Computer Specifications

Technology requirements vary depending on the type of computer, browser, or course. 

Minimum Hardware Specifications

  • Use a computer no more than four years old when possible
  • 2GB of RAM or higher
  • 2GHz processor or higher

Minimum Operating System Requirements

  • Windows 10 or newer
  • Mac OSX 10.6 or newer
  • Linux - ChromeOS

Mobile Operating System Native App Support

  • iOS 7 or newer (versions vary by device)
  • Android 4.2 or newer

Internet Connection Requirements 

  • Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
  • Minimum of 10mbps 

Supported Browsers for Canvas 

Canvas operates on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser, and supports the last two versions of every browser release. For best results, your browser should be up-to-date. Links to Chrome, Firefox, and Safari can be found in links on this page.

Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating "Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements for Canvas." If you have upgraded your browser and are still seeing the warning banner, try logging out of Canvas and deleting your browser cookies. For instructions on clearing your cache and deleting browser cookies, visit the Canvas Help Guide for Mac Users or the Canvas Help Guide for PC Users.

For more information on browser compatibility, please visit Canvas Guides. 

PHSC Email

All PHSC students have a PHSC Mail account provided by Microsoft Office 365. Students must use the Canvas email tool to communicate their instructor on course related issues.

Instructions for Online Courses 

On the first day of class:

  • Open your Internet browser and go to the PHSC website home page.
  • Click on the myPHSC Portal login link.
  • Follow the login instructions on that page.

If you have questions regarding your myPHSC login, please contact the Help Desk by phone at 727-816-3311 or by email at helpdesk@phsc.edu.

Remotely Accessing PHSC Systems from out of the Country

For security reasons, PHSC systems requiring user authentication, including Email, Canvas, Microsoft Office and other platforms, are restricted from being accessed from outside the country. This means that students who may need to travel or otherwise access these systems from outside the country during their academic involvement with the college must specifically request extended geographic access proactively, in advance of their travel.

The procedure for doing so is as follows:

  • Go to the PHSC IT Services page on the PHSC website by using the Search function and search for "IT services."
  • Click the "Submit an IT Ticket" link and create a ticket to request the extended geographic access (Type of Request = Access), indicating your plans to travel, the intended location (be specific) and your return date. Make a note of the ticket number that is generated, as this step is essential in creating an audit/paper trail for proof of your proactive action taken.
  • Return to the IT Services page and follow up by contacting the PHSC IT Help Desk during the Help Desk’s days and hours of operation. The current contact points and hours of operations can be found on the PHSC website by searching for "IT services." Note that while email and/or leaving a voicemail are perfectly acceptable, these methods may result in unexpected response and action delays, so it is recommended that students call the Help Desk via voice at 727-816-3311 during operating hours. If you do not receive an answer upon the first call, please leave a voicemail message and call again until a College representative answers. During the call, reference the ticket number you submitted above.

Note that failure to request and be granted extended geographic access proactively in advance is not a valid reason for requesting assignment extensions or missing scheduled class sessions. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the instructor prior to travel to discuss class absence requests. It is also the student’s responsibility to ensure that continued course access is granted before international travel begins.