Technical requirements
The following are the minimum requirements for a Cache Installation & Espresso:
Internet connection
- An Internet connection with a minimum download bandwidth of 256Kbps
- Broadband connections must include router with available port
- ISDN connections must have timer switch
- The Espresso updates require http access through any firewalls or filters to two IP addresses. 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
- A live network point readily available for the Espresso server going back to the central hub / switch
- A dedicated power socket available for the Espresso 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 Espresso updates.
- Wireless networks are supported, but due to contention across the network the number of clients running the Espresso 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
- 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 98, 2000 and XP (Home and Pro) Vista and Apple MAC OS X with a minimum of:
- Graphics card and monitor capable of high colour setting and 800 x 600 screen resolution
- X86 Processor running at 800Mhz (or equivalent)
- 256MB 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 loaded with Internet Explorer 6.0 or above for Windows or Safari 2.0 for Apple MAC OS X
- Other browsers, e.g. Netscape Navigator, Opera are not currently supported
- Windows; Media Player 10.0 (Windows Media Player 7.1 for Windows 98), QuickTime Player 7.0 for Apple MAC OS X
- Flash Player 9 (included with Espresso installation)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view a number of linked PDF files (optional)
Apple Mac
- OS9 as a minimum (OSX is recommended)
- Graphics card and monitor capable of high colour setting and 800 x 600 screen resolution
- PowerPC G3 processor or above
- 256MB RAM memory
- Sound card
- Speakers and/or headphones (headphones recommended when Espresso used simultaneously on multiple computers)
Apple Mac Software (we recommend latest version of all software)
- Clients must already be loaded with Internet explorer 5.1 for OS9 and Safari 2.0 for OSX
- Other browsers, e.g. Netscape Navigator, Opera are not currently supported
- QuickTime Player 6.0 (Quick time Pro is required to save video content and view in full screen)
- Flash Player 7 for OS9 and Flash Player 9 for OSX (included with Espresso installation)
Apple Mac - OS9 Disclaimer
We strongly recommend that schools upgrade to OSX. Apple Mac is no longer supporting OS9 or Internet Explorer. In addition Adobe will no longer be developing Flash Player or Shockwave Player for OS9. While Espresso will continue to support existing OS9 schools, from the beginning Autumn 2006, a proportion of new activities will be created in Flash 8.
Recommended Additional Software (Windows and Apple)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view a number of linked PDF files
For further information or help please contact Espresso technical support:
Tel: 0800 0345 200
Email: schoolsupport@espresso.co.uk
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