Technical requirements
What equipment and software do I need?
Pc and internet connection
To access PPD online course material at Cambridge you will need to have a Raven password and must have a access to a computer with an Internet connection and an email account. A broadband Internet connection is preferred.
A minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 is recommended. If your screen resolution is higher than this the module will appear in the middle of the screen with white space around it.
You will not be able to launch a number of these courses from your i-pad and some Smartphones. They do not use Flash (see below) and it is not possible to install it at the present time.
Supported browsers
The majority of PPD's online courses are hosted on CamTools by MISD. They have tested Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 8, and are confident that they are the best browsers to use. The are reasonably sure that Chrome, Safari, the latest version of Firefox and Internet Explorer 7 and 9 will work. However, if you are using the latest version of Firefox, they do change it a lot, so if you find a problem, please mail the CamTools helpdesk, and they will try to fix the problem as soon as possible. We suggest you don't use older web browsers, such as Internet Explorer 6 and older, Firefox 2 and older, and Netscape 6 and older.
Flash
Many of the courses have video content. To view this you will need a Flash player. If you do not have a current Flash player you can click here to download a free copy.
Headphones/speakers
Many courses have audio content. If you are in a shared working space or somewhere where audio might disturb others, a set of headphones will be required. Otherwise you may be able to use the internal speakers on your pc or for a better experience connect to a set of external speakers.
I am not able to access online materials?
If you have difficulty in accessing the online materials:
- through lack of equipment and/or compatible software please read our Guidelines to Successful Online Learning
- or the materials are not in a format you can easily read please contact the admin team to arrange to receive the information in an alternative format.