet browser to access your course on the Web.

For Legal Specialty

These are the minimum computer requirements to participate in online courses as well as to run and use the digital transcription software. Please note that these are minimum and that higher standards are strongly recommended.

  • Sound Blaster 16 compatible sound card, with computer headphones
  • Wavpedal Foot Pedal
  • 1 available serial port for wavpedal
  • Wav player software (see recommended software below)

Software Requirements
(See Special MS Office Pricing Below)

For all Specialties

You will need

  • Microsoft Word 2007 to complete the Word Processing course, (See special pricing below)
  • Excel 2007 for Spreadsheets,
  • Access 2007 for Database and
  • PowerPoint 2007 for Presentations.
  • All other courses can be completed using WordPad.

Desire2Learn (version 8.1)

Your online courses run on a Web-based application called Desire2Learn. You do not need to download Desire2Learn but you do need an Internet browser to access your course on the Web. The Online Learner Success course that you are required to take will walk you through the various parts of the software application. When you are registered for OLS, you will receive an email from BCcampus explaining how to set up your computer.

Anti-Virus Software

To protect yourself and others from software viruses you must have virus protection software installed on your computer.

 

For Accounting Students

Simply Accounting for Windows Version 2007—Pro Edition—Student Version is provided with the textbook. Internet Explorer or Netscape 4+, Windows 95/98/Me/2000 or NT.

 

For Legal Students

Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher (free download … http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

Express Scribe digital transcriber software (free download … http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/)

 

Special MS Office Pricing

VIU Students are entitled to reduced pricing from Microsoft. To be eligible, you must has a VIU email address. VIU offers a service whereby students can apply for a "VIRTUAL" email account to allow them to access this special pricing. Follow these steps for reduced pricing.

1) Follow the instruction at
http://www.viu.ca/technology/students/email.asp
to generate your VIRTUAL VIU Email Account. You must have an existing email account to generate a VIRTUAL VIU Email Account. This page also provides information on email options.

2) Go the Microsoft web site ...
http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-ca/default.aspx?wt.srch=1
to purchase your software.