A reasonably modern computer
Any laptop or desktop from the last several years: 8GB RAM, current Windows or macOS, an up-to-date browser. For BSCS programming courses, it should also run Python and lightweight virtual machines.
Guide
What you actually need to study online
Less than the brochures suggest. Because ACLAS programs are asynchronous and web-based, the technical bar is a modern browser and a stable connection — here is the full, honest list.
Any modern computer10 Mbps is enoughNo webcam needed
The essentials
What matters, and what does not
Three things are genuinely required. Everything else is optional comfort.
A stable internet connection
10 Mbps is enough — stability beats speed here. There are no live lectures, so you never need video-conferencing-grade bandwidth. A phone hotspot works in a pinch.
A current web browser
Chrome, Firefox or Safari, kept updated. The entire campus — materials, quizzes, verification — runs in the browser. No special software to install.
Helpful, not required
Headphones for focus in shared spaces. A PDF reader and a free office suite for notes and documents. A phone or tablet as a backup device for reading on the go.
You can skip
Webcam, microphone, printer, scanner, antivirus suites, video-conferencing accounts. Nothing in the published program structure uses them — do not buy gear for requirements that do not exist.
If things break
Clear the browser cache first — it fixes most campus loading issues. Then restart the router, then try another browser. For persistent access problems, the campus support channels on aclas.college are the point of contact.
Why the bar is this low Many "technology requirements" pages are written for programs with live video classes, proctored exams and lockdown browsers. ACLAS has none of those in its published structure — study is asynchronous and quiz-based. The requirements above reflect that reality, not a generic template.
Questions
Setup questions
What new online learners ask.
What computer do I need for online learning at ACLAS?
Any reasonably modern machine: a laptop or desktop from the last several years with 8GB of RAM, running a current Windows or macOS version and an up-to-date Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The ACLAS campus is web-based — there is no heavy software to install. For the BSCS programming courses, the same machine should run Python, compilers and lightweight virtual machines.
How fast does my internet need to be?
A stable 10 Mbps connection handles everything: course pages, quizzes and materials. Because ACLAS study is asynchronous — no live lectures — you do not need the higher bandwidth that video-conferencing-heavy programs demand. Stability matters more than speed.
Do I need a webcam or special software?
No. There are no live classes, proctored exams or video presentations in the published program structure, so no webcam, microphone or conferencing software is required. A PDF reader and an office suite (free options work fine) cover the rest.
Can I study on a phone or tablet?
For reading materials and quizzes, yes — the campus works in a mobile browser. For the BSCS programming courses you will want a real computer for coding work. Most learners use a phone as a backup and a computer as the primary device.
What if my internet is unreliable?
Self-paced study is forgiving: there are no live sessions to miss and no fixed exam windows. Download materials when connected, work offline where possible, and sync when you are back. Learners in areas with intermittent connectivity complete programs this way routinely.
Keep reading
If you are reading this, you are equipped
A browser and a connection are the whole requirement. Degrees from USD 89, certificates from USD 39 — apply free, no entrance exam, start when ready.