Technical requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for running Espresso Primary and/or Channel 4 Learning Clipbank for Secondary:

Internet connection

  • An Internet connection with a minimum download bandwidth of 256Kbps
  • Broadband connections must include router with available port
  • The weekly updates require http access through any firewalls or filters to the Espresso/Clipbank update servers. You will be required to provide contact details for your ISP, if applicable.

ISDN Disclaimer

  • The Espresso Update mechanism is designed to work over a Broadband connection
  • Any school ISDN will be required to update via CD-ROMs supplied by Espresso

Network

  • A fully operable 100Mbit Network (1000Mbit recommended)
  • A live network point readily available for the Espresso/Clipbank server going back to the central hub / switch
  • A dedicated power socket available for the Espresso/Clipbank server within 2 meters of the installation
  • A network must be running TCP/IP and a Static IP address excluded from the DHCP scope should be available for the server
  • The server is configured and authorised to use your Internet connection to collect the weekly updates
  • Wireless networks are supported, but due to contention across the network the number of clients running the Espresso/Clipbank service simultaneously will be limited depending on your infrastructure. Espresso recommends a minimum 108Mb wireless access point per classroom or per 10 client machines.

Other

  • An appropriate shelf or rack for the Server to sit on, preferably in a cool, dry environment and out of reach from the pupils
  • Access to all areas of the network and to all workstations, including administrator user names and password if required
  • Re-visit charges will apply for all aborted installs due to unavailable staff or denied access to the network

Client computer hardware and software

  • Clients must already be connected to a working LAN and running TCP/IP
  • The latest versions of all operating systems and required software are recommended
  • Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Apple MAC OS 10.4 or above are supported with a minimum of:
    • Graphics card and monitor capable of high colour setting and 800 x 600 screen resolution
    • X86 Processor running at 1.60Ghz (or equivalent)
    • 512MB RAM memory
    • Sound card
    • Speakers and/or headphones (headphones recommended when Espresso used simultaneously on multiple computers)
  • Windows NT4, ME and Apple MAC OS 9 are no longer supported

Software - These are the minimum versions required. We recommend you have the most up to date versions.

  • Clients must already be running Internet Explorer 6.0 or above for Windows, Safari 3.0 or above for Apple MAC OS X
  • Firefox 3.0 or above is supported on windows platforms only, the Windows Media Player plug-in for Firefox is also recommended.
  • Other browsers, e.g. Google Chrome, AOL and Opera are not currently supported
  • Windows; Media Player 11.0
  • QuickTime Player 7.6 for Apple MAC OS X
  • Flash Player 10 (included with Espresso/Clipbank installation)

Recommended Additional Software (Windows and Apple)

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view a number of PDF files

For further information or help please contact Espresso technical support:
Tel: 0800 0345 200
Email: schoolsupport@espresso.co.uk

Espresso Education
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