Computer Specifications Document

Transcription

1 Computer Specifications Document Specifications for all current KMEC Applications November 2015

2 Introduction This Document details the minimum and recommended computer specifications for successful operation of the various Kip McGrath applications, including: Current Applications Intuition Insight Insight HTML5 Online Tutoring This Document is current as of the Date Stated on the Cover. How to Use This Document This document is written based on the current specifications as at the date specified on the cover of this document. New advancements in technology may be adapted into various Kip McGrath Applications in future releases, which may require addition specifications for your PC s. This document is subject to change at any time, and should be used as a guide only. Please ensure that you obtain the latest version of this document from the Franchise Portal prior to purchasing/upgrading computers. This document does NOT detail specifications for mobile applications, such as the Tutor App and any future mobile applications. Such details will be published with the product manuals, when appropriate. While some applications may also operate on computers below these recommended specifications, please be aware that Kip McGrath Applications operating on PC s below the Recommended Specifications outlined in this document will not be actively supported. It is the responsibility of the Franchisee to ensure that the IT Equipment operating in the centres meet or exceed the Recommended Specifications outlined in this document. This document outlines Recommended Specifications for your IT Equipment within the Centre. Administration Computers (the computer that will be used to conduct the primary Administration tasks within the centre) may require a higher specification to that of the Student/Tutor Computers due to operating procedures and requirements of other applications that you may be using (Microsoft Office, Accounting Software, etc). You should refer to then necessary vendors required specifications for any third party products/applications that you use. In an attempt to Future Proof your computers, it is strongly suggested that you purchase equipment of equal or greater specifications than the Recommended Specs. Additionally, if your computers (both Administration and Student computers) will be running additional software (Antivirus [recommended], firewalls, etc), you should refer to the vendors documentation to ensure that your computers meet their requirements also. Depending on the Kip McGrath Applications deployed within your centre, you may also require additional features in Hardware/Software to be deployed on you machines. These features will be listed under the appropriate applications heading in the Additional Features section of this document.

3 IT Equipment Specifications The below table contains the Recommended Specifications required to operate the following Kip McGrath Applications and Versions. Intuition Insight Insight HTML5 The Document is current as of the Date Stated on the Cover. How to Rate your CPU There are literally thousands of CPU s available on the market, and every CPU is different. The CPU is one of the most important components of your computer and is the part that processes/computes everything your computer does. If you have a poor performing CPU, then your computer will always run slow, no matter how much RAM and other resources you have installed. Therefore, when you are looking at buying new computers, it s important that you do a little research on the CPU s that they have installed. Luckily, there are a number of websites that have done all leg work by performance testing and rated most available CPUs on the market. One such site that is easy to use it Please use this site to see where any CPU s you currently have, or are looking at buying, rank on the list. The Table below specifies a Passmark score that should be met (preferably greater than).please use the Searchable list to find your CPU, and check its Passmark score before buying. Computer Hardware/Operating Systems * Administration Computers (the computer that will be used to conduct the primary Administration tasks within the centre, may require a slightly higher specification to that of the Student/Tutor Computers due to standard operating procedures. It is suggested that a computer equivalent to, or better than the Recommend Specifications listed above, be used for this purpose. Component Processor/ CPU CPU Passmark Score RAM Graphics/ Video Card Networking Operating System Other Recommended Specs AMD Athlon X4 605e, or AMD A M APU, or AMD Phenom II N970 Quad-Core, or Intel Pentium 2.50Ghz, or Intel Core 2.20ghz, or Intel Core i5 M or Greater 2500 or higher 4GB Ram (8GB if shared with integrated/onboard graphics) Graphics Card w/2gb Ram Wired Networking Windows 7 Pro Windows 8 Pro * At this stage we do not recommend Windows 10 with the Silverlight-based products until it has been field tested for a longer period of time. All in One (Print Scan Fax) Office Printer Please note: From 8 th April 2014, Microsoft officially ceased their support for the Windows XP Family. To ensure that future releases of Kip McGrath applications are compatible with computers in your centre, you should migrate to a newer Windows Operating System.

4 Internet Connection and Networking The following table shows minimum and recommended internet speeds based on the number of computers that you have within your centre. Where possible, it is suggested that you implement a Business Grade internet connection, with a SLA (Service Level Agreement). Major advantages of this will include Internet Connection assurance and minimal Response times should issues arise. Number of PC s Recommended Specs (Down/Up) 1-5 ADSL(8Mbps/1Mbps), or ADSL2 (Achievable Speed Greater than 8Mbps/1Mbps) 6-10 ADSL (8Mbps/1Mbps), or ADSL2 (Achievable Speed Greater than 8Mbps/1Mbps) 10 + ADSL2 (Achievable Speed Greater than 8Mbps/1Mbps) You should test your connection a time of low usage using a site such as Additionally, all computers within your centre should be correctly networked so that each computer can access the internet for any required tasks, such as Program Activation and Re-Activation. Where possible, your computers should use a cabled network solution to ensure reliability, stability and greater speeds. Cabled networking solutions tend to have less interference and drop-outs then wireless solutions. If a wireless solution is necessary, Wireless N or better would be recommended. Backup Internet Connection It is highly recommended that you also invest in a backup internet solution. As the main applications (Insight, Intuition) rely on a permanent internet connection to operate, safeguarding your internet access should be a priority. If you were to lose your fixed internet connection due to unforseen or uncontrollable circumstances, how would you or your students conduct lessons? There are many solutions for this, ranging from alternate office sites, to wireless broadband solutions that could be deployed, but as a minimum, we suggest that you look into an occasional use (pay for what you use), wireless broadband solution as a safeguard for your internet access. Additional Features The following section of this document will detail any additional application specific features to the previously stated recommendation, for the correct and successful operation of the various Kip McGrath Applications. Intuition Insight Active Internet Connection at speeds no less than those recommended the Internet Connection and Silverlight v5 or later Adobe Flash Player (latest version) Adobe Reader (latest version) Adobe Shockwave Player (latest version) Firefox or Internet Explorer browser Active Internet Connection at speeds no less than those recommended the Internet Connection and

5 Silverlight v5 or later Adobe Flash Player (latest version) Adobe Reader (latest version) Adobe Shockwave Player (latest version) Firefox browser latest release or Internet Explorer with Compatibility View enabled. Insight HTML5 Active Internet Connection at speeds no less than those recommended the Internet Connection and Support for in Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari browsers Online Collaboration Active Internet Connection at speeds no less than those recommended the Internet Connection and Silverlight v5 or later Firefox browser Webcam Microphone / Speakers (headset with microphone recommended to reduce audio feedback)

6 Centre IT Checklist Internet Connection Details Speed Check Result Above required spec? Yes/No Back-up Internet Connection Details Speed Check Result Above required spec? Yes/No Network Router Details Computers Number Details Memory/RAM (Min 4GB) CPU Passmark Score (2500 minimum) Operating System & Version Browser & Version Anti Virus 1 Yes/No 2 Yes/No 3 Yes/No 4 Yes/No 5 Yes/No 6 Yes/No 7 Yes/No 8 Yes/No 9 Yes/No 10 Yes/No Above Spec?