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.