SAM System Requirements Guide.pdf

System RequirementsJuly 2017

©2017 Cengage Learning. 20 Channel Center Street. Boston, MA 02210 SAM- 2 -

Contents

Overview to the SAM System Requirements Guide 3

Setting Up Your Computer 4Workstation Requirements 4Necessary Software 5Disk Protection Software 5Monitor Resolution 6Tips for Macintosh Users 7

System Check 8

Setting Up Your Browser 9Enabling JavaScript 9Setting Up Pop-Ups (IE Only) 11Disabling Pop-Up Blockers 12Disabling Ad Blockers 14Zooming in and out 15

Logging into SAM as a New User 17Logging in the First Time as a Pre-registered Student 22Profile Information 24Grace Periods 25Forgot Password 26

Existing Users 28

Logging Out 30


Overview to the SAM System Requirements GuideSAM (Skills Assessment Manager) is a web-based application that measures student proficiency inMicrosoft Office software and technology-related topics. SAM teaches Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-Point, Access, Outlook and Internet Explorer in addition to foundational computer concepts. SAM usesskill-based assessments, interactive training, real-world projects and just-in-time remediation to help stu-dents learn essential computing skills.

This document covers the system requirements for the SAM 2013, 365/2016, and Keyboarding versions.


Setting Up Your ComputerYou need to ensure you have the following computer settings to run SAM.

Workstation Requirements

Each workstation running a SAM product must meet the following minimum system requirements:

Requirement DetailsComputer n Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or higher processor

required; Intel Centrino or an equivalent multi-core processor recommended

nMemory: 1 GB RAM required

n Operating Systems: Windows 7 32-or 64-bit orWindows 8/8.1 32- or 64-bit; or Macintosh OS X10.10 or higher

Audio and video n Graphics: SVGA

n Resolution: Minimum recommended 1366x768

n Color: 32 bits

n Video Memory: 64MBminimum, 128MB recom-mended

n Video Card: Modern DirectX compatibleNetwork n Internet Connection: broadband connection

(cable, DSL, T1 or ISDN) recommended; per-sistent connection required

Software and Disk Storage nWeb Browsers: 4MB

n Adobe Flash Player: current version and currentversion -1 supported; versions prior to 11 are notsupported: 17.3MB

NOTE: Flash Player is only required for SAM2013 Training and Exam Assignments

n Adobe Reader: tested with Version 10 : 47.8MB

n For SAM 2013 Projects: Microsoft Office 2013,365/2016

n For SAM 2016 Projects: Microsoft Office 2013,365/2016

NOTES:


Requirement Detailsn For Mac, some project steps may not becompatible with Office 2013, 365/2016.

n Refer to your Microsoft documentationfor current disk storage requirements

For up-to-date system requirements for Microsoft products, refer to the following page on theMicrosoft website:

n For theWindows 7 operating system:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

n For theWindows 8 operating system:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/system-requirements

n For theWindows 10 operating system:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications#sysreqs

Necessary Software

SAM requires the following software:

Adobe Flash Player: Required to use the SAM Content Player to preview the simulations used in examsand training for SAM 2013 courses. Required for Keyboarding High School versions to support the 2013assignments. Find a link to this component on the right side of theHome page, under Software. Clickthe link or go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ and follow the installation prompts.

You need the following versions ofMicrosoft Office to complete SAM Projects:

n Microsoft Office 2013 for Windows (specifically Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word): Needed tocomplete projects in SAM 2013. You can also useMicrosoft Office 365 or 2016 to complete SAM2013 projects.

n Microsoft Office 2016 for Windows (specifically Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word): Needed tocomplete projects in SAM 2016.

NOTE: Cengage does not recommend using Office 2011 for Mac with SAM 2013 Projects.

n Adobe Reader: Enables you to read the SAM user manuals. Go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/to download Adobe Reader.

Disk Protection Software

If your institution uses disk image protection software like Deep Freeze or Clean Slate, install AdobeFlash Player, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office 2013 and project related Office files in a safe area of theworkstation’s disk so they are not overwritten by these utilities.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/system-requirements

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications#sysreqs

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/?promoid=BUIGP

http://get.adobe.com/reader/?promoid=BUIGO


Monitor Resolution

In order to use the SAM Content Player most effectively, set themonitors to a display resolution of1366x768 or higher. This setting enables SAM simulations to display fully on a 17-inch or larger monitor.To specify a lower resolution, scroll to view the entire simulation.

Check the current resolution and change it using the following procedures:

Windows 7 and 8Adjust themonitor resolution in Windows 7 or 8 using the following procedure:

Step Action1 Right-click anywhere on your computer Desktop.

Result: A shortcut menu displays.2 On the shortcut menu, click Screen Resolution.

Result: The Screen Resolution dialog box displays.3 On the Resolutionmenu, select a resolution that is 1366x768 or higher.4 Record the current setting so you can restore it later if desired.5 Click OK.

Result: The changes save and the Screen Resolution dialog box closes.

Windows 10Adjust themonitor resolution in Windows 10 using the following procedure:

Step Action1 Right-click anywhere on your computer Desktop.

Result: A shortcut menu displays.2 On the shortcut menu, click Display Settings.

Result: TheDisplay tab displays.3 Click Advanced displays settings.

Result: The Resolution menu displays.4 On the Resolutionmenu, select a resolution that is 1366x768 or higher.5 Record the current setting so you can restore it later if desired.6 Click OK.

Result: The changes save and the Screen Resolution dialog box closes.

Macintosh OS XAdjust themonitor resolution in Macs using the following procedure:

Step Action1 On the Applemenu, click Systems Preferences.2 From theHardware category, click Displays.3 On the Resolutionsmenu, select 1366x768 or higher.


Step Action4 Record the current setting so you can restore it later if desired.5 Click Close to save your changes.

Tips for Macintosh Users

If your lab uses an AppleMacintosh laptops or desktop computers to access SAM, students may findthe following tips helpful:

n When instructions direct students to press theWindows Ctrl key, they need to do the following:

If students are using a Macintosh with an Apple keyboard, press the Command keyinstead.

Using a Macintosh with a generic USB keyboard, students press the Ctrl key. However, onrare occasions, they may need to press the Alt key for the same function.

n When instructions direct students to click the right button of a Windows mouse, they need to dothe following:

Using a single-button mouse or track pad, press the Ctrl key and click at the same time.

Using a more recent MacBook that supports gestures, touch the track pad with two fin-gers. (Enable this in the System Preferences.)

Using a generic USB two-button mouse or track pad, click the right button.

n To Backspace, press theDelete key.


System CheckCheck within SAM to ensure your system meets the requirements to run SAM.

Click Start Check on the login page.

The System Check runs automatically and tells you which settings you need to edit to use SAM. Readthe following sections to change your system settings.


Setting Up Your BrowserAccess SAM using the following browsers:

Operating System Supported BrowsersWindows 7, 8 and 8.1 Internet Explorer 11 for 32-bit or 64-bit versions

ofWindows; Firefox (latest version and latest -1); Chrome (latest version and latest -1)NOTE:n Compatibility Mode is not supported forInternet Explorer.

Windows 10 Microsoft Edge 12; Firefox (latest version andlatest -1); Chrome (latest version and latest -1)NOTE:n Compatibility Mode is not supported forInternet Explorer.

Macintosh OS X 10.10 or higher. Safari 7.0 and 8.0, Chrome (latest version andlatest -1) for OS x 10.10

Students can also access the SAM Study Center using their mobile devices.

Operating System Supported BrowsersiOS 9 Native

NOTES:

n Students may not be able to use 2016 Tasks on their Samsung mobile devices.n Students may not be able to use 2016 Tasks in Portrait mode on their tablets. They also cannot

right click.n Students cannot use SAM Keyboarding on mobile devices.

Confirm these settings in your browser:

n JavaScript is enabled.

n Pop-up Blocking is disabled, either entirely or for the SAM URLs: http://sam.cengage.com

n Ad blocking software is disabled for the URLs: http://sam.cengage.com

IMPORTANT: Do not havemultiple tabs or browsers with SAM open at the same time. Having multipleinstances of SAM open may result in a loss of data.

Enabling JavaScript

To use SAM, verify that JavaScript is enabled in your browser. To confirm its status and enable it if neces-sary, use the appropriate procedure for your browser.

http://sam.cengage.com/


Internet ExplorerUse this procedure to enable JavaScript for Internet Explorer.

Step Action1 Start Internet Explorer.2 On the Toolsmenu, click Internet Options.

Result: The Internet Options dialog box opens.3 Click the Security tab.4 Click Trusted Sites.5 Click Custom level.

Result: The Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box opens.6 Scroll to the Scripting section.7 Under Active Scripting, confirm that the Enable option button is selected.8 Click OK

Result: The Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box closes.9 Click OK

Result: The Internet Options dialog box closes.

Firefox for WindowsJavaScript is enabled by default in Firefox. Use this procedure to verify JavaScript is enabled.

Step Action1 Start Firefox.2 In the Address Bar enter about:config.

Press Enter.Result: The Awarning box displays.

3 Click the button labeled I’ll be careful, I promise!Result: The about.configwindow displays.

4 In the Search box, enter javascript.enabled.Result: The list filters to display javascript.enabled.

5 In the Value column to the far right, verify that True displays.If False displays (indicating that JavaScript is disabled), right-click True and selectToggle.Result: True displays (indicating that JavaScript is enabled).

6 Exit the about.configwindow.7 Restart Firefox.

Result: You enabled JavaScript.

Chrome for WindowsUse this procedure to enable JavaScript for Google Chrome.


Step Action1 Start Chrome.2 On the Customize and Control Google Chromemenu in the upper-right corner of

the browser window, click Settings.Result: The Settings dialog box opens.

3 Click the Show Advanced Settings link.Result: Advanced settings display.

4 Click Content Settings.Result: Content Settings display.

5 Confirm that the Allow All Sites to Run JavaScript check box is selected.6 In the Content Settings dialog box, click Done.

Result: Your changes save.

Safari for MacintoshUse this procedure to enable JavaScript for Safari.

Step Action1 On the Safarimenu, click Preferences.

Result: The Preferences dialog box opens.2 Click the Security tab.

Result: The Security tab displays.3 Confirm that the Enable JavaScript check box is selected.4 Close the Preferences dialog box


Setting Up Pop-Ups (IE Only)

SAM requires that pop-ups in Internet Explorer always display in a newwindow instead of a new tab.Use the following procedure to set up this display requirement:

Step Action1 On the Toolsmenu, click Internet Options.

Result: The Internet Options dialog box displays.2 On theGeneral tab under the Tabs Category, click Settings.

Result: The Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box opens.3 UnderWhen a pop-up is encountered, select Always open pop-ups in a new win-

dow.4 Click OK.

Result: Your changes save and the Tabbed Browsing Settings dialog box closes.5 Click OK.

Result: The Internet Options dialog box closes.


Disabling Pop-Up Blockers

To use SAM, disable pop-up blocking software on the browser for the URL http://sam.cengage.com. Usethe procedure appropriate to your browser to disable pop-up blocking.

Internet ExplorerUse this procedure to turn off pop-up blocking entirely or for the SAM URLs only:


Result: The Internet Options dialog box opens.3 Click the Privacy tab.4 Turn off pop-up blocking completely or for SAM URLs only.

To turn off Pop-up blocking com-pletely

To turn off pop-up blocking for SAMURLs only

To disable pop-up blocking completely,confirm that the Turn on Pop-up Blockercheck box is not selected.

NOTES:You can also turn off pop-up blockingentirely on themenu bar following thesesteps:n On the Toolsmenu, click Pop-UpBlocker.

n On the Pop-Up Blockermenu, clickTurn Off Pop-Up Blocker.

To disable pop-up blocking for SAM URLsonly:n Confirm that the Turn on Pop-upBlocker check box is selected.

n Under Pop-up Blocker, click Settings.Result: The Pop-up Blocker Settingsdialog box opens.

n In the Address of website to allowfield, enter http://sam.cengage.com.

n Click Add.

n Click Close to return to the InternetOptions dialog box.

n Click OK to save your changes.

Microsoft EdgeEnable Pop-ups in Microsoft Edge using the following procedure:

Step Action1 Open Microsoft Edge.2 Click the ellipses icon on the top right.3 Click Settings.

Result: The browser version displays in a window.4 Click View advanced settings.



Step ActionResult: Advanced Settings display.

5 Ensure Block pop-ups is turned off.Result: Pop-ups are enabled.

Firefox for WindowsUse this procedure to turn off pop-up blocking entirely or for the SAM URLs only:

Step Action1 Start Firefox.2 On the Toolsmenu, click Options.

Result: TheOptions dialog box opens.3 Click the Content tab.4 Turn off Pop-up blocking completely or for SAM URLs only.



Confirm that the Block pop-up windowscheck box is not selected.

n If not selected, click Exceptions to theright of the check box.

n In the Address of website field, enterthe URL http://sam.cengage.com.

n Click Exceptions to the right of thecheck box.Result: The Allow Sites – Pop-ups dia-log box displays.

n Click Allow.

5 On the Allow Sites – Pop-ups dialog box, click Close.6 In theOptions dialog box, click OK.


Chrome for WindowsUse this procedure to turn off pop-up blocking entirely or for the SAM URLs only:

Step Action1 Start Chrome.2 On the Customize and Control Google Chromemenu in the upper-right corner of

the browser window, click Settings.Result: The Settings dialog box opens.

3 Click the Show Advanced Setting link.4 Click Content Settings.


Step Action5 Turn off Pop-up blocking completely or for SAM URLs only.



Confirm that the Allow All Sites to ShowPop-ups check box is selected.

n ClickManage Exceptions.

n In the hostname pattern field, enterthe URL http://sam.cengage.com

n In the Pop-up exceptions dialog box,click Done.

6 In the Content Settings dialog box, click Done to save changes.

Safari for MacintoshSafari does not support disabling pop-up blocking for individual URLs. Turn off pop-up blocking to useSAM.

Step Action1 On the Safarimenu, click Preferences.

Result: The Preferences dialog box opens.2 Click the Security tab.3 Deselect the Block pop-up windows check box.4 Close the Preferences dialog box to save your changes.

Turn off pop-up blocking on themenu bar using the following procedure:

Step Action1 Click the Safarimenu.2 Deselect the Block Pop-Up Windows option.

Third-Party Pop-Up BlockersThird-party Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome toolbars offered by companies like Yahoo!, Googleand Ask.com may include pop-up blockers. Deactivate this feature, either entirely or for the URLhttp://sam.cengage.com. Refer to the toolbar documentation for instructions on how to disable this fea-ture.

Disabling Ad Blockers

Third-party add-ons and extensions for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari may block the display of ads.This may cause issues if one of the SAM URLs is present on the block list. To prevent this, disable theblocker for the URL http://sam.cengage.com. Refer to the ad blocker’s documentation for more inform-ation.




Zooming in and out

If parts of SAM are getting cut off, students can use their browsers zoom function to see the full screen.

Internet ExplorerUse this procedure to change the zoom level in Internet Explorer:


Result: The Internet Options dialog box opens.3 Hover over the zoom percentage.

Select the zoom percentage you want to use.4 Hover over the zoom percentage.

Select the zoom percentage you want to use.

Microsoft EdgeUse this procedure to change the zoom level in Microsoft Edge:

Step Action1 Open Microsoft Edge.2 Click the ellipses icon on the top right.3 Click + or - to change the zoom level.

Firefox for WindowsUse this procedure to change the zoom level in Firefox:

Step Action1 Start Firefox.2 Click themenu icon.3 Click + or - to change the zoom level.

Chrome for WindowsUse this procedure to change the zoom level in Google Chrome:

Step Action1 Start Chrome.2 Click themenu icon.3 Click + or - to change the zoom level.

Safari for MacintoshUse this procedure to change the zoom level in Safari:

Step Action1 On the Safarimenu, click View.


Step Action2 Click Zoom In or Zoom Out.


Logging into SAM as a New UserFollow these steps when you log into SAM for the first time:

Step Action1 In your browser, enter http://sam.cengage.com in the Address field and press the

Enter key.Result: The SAM Login page displays.

2 Click theNew User button.3 Enter your school’s Institution Key.

4 Click Submit.Result: A confirmation message displays to verify the institution’s identity.



Step Action

5 Click OK. You may need to add a Key Code to access SAM.If… Then…

If your institution has a Key Codelicense,

Enter the 18-digit Key Code at the prompt. Ifyou need to purchase a Key Code, go tohttp://www.cengagebrain.com.NOTE: Your institution may have a graceperiod where you can access SAM tem-porarily without entering a Key Code. Formore information, viewGrace Periods.

If your institution does not have a KeyCode license,

n TheMy Profile page displays.

n Proceed to Step 8.

6 Click Save.Result: TheMy Profile page displays.

http://www.cengagebrain.com/


Step Action

7 Enter the necessary information in the fields. Required fields display with an asterisk.NOTES:n You must enter and confirm your username and password in the correspondingtext boxes. You cannot copy and paste.

n CengageBrain checks the username you enter. If it finds it, a prompt directs you toenter your CengageBrain password to login.

8 Click Save to save your user information.


Step ActionResult: The Review and Confirm page displays.

9 Click Revise if you want to change your profile information and then click Save.Result: Changes are accepted.

10 Click Confirm in theMy Profile dialog box from step 8 to continue.Result: The Terms and Conditions page displays.


Step Action

11 Click I Agree to agree to the terms.Result: The Activity Calendar displays.


Logging in the First Time as a Pre-registered Student

Use the following procedure to log into SAM:



2 Enter the username and password you received.3 If this is your first login and your

institution has a site license,If this is your first login and yourinstitution does not have a sitelicense,

Click Login. Enter your SAM Key code at the prompt.If you need to purchase a Key Code, go tohttp://www.cengagebrain.com.

The SAM Terms and Conditions page dis-plays. (The SAM Home page displays onsubsequent logins.)

Click Login.

4 When the SAM Terms and Conditions page displays, click I Agree to accept the termsand conditions.




Step Action

5 Enter and Confirm your secret question and secret answer.

When finished, click Submit.6 Enter and confirm a new password.


Step Action

When finished, click Submit.Result: The Activity Calendar displays.

Profile Information

Enter your profile information. See the following table for more information on each field:

Field Type DescriptionFirst name Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of

the following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,Middle initial (optional) Maximum 1 character and cannot contain any of

the following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,Last name Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of

the following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,Username/Email Must be 6 to 50 characters and cannot contain any

of the following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,NOTE: Your username cannot be changedonce you save your profile.

Password 6 to 17 characters; use letter, numbers and under-scores only.


Field Type DescriptionAlias (optional) Minimum 6 characters; maximum 20 characters

and cannot contain any of the following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,

ID# (optional) Maximum 20 characters and cannot contain any ofthe following: ~ ` ^ * “ $ % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,

Communication Email (optional) Maximum 128 charactersSecret Question Select a secret question from the drop-down menuSecret Answer Enter an answer to the selected Secret QuestionBlackboard ID Enter your Blackboard ID

IMPORTANT: The username/email and password you enter become your login credentials for CengageBrain (http://www.cengagebrain.com). If you have a Cengage Brain account, use that username andpassword when you register for SAM. (See Login Help)

Grace Periods

Some students have grace periods up to three weeks where they can access SAM without providing anaccess code. This is only applicable for students in an institution where they purchase Key Codes toaccess SAM and have the Grace period option enabled. The Grace Period duration may vary.

This table details the differences between Key Code Institutions and Site License Institutions:

Key Code Institution Site License Institution

Students may have a grace period dependingon their institution settings. Grace Periods canbe up to three weeks long.

Students do not need to enter an access codeto use SAM.

Follow these steps to access SAM while using a Grace Period.

n When registering for SAM as a NewUser, click Enter Later when it prompts you for a Key Code.

n The amount of time you have left for the grace period displays every time you log into SAM.



Forgot Password

If you forgot your password, use this procedure to reset your password.

Step Action1 On the SAM Login page, click the Forgot your password? button.

Result: The Retrieve Your Password dialog box displays.

2 Enter your username and click Continue.3 In the dialog box that displays, enter the answer to the security question and click

Submit.NOTE: The answer is not case sensitive.If you don't remember your answer, click the Contact Tech Support button.


Step Action

Result: SAM sends an email to your email address on record with a link to reset yourpassword.

4 Open the email and click the password reset link. Follow the instructions to resetyour password.


Existing UsersIf you are an existing user (completed your initial login to SAM), use the following procedure to log in.

IMPORTANT: SAM supports single sign-on (SSO) with Cengage Brain (http://www.cengagebrain.com)enabling you to use the same username and password for both systems. If you are a returning SAMuser, the first time you log in to the SAM environment, SAM checks Cengage Brain for an existingaccount. If you have an account, a prompt displays enabling you to enter your Cengage Brain passwordto link the SAM account with Cengage Brain. Use your SAM password on subsequent logins to SAM.



2 Enter your username and password.3 Click Login.

Result: The Activity Calendar displays.




Step Action


Logging OutOnce you are done using SAM, click the Logout button in the upper-right corner of the page. The SAMlogin page displays.

Date post:	30-Dec-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ngophuc
View:	233 times
Download:	3 times

SAM System Requirements Guide.pdf

Documents