Basic Tech Guide
• Recommended Specification for Device and Internet
• How to Check Device and Internet / Network
• Understanding the Task Manager
A desktop or laptop
Operating System: Windows 7 or above or Mac
CPU: Intel Core i3 6th gen and above / i5 to i7 4th gen and up / AMD A Series A8 7500 and above
/ AMD Ryzen
Memory: At least 4GB of RAM with a minimum of 100GB free hard disk space available
A headset with an extended microphone and noise-cancelling features
A high-definition (HD) external or integrated webcam (with at least 720p resolution)
A wired DSL Internet connection of at least 5 Mbps (LTE, USB sticks & wireless connections are not
allowed)
Teaching Environment
A quiet, clutter-free, and well-lit space in your home with a plain white background
Device and Network Specs
Checking of Processor And Memory
1. Using msinfo32.
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run Dialog Box
- Type msinfo32 then press Enter
- A box containing the computer specification will
appear
• To know if the processor has a passing score use
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php and
search the processor name. Example will show on the
next slide.
NOTE: All intel core I series has passing mark.
• Installed RAM – Total RAM Space installed
• Available Physical Memory – The total of available
RAM space that will be use for queuing applications
for the processor to process.
Processor Benchmark Score
Here is how to use the https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php to check if the processor has passing score
EXAMPLE:
In this case, we searched for the Intel Core i3-4130 @
3.40GHz at cpubenchmark.net. This is the critical
information that the cpubenchmark.net is looking.
NOTE: Passing CPU benchmark score is 2200 Average CPU Mark or Above.
Installed Physical RAM should be 4GB or above.
Operating System should be 64bit Windows 7 or Above (Upper Part of msinfo32)
**By next year, 2020, Windows will stop supporting Windows 7
Network Specification
1. Required Connection Types or ISP Types
- DSL, Fiber, or Cable(Non – Portable)
NOTE: Any Portable type of connections are strictly not allowed
Examples are: LTE, Broadband or any Signal Based ISP
Q : Why is it important to have a non-portable connection type?
A : A non-portable connection is always the most reliable and most
secure internet connection. Non-portable connection has less attacks
of network traffic and interruptions, and less susceptible to interference
and outages than portable connection. Also, use LAN Cable for Computers
instead of wireless or Wi-Fi.
2. Required ISP Plan Speed
- Minimum Download speed of 5.0 Mbps and Upload speed of 0.70Mbps.
NOTE: You can measure the Internet download and upload speed plan
by using speedtest.net. Always use the default server on your area for the speed test.
Windows Task Manager
Task Manager – This tool is useful for measuring the Total CPU and RAM Usage,
this tool can also show the specific amount of CPU or RAM Usage that an
application’s consuming.
Use the Task Manager to measure the total CPU Usage while the AC Application
Is running.
CPU Usage: Should not go beyond 50%
RAM Usage: Should not got beyond 70%
Reminder:
1. Avoid opening programs which would be unnecessary during lessons.
As much as possible do not open any video or audio streaming services
on your browser while conducting a class because it has high RAM
Usage.
2. Anti-virus checking. If you are on Windows 10, remove any 3rd party antiviruses and run the built in antivirus of Windows 10 which is Windows
Defender. For other OS such as Windows 7, make sure that you only have
1 anti-virus installed and running on your computer.
51Talk Tech Team
Technical Helpdesk’s
Best Practices
1. Maintaining Computer Performance
2. Best Practices for Computer Network
3. Best Practices for AC
4. Best Device and Teaching Environment
Maintaining Computer Performance
Computer Maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good state of repair. A properly
maintained computer can live well beyond its "life expectancy."
Why is it important?
1. Detect issues before they become problems
2. Prevention against viruses and malware
3. To prolong the life expectancy of the computer
4. Maximize software efficiency
5. Speed up the computer
Computer Performance
1. Windows Update
Make it a habit to always check your Windows
Update Settings before and after you use your
computer. Windows will require you to restart the
computer numerous times for the update to take
effect.
You can now set the time when will the computer
will restart for the update.
Avoid postponing the Windows updates.
Computer Performance
2. Download the latest drivers, software and firmware updates
These updates can be located and downloaded from the
manufacturer's website, usually at no charge to the
consumer. This will also help to maintain optimum
performance level.
1. Select the Start button, type Device Manager, and select it
from the list of results.
2. Expand one of the categories to find the name of your device,
then right-click (or tap and hold) it, and select Update Driver.
For graphics cards, expand the Display adapters category, right
click your graphics card, and select Update Driver.
3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can try looking for
one on the device manufacturer's website and follow their
instructions.
Computer Performance
3. Installaton of Multiple Anti-Virus
Avoid installation of multiple anti-virus. Windows
has it own preinstalled anti-virus which is the
Windows Security or Windows Essentials.
Other anti-virus might consume a lot of cpu/ RAM
usage.
Best Practices for AC
Why is it important to know the best practices for AC?
1. To prevent technical issues as much as possible
2. To detect if there is an issue
3. To optimize the application’s performance
4. To keep the application updated
AC Best Practices
1. Always make sure that you are using the latest version of AC
The latest version of AC always has the latest fix for the
reported issues. Also, Technical Helpdesk only supports
1 version of AC which is the latest version. To check if
you are using the latest version:
1. Open your AC Application then Login
2. Click on the Menu > Update.
3. There should be a box in the middle showing the
current AC version and an indicator whether you
are using the latest version or not.
Link: https://ac.51talk.com/PcAc/version/51Talk-AC.2.37.0.19.exe
AC Best Practices
2. Always conduct AC Device Checking
AC Device Checking helps you determine whether your
AC is using your preferred device for teaching. AC
Device Checking will also help on testing the network
end. The result should be all good before conducting
class to avoid technical difficulties.
1. Open AC and Login
2. Click Settings at the lower left corner of AC main
screen.
3. Click Start Detection to start then just follow the
instructions.
4. Results will be posted once done.
Sample screenshot of Device Checking Result with normal devices and connection
AC Best Practices
3. Always Remember to do AC clear cache
An application will normally have a hard time to store or load
new files when it has a large cached files on it. Clearing those
cached files will help optimize the data transfer and receiving.
Steps on how to use AC clear cache function:
1. Click Menu > System Setting > Clean.
2. A reboot prompt will pop up, click Yes.
3. Login the AC again.
Note: As much as possible, do the AC clear cache every time
before the first class starts.
Best Practices for Computer Network
Why is it important to know the best practices for Computer Network?
1. To keep the Network Optimized
2. To detect any issues right away
3. To keep big network problems away
1. Use of LAN Cable
Connecting your computer to your modem using LAN
cable will give you a much stable connection. Using WiFi when conducting classes with AC might give a
problem if the signal fluctuates. Always consider the
distance of your computer from your modem so you
can design or buy a LAN cable with enough length.
Reminder: Using LAN cable is one of 51Talk’s technical
requirements.
2. Checking of Internet Speed
Checking your Internet Speed will help you determine if
you are getting the correct internet speed that you are
paying for. You need to check your internet speed from
time to time so you will notice if you are having internet
connection right away and report it to your Internet
Service Provider if needed.
Recommendation: Use speedtest.net to check your
internet speed. Make sure that the default server on
your area.
3. Power cycling the Internet Modem
What is Power Cycling?
Power cycling is the act of turning off an electrical equipment via the
main switch or socket and then turning it back on again.
How does it help?
Electrical devices work on software and hardware and may be
overloaded with information or even overheat which affects performance.
By removing power to the device, it refreshes the built-in RAM (internal
memory) and allows the device to function almost like a new device.
Users are advised to power cycle their modems and routers often to extend
their equipment life expectancy.
Recommendation: Power cycle your modem every before your first class starts to refresh the connection
Best Device and Teaching Environment
Why is it important to know the best practices for teaching environment?
1. To keep the student focus on the class and to avoid distractions
2. To provide best teaching experience to students
1. Required and Recommended Device to be used for AC:
Speaker and Microphone – Any headset that has its
own microphone. The microphone
must have a noise cancellation feature.
Recommended: USB Type headsets because it has its
own audio driver and is easy to manage.
Camera/Webcam or Video Device – Any brand of
camera that has a resolution of 480p.
Laptop’s built in camera is allowed but it is
recommended to have a back-up USB camera.
Recommended: External USB Camera 720p resolution
Recommended: Plantronics Blackwire c3220 and Logitech Cs70
HD Webcam
1. Clutter Free Environment with Proper Background and Lighting
51talk Tarp background – It is required to have a
printed 51talk Tarp as your background. Contact Lesson
Support/Coaches to get a copy of it.
VS
Proper Lighting – Proper Lighting is also required.
There’s not much technical requirement for this. You
just have to be mindful that your camera should not be
too dark and not too bright.