Home Required Software Programs within RutterOnline may require special software for your computer to run. These "plug-in" programs are probably on your computer. If not, you need to download this software and install it on your computer. Most of these "plug-in" software programs are available as free downloads and only take minutes to download and install. These programs work on a variety of websites and need to be downloaded and installed only once. Audio and Video Lectures Most RutterOnline seminars are encoded in the Windows Media format. If you use a Windows computer, you probably have Windows Media Player already, since it comes included with the Windows operating system. If you need to get Windows Media Player you can download it by going to www.WindowsMedia.com/download. If you use a Macintosh computer you may download the latest Windows Media player at www.WindowsMedia.com/download. There are a small number of older seminars that may only play on a Mac when using Windows Media Player 7.1 for Mac, which can be downloaded by going to this Microsoft address. Our Windows Media formatted programs use a codec that provides the highest quality sound available at low bandwidths used for dial-up connections. Most Windows Media players have this codec already installed. However, if your media players cannot find the required codec you may download it by clicking on this link and save the file on your computer. Unzip the file and click on the acelp_net.exe to install the code on your computer. Our more recent programs are encoded to be viewed using MS Windows Media Player. The older programs were made to be viewed using Real Player. Please consult the program list to verify that your PC meets the software requirements. To get the Real Player™, click on the link below. The link will take you to the RealNetworks website where you can download the Real Player. You'll need to download the player and then install it (usually by double-clicking on the file that you downloaded). Real Player™ from Progressive Networks You can pick up the Real Player FOR FREE from the "Real™" website at http://www.Real.com . They offer two versions of the Real Player. The regular version is free. You'll need at least the RealPlayer version 4.0 to view video programs and the RealAudio Player 2.0 to listen to audio programs. Lecture Handouts and Outlines Handouts for RutterOnline programs may be downloaded and printed for your review. With the Adobe Acrobat Reader™, you may view the handouts on your screen and/or print them on your printer. All handouts and outlines are in the popular Adobe™ "Acrobat" format: Acrobat Reader from Adobe™: Acrobat Reader is available from the Adobe™ website at http://www.adobe.com . Go to their website and look for the "Get Adobe Acrobat" logo. Latest Browsers and Internet Software You may need to upgrade to one of the latest Browsers in order to take advantage of features on our website--such as secure ordering, frames and integration of Windows Media Player™ and Acrobat™ files. Internet Explorer from Microsoft™: The latest version of internet explorer is available directly from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/. Mozilla FireFox™ : The latest version of Mozila Firefox is available directly from Mozilla at http://www.mozilla.com/firefox. This may be required for proper viewing on a Macintosh computer. http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/. America Online™: Though you may have the "latest" software disk from America Online, you may still need to download a newer version. You may download America Online's latest software from keyword "upgrade" or by visiting their download site: http://www.aol.com. System Requirements RutterOnline will work with the majority of computers and operating systems. Please check below to see that your computer meets these Minimum System Characteristics: Basic Requirements--All Computers No matter which computer you own, there are some basic requirements for all RutterOnline users Sound Card: Your computer must have a "sound card" in order to work. A sound card enables your computer to play music and any "advanced" sounds (i.e. a music CD, sound files from the internet, and basically anything that isn't just a "beep"). All Macintosh Computers are equipped with sound cards, and most newer Windows PC's come with a sound card pre-installed. Speakers/Headphones: Naturally, a sound card will do you no good without powered computer speakers or headphones. Depending on your computer, you may need to put batteries in your speakers or plug them into the wall. Also, be sure that your computer's volume control IS NOT set to its lowest setting. Computers usually have two (or even three) volume control settings, all of which must be "turned up": The Volume Control on the speakers themselves. This setting controls the speakers' own sound amplifier. The Volume Control in your computer's operating system. Windows users can find this setting in the "Multimedia" Control Panel under Audio/Playback. Macintosh users can find this setting under either the "Sound" Control Panel (older Macs) or under the "Monitors and Sound" Control Panel (newer Macs). The Windows Media software has its own volume control, on the lower, righthand panel. Check to be sure the slider is "up." Internet Connection: You probably wouldn't be reading this right now if you didn't have an internet connection... Each RutterOnline user is responsible to supply their own internet connection to the RutterOnline website. The user is responsible for any communications charges incurred while using RutterOnline. You should have a minimum "33.3" modem to listen to Audio programs and "56K" modem to view Video programs. Your internet provider may require that you configure "proxy" settings to allow the audio and video signals to pass through your network "firewalls." Please contact your Network Administrator or Internet Service Provider if you encounter any trouble. Hard Drive Space: RutterOnline programs themselves utilize very little hard drive space due to their Streaming Technology. Your computer may need sufficient hard drive space, however, to accommodate the software listed at the top of this page. Monitor and Video Settings: Optimum Monitor and Video Settings are 256 colors or better. These settings may not be required with your system. Windows Computer Users The following are Minimum System Characteristics for RutterOnline users with Windows Computers: Processor-486 or Better: Your computer should have an Intel™ (or compatible) 486 processor (for audio programs) or a Pentium™-series 225 mHz processor (for video programs). Slower processors may fail to process audio and video signals on a just-in-time "streaming" basis. Operating System: Windows 95/98,Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium or Windows XP are supported. RAM: Your computer should have sufficient RAM to work with various software programs at once. (i.e. Netscape™ or Internet Explorer™, the Windows Media Player™, Adobe Acrobat™. AmericaOnline users will also need to have AmericaOnline loaded into memory, but might not need an additional browser). RutterOnline recommends at least 32 MB (64 MB would be preferred) of RAM for Windows users . Your computer's needs may vary, depending on your system configuration. See your Network Administrator, Internet Service Provider or your computer's Technical Support Division if you have trouble with RAM. Macintosh Computer Users The following are Minimum System Characteristics for RutterOnline users with Macintosh Computers: Processor-60 MHz or Better, PowerPC Recommended: Your Macintosh should have at least a 60 MHz processor in order to process audio and video signals on a just-in-time "streaming" basis. More processor power may be required for video. Operating System: MacOS 7.1 or Better. You will need to provide a working internet connection and necessary connection software (Open Transport, a "PPP" or network internet connection, etc.). Earlier versions of the Macintosh Operating System may not be compatible with some internet software. RAM: Your Macintosh should have sufficient RAM to work with various software programs at once. (i.e. Netscape™ or Internet Explorer™, the Windows Media Player™, Adobe Acrobat™. AmericaOnline users will also need to have AmericaOnline loaded into memory, but might not need an additional browser). RutterOnline recommends at least 16 MB of RAM. Slower Macintosh users experiencing trouble may want to consider contacting their Network Administrator, Internet Service Provider or a Macintosh Technical Support Division to eliminate any unneeded Extensions or Control Panels that could limit the computer's speed or available processor power. Other Computers and Operating Systems Other Computers and Operating Systems (such as UNIX/LINUX operating systems and Alpha Processors) may be compatible with RutterOnline if they meet the "all computers" Minimum System Characteristics (above) AND any Minimum System Characteristics required by third-party plug-in developers (i.e. Netscape™, Microsoft™, Adobe™, etc.) Please check directly with these developers by following the links in our download section (top of page). RutterOnline cannot provide technical support, however, to users running systems that stray from the Windows and Macintosh specifications above.