Quia works well on a variety of computer and browser platforms. However, some platforms are better suited to running Quia than others. Here we describe the minimum and recommended system configurations for using Quia.

Hardware

Basics: Your computer hardware and operating system must allow you to run and use one of the operating systems and Web browsers discussed below. We recommend a machine with at least 128MB of RAM.

Display: Your monitor should allow you to view a 800x600 pixel image, without scrolling, in full color. For best results, we recommend a display with at least 1024x768 resolution and 32-bit color.

Audio: If you want to listen to audio recordings on Quia, your computer needs the ability to play voice-quality sound (via speakers or headphones). If you want to record audio, your computer needs the ability to record voice-quality sound on your end (using a microphone).

Internet: Your computer needs a means for connecting to the Internet, such as a modem or network card.

Internet connection

To use Quia, your computer must be connected to the Internet. Connecting via a proxy device is acceptable. However, the proxy device must obey the HTTP/1.1 protocol, including all caching and anti-caching directives. We recommend a connect speed of 56Kbps or faster.

Operating systems and browsers

Quia supports the following operating systems with the latest available versions of the indicated browsers:

Microsoft Windows 98, NT, 2000, ME, XP, Vista

• Internet Explorer 6, 7
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5, 2.0, 3.0

Macintosh OS 9

• Internet Explorer 5

Macintosh OS X

• Safari 1.3, 2.0, 3.0
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5, 2.0, 3.0

Note: You should always keep your computer up to date with the latest available operating system and browser patches. Running without the latest patches is hazardous, and it may prevent certain Quia features from working properly.

Exceptions: Quia does not support the use of Asian characters on Macintosh platforms. Certain Quia features may not work fully in Internet Explorer 5 for Macintosh OS 9.

Java applets

Certain Quia activities use Java applets. The browsers described above generally come with Java applet technology pre-packaged. In cases where they do not, Quia requires that you install the Sun Java plug-in. Also, you must install this plug-in if you want to be able to view Asian characters in Java applets.

Flash player

Some activities, including Battleship, Challenge Board, Hangman, and Rags to Riches, have versions that require your students to install the free Adobe Flash player.

Audio technology

Most browsers are able to play audio recordings. However, if your browser cannot, you must install an audio plug-in. Quia supports the following audio plug-ins:

• On Windows platforms: Windows Media Player (latest available version)
• On Windows, using Firefox: QuickTime (latest available version)
• On Macintosh platforms: QuickTime (latest available version)

Languages and fonts

Some non-European languages require special fonts. In order to use Quia activities containing a particular language, you must ensure that at least one font for that language is installed. Also, your browser must be configured to use this font when encountering UTF-8-encoded text in the specified language. For more information, see our language test page.