These requirements will allow you to use all of SMOWL's features efficiently and ensure proper monitoring during your activities.
In this article, you will find all the necessary information about supported operating systems, recommended browsers, and the technical specifications that your device must meet. In addition, we will guide you through the registration process and the appropriate conditions for effective monitoring.
By following these steps, you will be able to make the most of the tools that SMOWL offers for your online studies and activities.
WHERE SMOWL WORKS
| Windows | MacOS | Linux | Chrome OS | iOS** | Android** |
Registration process | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Camera Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Audio captures | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Computer Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 | 🚫 |
External Camera Monitoring | NA* | NA* | NA* | NA* | ✅ | ✅ |
Browser Extension | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 | 🚫 |
*Not applicable, external camera monitoring must be done with a mobile device or tablet.
SMOWL CM is compatible with Linux environments: Ubuntu 20, Ubuntu 22 and Mint 21
**In case a course is being conducted on a Canvas or Blackboard Ultra platform, it is necessary to use a computer. SMOWL is not compatible with this type of OS within these platforms.
RECOMMENDED BROWSERS
SMOWL works on all Chromium-based browsers, for a best user experience while monitoring an online activity we recommend using Google Chrome.
SMOWL does not work with Safari, we encourage all users to keep using we recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Operative system | Windows 10+ | MacOS 10.15+ | Linux Ubuntu 20 and 22 |
Processor | Intel premium 4+ | Intel premium 4+ | Intel premium 4+ |
Hard disc space | 250MB | 250MB | – |
RAM | 2GB** | 2GB** | 2GB** |
Upload speed | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps |
Camera* | 640×480 px | 640×480 px | 640×480 px |
Microphone* | Any type of microphone, internal or external | Any type of microphone, internal or external | Any type of microphone, internal or external |
*Those devices with iOS or Android operating system are supported as SMOWL360 external camera monitoring tool.
**4GB RAM recommended
USER FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The different functional requirements to be fulfilled by the user in order to be monitored by Smowltech are listed below.
Registration
The user registers using the SMOWL registration application where 1 image of their face, and optionally an ID picture, will be captured.
The user must guarantee that he meets the appropriate conditions for a correct registration.
The user must accept the Terms and Conditions of the registration in order to be monitored during the activity.
SMOWL CM and/or SMOWL LOCK installation (optional)
If requested by the entity, the user must install the SMOWL CM desktop monitoring tool or the SMOWL LOCK browser extension.
The installation must be done before the start of the first activity and it will allow to monitor the user’s activity on the computer during the activity.
The user must accept the Terms and Conditions of the download and installation of SMOWLCM or SMOWL LOCK in order to be monitored during the activity.
Access and development of the activity
The user must
Allow access to the webcam during the entire activity.
If requested by the entity, allow the SMOWLCM desktop monitoring tool and/or the SMOWL LOCK browser extension to run.
If the entity requests it, allow the monitoring with an external camera during the entire activity.If the entity requests it, allow access to the microphone during the entire activity.
Ensure that he/she meets the appropriate monitoring conditions throughout the activity.
Adequate monitoring conditions
Webcam
The user should position the camera in front of him facing the camera.
The user should avoid placing the camera to the side.
The user shall ensure that the user’s face is properly illuminated.The user must avoid windows or spotlights behind the user’s head that may obscure the user’s face.
The user may not wear accessories that may completely or partially obscure the user’s face.
External camera or secondary camera
The user must position the camera to the side (right or left) of the working area. The image should capture:
The side of your face
Your working area: entire computer and table surface (right, left and background around the computer).
The user should position the camera at a certain height from the table, with some downward tilt, and at a sufficient distance from the table to capture the whole required area.