Lockdown computer recommendations

The best approach to lockdown participation

This page describes the best approach to lockdown participation in WISEflow based on the EPO setup.

Ideal setup

Laptop/desktop with a large external monitor and newer USB-connected external camera.

Only one screen can be used during locked-down exams, and thus it is recommended to have a large external monitor as the active screen as complex pages will be part of the assignment.

To ensure unhindered network access and a computer with the least amount of affecting applications/configurations, it is recommended to use a private (non-work related) computer and to participate in a non-company environment.
 

Ideal specifications

  • Processor: 1.2/2.4 GHz
  • Memory: +4 GB RAM
  • Disk Space: +2 GB Storage free
  • Windows 10 or 11/ Mac OS 11.2+
     

Examples:

  • ASUS VivoBook 14 K413EA-AM756T
  • Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-31V3
  • Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14ARE05 Ryzen 5
  • Any new Macbook

External monitor: Minimum 26” screen size and connected by HDMI or DisplayPort

External camera: 720p HD with a built-in microphone

A computer with the above specifications should minimise hardware-based issues during locked-down flows. Furthermore, the following checklist would help prepare the softer parts of the setup in the best way possible.
 

Computer setup when running the lockdown browser

  • Reboot the computer before starting and ensure antivirus/malware protection is not running in the background.
  • Close all running applications besides the browser accessing WISEflow
  • Attach your computer to the power outlet
  • Ensure robust and direct internet connection (not through VPN)
  • Ensure a firewall is not enabled
  • Install the lockdown browser from the WISEflow flow page
     

Before launching the lockdown browser

  • Ensure proper lighting (point towards external windows)
  • Ensure quiet surroundings
  • If using a laptop, close the lid on the laptop to ensure only the desired external monitor is being used.
  • Ensure that the external camera and its microphone are the default selected camera on the computer and that it is working properly, and that the browser/device has permission to access these resources.

Please read the troubleshooting guides here if there are any issues with the lockdown browser or camera/microphone.
 

When in the lockdown browser

  • Ensure that the correct camera is selected in the launch sequence and that the background lighting is optimal
  • Ensure that the correct microphone is selected in the launch sequence and that background noises are minimised
  • Do not swap camera or microphone during participation, as this may lead to malfunctioning camera functionality.
Please be aware that following the above recommendations is not guaranteed, and undesired computer-specific issues can still be possible.

Minimum requirements:

WISEflow knowledgebase