Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked regarding
Keysteps™ Online. If you can't find answers here then please contact us for further assistance.
1. What are the technical requirements for a PC to run Keysteps™ Online
Operating System |
Windows 98SE/ME/NT4/2000/XP |
Processor |
400MHz or faster |
Memory |
64Mb for 98/SE/ME, 128Mb for NT4/2000/XP |
Monitor |
1024x768 recommended |
Audio |
Sound card and speakers/headphones |
Browser |
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later |
Media Player |
Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4 or later (9 or later recommended) |
Browser plug-ins |
Shockwave Player 8.5.1 or later |
Applications |
Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word needed to view study notes |
Internet connection |
512K downstream (ADSL/Cable etc) or greater |
2. Do I need a broadband connection to use Keysteps™ Online?
Although you need a broadband connection to view the video streams from Keysteps™ Online, all the other features of the system are available over a normal internet connection
3. Will I need to download any special software to my PC?
No, Keysteps™ Online uses standard internet browser technology. The old quiz sections utilise Shockwave, which is found on a majority of PCs, but all new programmes feature quizzes that require no plug-ins
4. Can I use Keysteps™ Online on my Apple Mac?
No, Keysteps™ Online is only compatible with Windows based PCs
5. Can I use Keysteps™ Online with a browser other than Internet Explorer?
We only guarantee the functionality of the system when using Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
6. Do I need to have really high spec PC to access Keysteps™ Online?
No, as the videos are streamed, you don’t need a particularly high spec PC, or a CD drive or lots of disc space
7. Does Keysteps™ Online need the latest Windows Media Player installed?
No, although the best results are achieved using the latest software (such as Media Player 9), the system works fine with Windows Media Players from 6.4 upwards
8. Do I need to be running Windows XP? |
No, we have systems running Windows NT4 and Windows 98SE upwards
9. What happens is my PC is replaced or upgraded?
No problem, all data is stored on our servers not on the local PC
10. Is my information secure?
Data protection is at the top of our list of priorities, and we hold ISO 9001, BS 7799 and a Verisign Secure Site certificate
11. I like to print out the study notes and take them home to read, is this possible?
No problem, study notes can be downloaded in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat formats and printed. Equally, you could always log on from home and view the study notes!
12. Will I need a better monitor to use Keysteps™ Online?
Although we recommend a 1024x768 monitor, the system will still function quite happily on an 800x600 display, but you may need to scroll at times
13. When we used the VHS video, we could ‘pause’ the tape while taking notes, what about on Keysteps™ Online?
The streams can be paused just like a video, however we also make the streams easier to watch by breaking them into sections or ‘bite sized chunks’, so you can select sections to watch when it suits you
14. How do I change the positions of the elements on my portal page?
Once logged into the portal, select the <Layout> option from the grey menu page (just under the big Einstein 'e'). This will give you a window that shows the different 'web parts' that your main page is showing. To move a web-part from one area to another, simply click and drag the part you want to move. remember to click on the Save button when you are finished. You can adjust these as many times as you like.
15. I can see the video fine, but can't hear the audio - what should I check?
You need to check that the speakers are plugged into the PC and turned on - they may also need connecting to the mains. You also need to ensure that the volume is turned up on the PC. If all this is OK, it could possibly be a problem with the audio codec that is installed. Call the technical help desk on 01733 394439 to get help installing the codecs
16. The video playback is very jerky and it keeps saying 'buffering' - what is wrong?
It sounds like you either have a lot of other applications running on your PC, or maybe you (or other people) have used all the spare capacity on the broadband connection. Try closing non-essential applications and seeing if other people in you office (or house) are using the internet
17. I have Windows Media Player installed, but I can't play some of the older programmes or a message appears saying "Error downloading codec"?
Microsoft have recently removed support for the audio codec used in a few of our older programmes. Although the codec used be to automatically downloaded by the Media Player, Microsoft have now removed this functionality from their product. To make the old programmes play you will need to manually install the codec; please contact the Support Team and they will guide you through installation.