Technical Requirements for Financial Learning Programs
What you actually need to participate in our programs — and what might help but isn't required
We've tried to keep things straightforward. Most people already have what they need to get started. You won't need fancy equipment or expensive software to join our programs starting in September 2025. Here's what works best based on what students told us over the past year.
Your Computer Doesn't Need to Be New
- Desktop or laptop from the last five years usually works fine
- Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or newer, or recent Linux distributions
- 8GB RAM is plenty (16GB helps if you run lots of programs at once)
- Screen size matters more than you'd think — 13 inches minimum saves squinting
- Stable internet connection at least 10 Mbps for video sessions
- Webcam and microphone for group discussions (built-in ones work)
Tablets can work for some activities but make spreadsheet work harder. A few students manage with iPads and external keyboards. Not ideal, but doable if that's what you've got.
Software We Use Regularly
Most of these are free or have student pricing. We'll walk through setup during orientation week.
Spreadsheet Application
This is where most financial planning actually happens. You'll spend more time here than anywhere else.
- Excel (Office 365 or standalone)
- Google Sheets (completely free)
- LibreOffice Calc (open source option)
Video Platform
For live sessions and recorded lessons. We switched platforms in 2024 and the new one works better on older machines.
- Works in modern browsers
- Desktop app optional
- Mobile viewing available
PDF Reader
Course materials and readings come as PDFs. You'll want something that lets you highlight and take notes.
- Adobe Reader (free version)
- Built-in browser viewers
- Preview on Mac works fine
Petra Kowalski
Technology Support Coordinator
"I spend the first two weeks of each program helping people get set up. Nobody's tech question is too basic — I've heard them all and then some."
Getting Help When Things Don't Work
Technology breaks at the worst times. We get it. That's why we built support right into the program rather than making you figure things out alone.
Petra runs tech office hours twice a week starting August 2025, right before the main program begins. Most setup issues get sorted in under twenty minutes once someone who knows what they're looking at can see your screen.
- Email support responds within 24 hours on weekdays
- Live chat available during Australian business hours
- Video tutorials for common setup tasks
- Peer support channel where students help each other
Common Problems Students Run Into
These crop up every term. Here's what usually fixes them.
Video Sessions Keep Freezing
Usually an internet bandwidth problem. Other people streaming in your house makes it worse.
- Close other programs using internet
- Try ethernet cable instead of WiFi
- Turn off video (audio-only uses way less data)
- Watch recordings later if live doesn't work
Spreadsheets Look Weird or Won't Open
Format compatibility between different programs causes this. Annoying but fixable.
- Save as .xlsx format (most compatible)
- Update your software to current version
- Use Google Sheets as backup viewer
- Contact us for alternative format
Can't Hear Audio During Sessions
Permissions and settings cause most audio problems. Check these before panicking.
- Verify browser can access microphone/speakers
- Check system audio isn't muted
- Try headphones to rule out speaker issues
- Restart browser and rejoin session
Files Won't Download or Save
Browser security settings or storage space usually. Quick things to check first.
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Check available hard drive space
- Disable download blocking extensions
- Try different browser as test
Still Not Sure If Your Setup Will Work?
Send us your system specs and we'll let you know straight up if you'll run into problems. Better to know now than during the first week of class.
Ask About Your Setup