Your computer and software

Your computer requirements

Our Student Access Guide outlines the hardware and software you will need if you are going to use your own computer. This has details of the minimum requirements for FLO (the online learning system used at Flinders University) and is a good guide to the minimum requirements you will need.

Flinders does not recommend a preferred ISP (Internet Service Provider) for students. The Australian ISP list is a good guide, with a list of ISPs, pricing, support and contact details.

If you need to download large files or media over the Internet, broadband (also referred to as ADSL or DSL) may be a better option than other internet services. Broadband provides faster Internet speeds and does not require an extra phone line. It is also more robust than dial-up Internet access, which should mean fewer dropouts. Both the Big Pond ADSL and Optus sites have more information about the benefits of broadband and whether it is available where you live.

Software downloads

The FLO Student Help Desk downloads page has links for you to download some of the most commonly used software to your own computer.

The Information Services Division has a page on software downloads for Windows and Macintosh computers from the Flinders server.

Go to software licenses for information and links to more specialised software available to Flinders staff and students, such as Endnote for managing references and SPSS for statistical analysis.

Optimising your computer

The common access problems and solutions page has information about firewalls and cookies, which can be two problem areas for people using a home or business computer.

Virus protection

The University provides anti-virus software for student use on home computers free of charge. Refer to the Sophos anti-virus page.