Computer integration equips real-world leaders
The CGA program has earned global respect for its enduring
leadership in technology-integrated training. CGA Ontario’s integration of the
latest in business software and web-based technologies provide learning support
and hands-on computer experience. These components accelerate the efficiency
of learning for students in the CGA program, while equipping them with the practical
skills to compete effectively and come out on top in our increasingly sophisticated
technological world.
Computer access and knowledge is key
All students in the CGA program must have access to, and a
working knowledge of, a Windows-based computer system with an Internet connection
that meets the current requirements on which they can make settings, change
or install software as required. Students should be familar with the software
installed on their systems and be able to perform the following functions: file
and folder management; install and uninstall software; download and install
files from the Internet; and have a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint. CGA Ontario has reference materials on MS Windows basics (CT1) and
MS Excel (CT2) available for purchase if required.
Specific software is required
Students must have Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher to access CGA
Ontario’s online learning environment. In addition, Excel, Word, Access and
PowerPoint must be installed from Microsoft Office Professional, version 2000
or higher.
Software and training available to students
Microsoft Office
Effective in the 2007/2008 academic year, CGA Ontario will
no longer have Microsoft Office available for purchase. For students who do
not have this software, we recommend purchasing the Student and Teacher edition
(contains Word, Excel and PowerPoint) which retails for approximately $200.
Sage Accpac ERP 5.3A for Windows educational version is the
accounting software used in the FA2, FA3 and BC1 courses. Students enrolling
in any one of these courses must purchase this package from CGA Ontario, which
cannot be used with any other data nor used to set up a new company. Computer
Tutorial 3 (CT3), which contains the instructions to productively use this software,
is included in this package.
Access to the CICA Handbook is required for students enrolled in AT1/FA4 (accounting
section), AU1/AU2 (assurance section)and PF1 (public sector section). Students
who do not have access to this resource through their employer may purchase
either the print version through CGA Ontario or use the software version provided
with the course material. The software version requires the separate purchase
of a licence and the download of a licence file for the software to function.
The licence file may only reside on a single computer at a time.
Take advantage of computer tutorials
To ensure that you are prepared to use the necessary computer applications,
the Association has developed self-study computer tutorials, presented in three
modules. Each module takes between 10 to 15 hours to complete. There are no
examinations. The tutorials are designed to introduce students to the effective
use of basic features of Microsoft Windows (CT1); Microsoft Excel (CT2); and
Sage Accpac ERP 5.3A (CT3).
CT1 and CT2 are relevant to every student using a computer for course work
or other purposes. CT3 is appropriate for all students taking FA2, FA3 and BC1.
The CT3 tutorial is included with the Accpac software, which is in turn required
for these courses and cases. The computer tutorial modules CT1, CT2 and CT3
may be purchased from CGA Ontario for $25 each.
Recommended Computer System for 2007/2008
Students who plan to purchase new computers and printers for use in the CGA
program of professional studies should acquire computer systems that have the
following features. These systems exceed the minimum system requirements, but
they are recommended for those beginning or continuing in the program. There
is no guarantee that the recommended system specified will be adequate in future
years. The Certified General Accountants Association reserves the right to require
students to upgrade their hardware systems in future years to meet new software
requirements.
| System Unit |
• Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon processor 64 X2 Dual-Core
processor • 1 GB RAM or more |
| Disk Drives |
• 80 GB hard drive or larger (7,200 RPM) |
| CD-ROM |
• 48X or faster CD-RW drive, combo DVD/CD-RW drive recommended |
| Audio |
• audio capability with stereo speakers |
| Keyboard |
• Standard-size 104 key keyboard |
| Mouse |
• Windows-compatible wheel mouse, optical mouse recommended |
| Display |
• 64 MB AGP video • 17" LCD panel display or CRT equivalent |
| Ports |
• Four or more USB ports |
| Modem |
• Cable or ADSL Internet connection • 10/100 Mbps network interface
|
| Operating System |
• Windows XP or Vista* |
| Internet Browser |
• Internet Explorer 6 or 7 (128 bit cipher strength) or higher** |
| Office Suite |
• Microsoft Office 2000 or XP or 2003 or 2007 (Word, Excel and PowerPoint
for all courses; plus Access for MS1)*** |
| Printer |
• Laser printer or a good quality ink jet printer |
| Security |
• Security software with frequent updates, to provide protection against
worms, viruses, spyware and other intrusions. |
Notes:
*No other versions of Windows (e.g., Windows 95, 98/98SE, Me or NT) are
supported. Apple computers are not supported. Non-English versions of Windows
are not supported and may not be compatible with course software.
**Other browsers (e.g., Netscape Navigator, Opera, etc.) can corrupt files
when uploading or downloading. Only Internet Explorere 6.0 or higher is
supported.
***Students using a lower version of Microsoft Office may not be able to
open course material files. Microsoft Office 2003 will only work with Windows
2000, XP or Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will only work with Windows
XP or Vista.
Students must have the ability to make changes to settings (including security)
and install software (applications and browser plug-ins as required) on
the systems they use. |