All of the required software is available on computers in CS101 Open Lab and on WVU Libraries public computers. We strongly caution against students allowing others to use their computer or using others' computers to do their work as this often leads to academic integrity violations.
To use your own computer, you will need the following:
- Microsoft Windows 8.1, 10 or Mac OS X 10.15 or newer (no Chromebooks)
- Microsoft Office 2019/2021 Professional/Pro Plus or Microsoft 365
- Current version of Google Chrome (preferred), Mozilla Firefox (preferred), Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari
- Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF viewer
- Zoom Client for meetings
- A reliable high-speed Internet connection
- Web camera with built-in microphone, or web camera with a separate microphone
Additionally, you may wish to have the following items:
- USB flash drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) to store files
- Headphones or speakers to listen to videos
If you have a Mac, please be aware:
- Microsoft Office for Mac contains only Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. There is no version of Access available for Mac OS.
- Office for Mac lacks the features required to complete many assignments.
- Windows Virtual Desktop can be used to access a cloud-hosted computer running Microsoft Windows 10 and the Windows version of Microsoft 365. You must be connected to a reliable high-speed Internet connection during the entire time you are using Windows Virtual Desktop.
- You can complete the MyLab Lessons, Homeworks #1-#2, the MyLab Extra Credit Projects, and many Participation Projects using Microsoft Office for Mac without using Windows Virtual Desktop.
- CS101 lab computers use the Windows version of Microsoft 365. If you complete assignments in Open Lab or using a lab computer, you must be able to use this version of Microsoft 365.
The CS101 website and Pearson eText are supported on Windows and Mac computers as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. A Windows or Mac computer must be used to complete MyLab Lessons. You cannot use a Chromebook to complete this course.
Please see the Technical Support page for information on how to get assistance if you have computer problems. If you are considering purchasing a new computer, WVU's recommendations are available here.
WVU Login Account
Your WVU Login account will be used to login to CS101 computers and websites. You must claim your WVU Login account before use. If you encounter problems with WVU Login, call ITS Help Desk at (304) 293-4444.
It is your responsibility to have a working WVU Login account. Failure to do so may keep you from completing required work and can impact your grade.