Online Classes – and How They Work

Internet access is required to participate in online components of your college courses at DeVry and Keller. The minimum Internet speed is 512 kbps. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the internet in order of preference:

• Broadband: (Cable, or DSL) connection is highly recommended for optimal student experience and is required for all technical programs.
• Satellite and/or Cellular (3G/4G/LTE) may also be used if you connect to the Internet through your company, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network.

• A valid email address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in components of your coursework.
• All students are provided with a University supplied email address, which is our preferred and recommended option.
• This will help you avoid issues with Spam blockers and other problems that may prevent you from receiving email from your professors.
• It will also enable you to participate in special student offers that are available only to students with a ".edu" email address.
• If you change your email address, you must supply the correct address to Student Services.
• You can access your University supplied student email account by logging in to the student portal and clicking the My Student Email link.

• The ease and convenience of accessing educational materials through the Internet brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets of unwanted and often malicious attacks and intrusions by computer viruses and/or hackers.
• To prevent this, we recommend using an anti-virus package and a firewall. Your computer is subject to virus attack whether you're surfing the internet or getting information from USB drives, DVDs or a network. Email attachments are particularly vulnerable.
• We recommend using a security software to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software from one of the major vendors; such as McAfee, Windows Defender, or similar to protect your computer from viruses and other types of computer threats. Since an anti-virus/anti-malware program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably on a weekly basis.
• Personal firewalls are another means to protect your computer from malicious activity when you are connected to the Internet. Windows comes with a built-in personal Firewall. It is recommended that you enable the Windows Firewall and learn how to use this application. A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers. Most of the major anti-virus vendors also supply firewall software along with their protection options.
• Along with keeping your antivirus updated, it is equally - if not more important to also ensure that your Windows and Mac computer updates are current. As Microsoft & Apple find weaknesses in their Operating Systems, they post updates that can be downloaded and installed. These updates can be set to occur automatically, but they may at times require user input to complete the update. Your Operating System updates should be checked on a weekly basis.