TestOut’s labs can be complex and resource intensive. Please ensure that you meet or exceed these recommended specifications.
| Technical Specifications | |
| Processor/CPU | 5th generation Intel Core i3 or better (click for details) |
| CPU Speed | ~2.4GHz or faster |
| RAM | 4GB or more |
| Internet Bandwidth | 3.6 Mbps per user |
| Operating Systems | 64-bit Windows 8, 10, or newer Intel-Based Mac OS X or newer Linux OS Chrome OS - See note on Chromebooks below |
|
Supported Browsers (Latest Versions) |
Chrome Edge Firefox Safari |
| Virtual Machines | Graphic Acceleration must be enabled |
| Allowed Domains | *.testout.com |
Note regarding the processor: Having an adequate CPU which is not being overburdened is the single most important factor to having a smooth experience in LabSim. Please see this article for a more detailed overview of how the CPU will affect your experience and what constitutes an adequate CPU.
Note for Chromebook/Chrome OS:
- Supported Chromebook specifications
- Minimum: 2015 or newer Chromebook with Intel Celeron or Intel Core processor and 4GB RAM
- Recommended: 2018 or newer Chromebook with 4GB RAM
- Recommended: minimum 14” Monitor
Click here for tips specific to using TestOut courses on Chromebook
Note: Courses may run on computers not meeting listed specifications, but slowness or unresponsiveness may occur. If you don’t meet the recommended specifications, we recommend trying the labs on a faster computer and internet connection, if available, to see if performance improves. If you meet these specifications and still are having issues with slowness, unresponsiveness or freezing, please see this article.
*Some versions of Windows 10 (N and KN) may not play videos correctly in all supported browsers. For more information please refer to this article.
How to Find your Computer Specifications
On a Windows computer, we recommend going to the System Information utility. In Windows 8 and 10 you can simply click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the screen and start typing, “System information” and then just select it. In Windows 7 you can run the msinfo32 command by holding down the Windows key on the keyboard, pressing the “R” key, and then typing msinfo32 and hitting enter. The information you are looking for is highlighted in the image below.
On a Mac, basic system information can be found by clicking the Apple menu and then clicking “About this Mac”. To find the actual name of your CPU on a Mac, follow the steps outlined here: https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/find-mac-cpu-model/
How to Find your Internet Speed
To check internet speeds, we recommend freshly restarting the computer, resetting your router, and turning off any other devices that use your internet connection to reduce the possibility of interfering factors. Then navigate to https://fast.com (chosen for its simplicity and acceptable accuracy).
Labs require an internet speed of 3.6 Mbps per user to have good loading times. After initial loading is completed, the lab uses very little internet, although it is crucially important to maintain an internet connection. (Do not close your laptop or put it to sleep during a lab or your results may not communicate properly to our server.)
Fast.com will automatically begin to run its test and tell you your download speed. If you suspect the result you see is inaccurate, reload the test once or twice. If you see Kbps instead of Mbps then your internet speed is inadequate. 1000 Kbps = 1 Mbps. If you find that you are below the minimum internet speed, see section 7.5 for more ideas.