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FAQs

The following FAQs should help you to download, install and run the schools editions of Essentials Online. Jump to a specific question using the links below or scroll down to read them all.

How do I download Essentials Online?

Download and save the ZIP file to a location on your computer. The course is intended to be run from a virtual learning environment or web server, but can also be viewed on your PC if your Flash Player security settings allow this (see Troubleshooters).

An archive extraction program such as WinZip or the built in tools in Windows XP is required to unpack the Essentials Online ZIP files. Flash 6 or above is required to run Essentials Online - you can download the latest version of Flash here.

Once downloaded how do I run the Essentials course?

See instructions above in how to install and run Essentials Online. There are different instructions depending on whether you are running Essentials Online from your School VLE, Intranet or PC.

The file you need to double click (or set as launch file) is index.htm (See installation instructions above).

Will Essentials Online work with my VLE?

Essentials Online works with all SCORM compliant VLEs including those listed on the Becta Learning Platform Framework Suppliers list, this list includes:

  • Azzurri Communications Ltd
  • Etech Group
  • Fronter
  • Netmedia Education
  • Pearson Education Ltd
  • Ramesys
  • RM Education plc
  • Serco Learning Solutions (Serco Ltd)
  • UniServity
  • Viglen Ltd

Our VLE is managed by a third party, how do we install Essentials Online?

If you outsource the maintenance of your VLE all you have to do is contact your supplier and ask them to download and install Essentials Online for you.

They will need your username and password in order to download on your behalf.

Will Essentials work on my LMS?

If installed by an experienced I.T administrator, Essentials should work on any pre-configured SCORM 1.2 compliant LMS.

What are the minimum technical requirements I will need to run Essentials?

In order to run the Essentials course, the below specifications are recommended:

Platform: PC only

  • Operating System: Windows 98 SE, Windows NT4 Workstation SP6a, Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP Home SP2, Windows XP Professional SP2, Windows Vista Enterprise and Small Business Editions.
  • Browser compatibility: Internet Explorer 5.5 and above, Firefox 1.5 and above (JavaScript will need to be enabled in the browser)
  • Plugins required: Flash 6 and above
  • Processor: Pentium III and above
  • Processor speed: 700MHz minimum, 1GHz or above recommended
  • RAM: 256MB RAM minimum, 512MB or above recommended
  • CD-ROM: 24x CD-ROM drive
  • Video: 16 bit graphics, AGP 4x graphics card
  • Input devices: Keyboard and Mouse
  • Connectivity: 56kbps minimum
  • Screen resolution: Monitor display size is 800 x 600 minimum.

How large is the Zip file containing the Essentials course?

The course is approximately 97MB zipped, and approximately 108MB unzipped.