Student computing requirements for cyber security programs | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Student computing requirements for cyber security programs

Student computing requirements apply to the following programs: 

  • Graduate Certificate in Cyber Forensics
  • Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
  • Master of Cyber Security and Forensics

In order to fully participate in these programs, the following is a suggested minimum standard for a student’s computing environment.

Hardware

Computer

  • Relatively modern computer running either a Windows or Macintosh operating system
  • Windows 7 and above, MacOS 10.10 and above are recommended
  • 4GB of RAM minimum and several hundred megabytes of storage
  • Enough storage for the virtualized disks of virtual machines and forensic images, which could total up to 100GB
  • Two screens where possible – definitely not essential but can be very helpful when dealing with a range of materials and interacting with multiple resources
  • Access to fast and reliable Internet with monthly download limits of 10GB and above. ADSL, cable, NBN etc are suitable. Dial-up Internet will not be adequate.

*Older or alternative systems such as Linux environments may be satisfactory, but course content will not be tested in older or Linux environments so the user will not be supported if issues arise.

Zoom video conferencing

UniSC makes extensive use of Zoom as its videoconferencing platform. The Zoom client automatically installs the first time a student attempts to access a Zoom meeting and remains on their computer. No individual Zoom account is required. The same hardware that is typically used for a Skype session is used for Zoom, so if a user can access Skype, no further equipment is required. This equipment is listed below.

Web videoconferencing capability

  • A webcam will be required, either built-in or external
  • Most modern laptop computers include a built-in webcam and microphone. The quality of these is variable
  • A microphone will also be required. Most webcams include an inbuilt microphone that is of acceptable quality
  • Some users may prefer a headset with a boom microphone or a standalone desktop microphone for better quality.
Software

Administrator rights may be required to install additional (and possibly specialised) software on a student's computer.

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2010 or higher
  • Web browsers: e.g Edge, Chrome, Safari – it is desirable to have a number of browsers
  • Virtualization software: Oracle VM VirtualBox (for Windows and Mac OS) or VMWare Workstation Player (for Windows and Linux). These are both available as a free download.