Do I need to own a computer to attend?

No. Each family will be loaned a computer system (including computer, printer, software, and Internet stipend) to support the learning process. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves the Chicago Virtual Charter School. The Chicago Virtual Charter School will arrange for technical support and troubleshooting for these systems.

What computer skills are required?

The teaching adult needs to have at least basic computer skills. Use of the computer is an important part of the program, but in the early grades it is mostly the parent (or other responsible adult) who works with the computer. The program is user-friendly, and technology support is provided.

What does the computer system provided by CVCS include?

K-8 Computer Specifications:

Computers provided by the Chicago Virtual Charter School follow these technical specs:

• Speed: 1.8 GHz or better
• RAM: 512 MB (minimum)
• Disk space: 20 GB or more
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Monitor: 15-inch flat panel
• Audio: 16-bit sound card
• Modem: 56 kbps (minimum)
• Microphone and speakers
• Operating system: Windows XP SP2
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6.0
• Adobe® Reader®
• Macromedia Flash™
• Shockwave™
• QuickTime®
• McAfee® Virus Protection

High School Laptop Specifications:

• HP Compaq 6715b Notebook PC
• HP 90W Smart AC Adapter
• Mobile AMD Sempron™ Processor 3500+ (1.8-GHz, 512-KB L2 cache)
• 15.4-inch diagonal WXGA anti-glare (1280 x 800)
• 80-GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• 1024MB (667-MHz, DDR2, 2DIMM)
• DVD+/-RW SuperMulti with Double Layer Drive
• Touchpad with Scroll Zone and Finger Print Reader
• 6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery
• Broadcom 4311BG 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Adapter
• Genuine Windows® XP Professional Edition
• 3-year standard parts, labor, and onsite limited warranty, 1-year limited warranty on primary battery
• XP Professional Edition Label
• Mobile AMD Sempron™ Label
• Image Loading

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Adobe and Acrobat Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

RealPlayer is a trademark or a registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc.

Macromedia Flash is a trademark or registered trademark of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.