Technical Support

Students in Web-based courses seeking technical assistance should:

Send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or
Call 888-300-6407 (or 216-454-1155 if unable to call a US toll-free line), or
Contact support via live text chat by clicking on this link.

Technical Requirements

System Requirements: PC / Compatible Windows

• Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, or Windows 7 
• 800 MHz processor (2 GHz or higher recommended)
• 512 MB of RAM (2+ GB recommended)
• Cable or DSL connection (dial-up modem is not recommended)
• 500 MB free hard disk space (2 GB recommended)
• Web browser (any of the following): Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.5, Firefox 3.6
• Java installed. In order to participate in your classes, you need to use a Java-capable web browser.

Multimedia Recommendations: PC / Compatible Windows

• Web camera w/software installed
• Headset (using a headset will avoid audio feedback loop that occurs when separate microphone and speakers are used together)

System Requirements: Mac

• Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
• 867 MHz processor (2 GHz or higher recommended)
• 512 MB of RAM (2+ GB recommended)
• Cable or DSL connection (dial-up modem is not recommended)
• 500 MB free hard disk space (2 GB recommended)
• Web browser (any of the following): Safari 4, Safari 5, Firefox 3.5, Firefox 3.6
• Java installed. In order to participate in your classes, you need to use a Java-capable web browser.

Multimedia Recommendations: Mac

• Headset (using a headset will avoid audio feedback loop that occurs when separate microphone and speakers are used together)

Recommended Software

Other software may be needed and will be specified by the instructor of each course. Below you will find a list of recommended software for taking UMass Online courses, along with free alternatives.  Please consult your course syllabus for information on any specific software required by the instructor.

• Virus protection: as a member of the UMass Amherst community you can download free virus protection software for either Mac or Windows computers. You may have to enter your NetID and password (your Umail address) to gain access to the software.
• Office editing and viewing program: Microsoft Office (Windows & Mac); Open Office (free, Windows & Mac); Microsoft Office Viewer (Windows & Mac); or iWork (Mac)
• PDF viewer: Adobe Reader (free, Windows & Mac); or Preview (Mac)
• Media viewing (you may need all or none of the following): Adobe Flash Player (free, Windows & Mac); Real Player (free, Windows & Mac); QuickTime (free, Windows & Mac); Windows Media Player (free, Windows); Flip4Mac (free, Mac, to play Windows Media files); and/or VLC Media Player (free, Windows & Mac)

University of Massachusetts Amherst e-mail account (UMail):

You must activate your university email account (UMail) to receive class log-in information. If you are a new student, directions will be sent to your non-university email address explaining how to activate your UMail account. After this initial email, all future communications will be sent to your UMail address. If you already have a UMail account, make sure your account is active. If you have questions or problems with UMail, please contact OIT (Office of Information Technologies) at 413-545-9400 or submit a help request online at www.oit.umass.edu/help.html for further assistance.