For programmes delivered online there is a minimum expected level of technical ability and availability of equipment is assumed.

Minimum System Requirements

Before you can get started in a Virtual Classroom session, you should ensure that your computer is able to support the needs of the collaboration environment. Your computer should meet or exceed the following minimum requirements:

We currently use Wiziq software for our live classrooms. We have an archive of previously recorded classes for download which used the Blackboard Collaborate / Elluminate software.

Please visit this page to check that your system is ready for our live virtual classroom software (Wiziq).

SWiziq Minimum System Requirements

Operating System/Web Browsers/Accessories

• Windows Xp/NT/2000/VISTA/7
• MAC OS X onwards
• Internet Explorer 6 and above
• Mozilla Firefox 2 and 3. For screen sharing Mozilla Firefox version 3.5 and above
• Latest Flash player and Java Runtime Environment 1.6
• Headphones/External mic
• Web Camera (optional)

RECOMMENDED VIDEO AND AUDIO HARDWARE

Built-in webcams are usually sufficient if your computer has one. Note that not all session require participants to have a webcam. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that a PC headset or a USB speakerphone be used for ALL participants if they intend to use audio. This is due to acoustic echo and outside noise that can disrupt a session. DO NOT depend on software echo cancellation running on your computer! Below are some recommendations for webcams and audio hardware. Make sure hardware is compatible with your computer prior to purchase.

Audio Recommended Hardware:

• Logictech Premium PC Headset
• Plantronics Headset Audio 40, 50, 60, 70, 90
• Plantronics USB Headset DSP- 400 or DSP-500
• Sennheiser Headset PC20, PC30, etc.
• Clearone Chat 50 USB
• IPEVO TR-10 USB Speakerphone
• Phoenix USB Speakerphone – Duet PCS

Supported Platforms and Minimum System Requirements for Blackboard Collaborate / Elluminate

Although we no longer user Blackboard Collaborate to deliver live classes, some of our older classes have been recorded using the system.

Microsoft Windows Client

• Windows XP (32 bit)
• Vista (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)
• Running Elluminate in a virtual environment such as VMware is not recommended!

Apple Macintosh Client

• Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
• G5 or Intel Processor
• Running Elluminate in a virtual environment such as VMware or Parallels is not recommended!

Linux Client

• Ubuntu 8.10 (64 bit)
• openSUSE 11 (64 bit)

Solaris Client

• Solaris 10 (SPARC only)

In addition, all clients require:

• Sun Java versions 1.5 or higher
• At least 256 MB of free RAM
• At least 20 MB free disk space
• 28.8 Kbps Internet connection or better – BROADBAND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
• Speaker and Microphone, headsets or USB speakerphones are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
• DO NOT depend on software echo cancellation running on your computer!
• This utilizes a lot of computer resources and usually does not work very well.
• Administrator rights to computer to install required software

Download and Install Java Web Start

Before you can launch an Elluminate Live! session, you will need to download and install Java Web Start on your computer. Please ensure that you allow sufficient time to complete the download and installation before your first session. The link to the required software is available from the Elluminate website. Java Web Start can also be obtained directly from Sun Microsystems at http://java.sun.com/products/javawebstart.

Windows PC and Solaris users

To enter Elluminate Live! from a Windows PC you will have to first download Java Web Start. This is a one-time download
that can take up to 40 minutes on a 28.8K modem (or less depending on the speed of your Internet connection).

Macintosh users

To enter Elluminate Live! from a Macintosh OS 9.0 to OS 9.2, you must use Internet Explorer and you will have to
first download Open-JNLP. This is a one-time download that can take up to 40 minutes on a 28.8K modem (or less depending on the speed of your Internet connection). OS X (10.1 and higher) users do not have to download anything. Current MAC users must upgrade to the latest version of Open- JNLP. This will be installed as Web Launcher 1.1.0. Contact your System Administrator for more information.

Joining an Elluminate Live! Session

Prior to joining your first session, we recommend you go to the First Time Users page to configure your computer.

Technical Support

For technical support, refer to Elluminate’s technical support page

Other useful resources include: http://www.sans.org/vlive/elluminate-faq.php