Technical Requirements

Revised January 23, 2023

In order to create successful outcomes, please read the following:

1. All our courses are delivered via the free Zoom videoconferencing software, which can be downloaded here: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting. The file to download is called Zoom Desktop Client which is the first link on the page. Please install the Zoom software and prepare your computer a few days in advance so you have time to correct any issues before the start of your course. You do not need to sign up for a Zoom account or give them a credit card number to download and install the free software.

Please do not use the web browser version of Zoom. The web browser version of Zoom tends to create technical problems during our courses. Instead, download and install the Zoom Desktop Client software onto your computer (see the link in the previous question) and then join the course through this Zoom desktop client application.

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Avoid using the web browser version of Zoom. Only use the Zoom Desktop Client.

Please test your Zoom configuration by going to http://zoom.us/test to ensure your computer is set up properly, and watch this video to get a brief overview on Zoom – https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-.

2. During the course, students will be asked to switch between viewing the Zoom application and navigating various web pages. Participants should be very comfortable using a computer and should be computer literate. Google Chrome is our recommended browser. You can download it here: https://www.google.com/chrome.

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Your instructor cannot provide technical support for your computer problems during your course.

3. Company-issued work computers tend to be restricted and locked down in numerous ways and may create technical problems during your course. If at all possible, use your personal desktop or laptop computer. The use of tablets and mobile phones is not recommended. Disable all VPNs to allow for a stronger, more stable internet connection.

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If at all possible, use a personal desktop computer or laptop for your course.

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Avoid using a tablet or mobile phone for your course.

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Please disable any VPNs on your computer for your course.

If you find yourself with technical issues, or you are not able to be on web camera, or your audio is not working, simply email us before your class so we can get you rescheduled for a new course date. Attendees must be fully present for the full duration of the course to be eligible for certification. If you are more than 30 minutes late and/or no-show/do not attend, you will forfeit your registration.

4. Use a stable high-bandwidth internet connection. Please do not use a cell phone hotspot. (You will have a downgraded experience if you attempt to use a cell phone hotspot.). We recommend that you avoid using Wifi and access our classes via a wired Ethernet connection if at all possible. We also strongly recommend asking other household members not to engage in high-bandwidth internet activities while taking your course, including watching Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, online gaming, and high bandwidth usage of cell phone WiFi or hotspot connections. To be safe and ensure the best connection for your course, disable WiFi from all other household members' cell phones. A minimum recommendation is 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down) for high-quality video (ideally 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down) or higher for HD video). You can test your bandwidth by visiting: https://www.speedtest.net. For further Zoom technical specifications, please visit: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux.

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Please test your internet speed prior to attending the course.

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If attending from home, ask other household members not to engage in high-bandwidth internet activities while you are taking your course.

5. Please test your computer by going to the whiteboard page at https://tinyurl.com/2xr2uzsr then choosing a blank post-it note and add your name to it by typing into it. The whiteboard will save your changes automatically.