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 familiar 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 and PowerPoint must be installed from Microsoft Office Professional, version 2000 or higher.

Software and training available to students

Microsoft Office

For students who do not have Microsoft Office Professional, we recommend purchasing the Home and Student 2007 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. Computer tutorials CT1 and CT2 may be purchased separately.

Minimum Computer System for 2008/2009

The following is the minimum computer system for 2008/2009. This is sufficient to run 2008/2009 software. However, it is not recommended for new purchases and may not be adequate for future years.

System Unit	• 1.4 GHz Pentium 4 or equivalent processor • 512 MB of available RAM
Disk Drives	• 2.0 GB available hard disk space for Microsoft Office and related tools, CGA educational software and downloaded course related files.
ROM Drive	• DVD-ROM drive
Keyboard	• Standard-size 104 key keyboard
Mouse	• Windows-compatible mouse
Display	• Video card with 64 MB onboard memory and Direct X technology • SVGA colour monitor (800 x 600 and 256 colours)
Audio	• audio capability and speakers
Internet Access	• Broadband (high speed) Internet connection3
Operating System	• Windows XP with SP2 or Windows Vista - 32 bit versions only
Internet Browser	• Internet Explorer 7
Required (free)Downloadable software	• Adobe Reader 8.x • RealPlayer 10.x • Windows Media Player 11 • WinZip or similar compression program • Adobe Flash Player (plug-in)1 • Java software (plug-in)1
Office Suite	• Microsoft Office XP (2002) or 2003 or 2007 (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)2
Printer	• Any Windows compatible printer
Security	• Security software with frequent updates, to provide protection against worms, viruses, spyware and other intrusions.
Notes: 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. Assignments must be saved and submitted in Word 97-2003 (.doc) format only. Students using a dial up Internet connection may require occasional access to a high speed connection under certain circumstances.