Technology Recommendations

All KCTCS students who are currently enrolled in a course are eligible to install the full version of Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus on up to 5 devices for free! 

This includes PC, Mac, Apple tablets and phones, and Android tablets and phones.  The software will continue to work as long as you are enrolled in at least one class at a KCTCS college. 

Get your discount now at https://portal.office.com/OLS/MySoftware.aspx.

Instructions:
Install Office on your PC or Mac

  1. Log into MyPath
  2. Click on the App Launcher icon in the upper left-hand corner of the screen as shown belowscreenshot of my path page, with an arrow pointing to the top left button
  3. A column displaying all the Microsoft Office Apps should appear on the left-hand side of your webpage. Near the top of that column, click on Office 365.after button from previous image is clicked, reveals grid of apps and an office 365 hyperlink in the top right
  4. A new browser tab should open.  Click on Install Office and then select Office 365 apps.install office dropdown in the top right, with the highlighted option office 365 apps below it as well as other install options
  5. The Office 365 installer should begin downloading.  Once the download is complete run the installer and follow the instructions on screen.
  6. After Office is installed, use your KCTCS email address and password if you are prompted to log in.

 

Install Office on your Apple or Android device
1. Download the Office Mobile app from the app store
2. Open the app and sign in with your KCTCS student email and password

 

 

To make sure you can complete your assignments online, a newer model PC is best. In most cases, a Mac can work, but some courses use software that is not compatible. Chromebooks also are not compatible with many course requirements. 

A mobile phone or tablet can be used to check your email and announcements, but these devices alone usually are not the best for completing most coursework.

If you plan to enroll in courses like CAD, GIS, 3D modeling, video editing, etc. we recommend that you have a computer with the preferred specs (see below). If you’re unsure of the requirements, please contact your instructor or your college’s IT Department before purchasing a device.

Recommended Technology Specs1

Hardware Minimum Preferred
Processor Intel Core i3 or higher Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory 8GB or higher 16GB or higher
Disk 256 GB Solid State 256 GB Solid State or higher
Camera Integrated or standalone webcam Integrated or standalone webcam
Peripherals Speakers and microphone2 Speakers and microphone2
Operating System Windows 10 or MacOS3 Windows 10 or MacOS3
Network Wireless (802.11g/n/ac)
Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless (802.11g/n/ac)

Gigabit Ethernet
Internet Speed  Minimum 3.0 Mbps (up/down) 4 Minimum 5.0 Mbps (up/down) 4
Software Microsoft Office 365 + any additional course required applications5 Microsoft Office 365 + any additional course required applications5

1If purchasing a new computer, it is recommended that you verify the warranty provided is sufficient for your needs.  Warranties vary from as little as 6 months to multi-year.  It is recommended that a minimum of 1 year warranty be included with the computer.

2Built-in speakers and microphone are usually standard on newer laptops.  Add-on earbuds or headsets with a microphone will produce a higher quality experience when participating in live or recorded classes and materials.

3The operating system should be kept up to date with the most recent updates for the best experience.

4These speeds are assuming a dedicated internet connection with no other devices in use, or streaming, on your network.  If you are unsure of your current speed, you can visit a site such as https://fast.com to run a test while connected to your network.

5All KCTCS students are eligible for a free license of Microsoft Office 365 applications.