In this article, you will find all the necessary information regarding compatible operating systems, recommended browsers, and the technical specifications your device must meet. Additionally, 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 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
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 is only compatible with specific browsers; Firefox, Safari, and other alternative browsers are not supported, and we cannot guarantee their efficiency or functionality.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Below are the necessary specifications. We first list the Minimum Requirements (indispensable) followed by our Recommendations to ensure an optimal experience during your assessment.
🔴 Minimum Requirements
Feature | Windows | macOS | Linux (Ubuntu 20/22, Mint 21) |
OS | Windows 10+ | macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 | Ubuntu 20, 22 or Mint 21 |
Processor | Intel Pentium 4 + | Dual-core Intel + | Intel Pentium 4 + |
Hard Drive Space | 250MB | 250MB | – |
RAM | 2GB | 4GB | 4GB |
Upload Speed | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps | 0.077Mbps – 0.165Mbps |
Camera* | 640×480 p | 640×480 p | 640×480 p |
Microphone | All types (Internal/External) | All types (Internal/External) | All types (Internal/External) |
Screen Resolution | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) |
💡 Tip for an optimal experience:
Even if your equipment meets the minimum requirements, modern browsers can be resource-intensive. To prevent your computer from slowing down, freezing, or losing connection mid-exam, we strongly suggest meeting the requirements in the following table.
🟢 Recommended Requirements
For a fluid, stable, and stress-free experience.
Feature | Windows | macOS | Linux (Ubuntu 20/22, Mint 21) |
OS | Windows 11 | macOS 13 Ventura or higher | Ubuntu 22 |
Processor | Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5 (10th Gen+) | Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel i5 | – |
Hard Drive Space | 10 GB free (SSD) | 10 GB free (SSD) | 10 GB free (SSD) |
RAM | 8GB or higher | 8GB or higher | 8GB or higher |
Upload Speed | 1.0 Mbps to 5.0 Mbps | 1.0 Mbps to 5.0 Mbps | 1.0 Mbps to 5.0 Mbps |
Camera* | 720p (HD) or higher | 720p (HD) or higher | 720p (HD) or higher |
Microphone | Noise-canceling microphone | Noise-canceling microphone | Noise-canceling microphone |
Screen Resolution | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) | 1280×720 (16:9 ratio) |
Notes on specifications:
Devices with iOS or Android operating systems are compatible as monitoring tools via the SMOWL360 external camera feature.
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 EXTENSION installation (optional)
If requested by the entity, the user must install the SMOWL CM desktop monitoring tool or the SMOWL EXTENSION 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 EXTENSION 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 EXTENSION 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.