Technical Requirements

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The following system recommendations meet the minimum technical requirements for teaching and learning tools. Please keep in mind that some tools will have their own specific technical requirements. 

If your existing hardware does not meet the requirements below, you may experience a lower level of quality when accessing some of the most common tools and websites.

You are strongly encouraged to download, install and test system and browser requirements prior to the beginning of your course(s).


System and Browser Recommendations

Operating System

Windows 10 


Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher 

Processor

Intel i3 or equivalent; 2GHz or higher

Memory

2 GB of RAM minimum (4 GB of RAM or higher recommended) 

Hard Drive

5 GB free disk space

Browser

Chrome is the preferred browser.


Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled.


Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from University of Guelph websites.

Plug-ins

Acrobat Reader

Internet Connection

Broadband (cable or DSL) connection recommended


Web conferencing - at least 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload


Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor - at least 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, but this tool will adjust the video quality depending on connection speeds


Test internet speed

Printer

Access to graphics-capable (inkjet or laser printer)

Video Resolution

Resolution capable of at least 1280 × 1024 or larger


Dual monitor is recommended

Webcam and Sound

Built-in or external webcam and microphone required for courses that have exams proctored through Respondus LockDown Browser. Also, some courses may involve students making use of the web conferencing software; for these courses, a headset with a microphone is required. (A video camera may be required.)


headset is recommended to avoid audio feedback.

Scanner

Some courses require students to have immediate access to a scanner or copier to create PDF files that can be emailed or uploaded to the dropbox of CourseLink (e.g., complex formulas for assignments). A device capable of taking a picture, such as a cell phone, may suffice.  


Please Note: Immediate local access to a printer is an asset when students are writing formulas.

To help ensure you have the best learning experience possible, please review the list of system and software requirements outlined below.

CourseLink 

Modern Desktop Web Browser

  • Microsoft Edge (latest)
  • Mozilla Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Apple Safari (latest)

Mobile

  • Android (Chrome – latest)
  • iOS (Safari, Chrome – latest)
  • Windows (Edge, Chrome, Firefox – latest)
Gradescope
Gradescope is a web-based tool. For the most up-to-date information on compatible web browsers please see review their FAQ page: What browsers does Gradescope support?
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
  • A built-in or external webcam and microphone is required.
  • Internet connection should be at least 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, but this tool will adjust the video quality depending on connection speeds. Test internet speed.

Windows

  • 11 and 10*

*Includes x86 32 and 64bit processors and ARM 64bit processors using x86 emulation

*Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.

Mac

  • macOS 10.12 to 12.0+. macOS 13.0 "Ventura" is not yet a compatible operating system.

iPadOS

  • 11.0+ (iPad only)
  • Must have a compatible LMS integration

Memory

  • Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
  • Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
Virtual Classroom/Video Assignments  
Webex 

Webcam with microphone for audio/video (if not calling in)

Windows

  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or later
  • 2 GB of RAM minimum

Mac

  • MacOS 10.12 or later
  • 2 GB of RAM minimum 
Zoom 

Webcam with microphone for audio/video (if not calling in)

  • 800 kbps/1 Mbps (up/down) for high quality video
  • 80 kbps for VoIP audio

Systems

  • Windows 7 or later
  • MacOS 10.7 or later
  • Ubuntu 12.04 or higher

Browsers

  • Edge (12+)
  • Firefox (27+)
  • Chrome (30+)
  • Safari (7+)