CAL System Requirements - NeSA

System Requirements | CAL System Requirements

CAL System Requirements

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Hardware

  • Memory
  • 64 MB of RAM. 128 MB recommended.
  • Running the CAL software requires an average of 32 MB of memory.  Under normal conditions, a system with 64 MB of RAM should suffice to run the software; however, if your computer is simultaneously running several applications, the performance of the CAL software could be affected.
  • Display
  • Monitors should have a resolution of at least 800X600 pixels.  Video adapters should have at least 8 MB of memory.
  • CPU/Processor
  • 200 MHz or higher.

Operating System

  • Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
  • Mac OS X 10.3 (with Java 1.4)/10.4 and above. See the note below for Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.

Internet Connectivity and Security

  • Allow connections to the Internet using HTTP and HTTPS protocols on ports 80 and 443.
  • Allow communication to the following servers:
    • http://nesa.caltesting.org
    • https://nesa.caltesting.org
    • http://nesa3.caltesting.org
    • https://nesa3.caltesting.org
    • http://updates.caltesting.org

Bandwidth

  • Non-LCS Configuration:

    If you do not install the LCS in your local network, the bandwidth requirements are higher and vary depending on the size of the tests students are taking (graphically intensive tests demand more bandwidth). For planning purposes, a good estimate of an average test size is 100 KB. If we assume a T1 Internet connection (1.54Mbps) for your school, and if you allow a 30 second window for all your students to login to the test, your testing capacity will be approximately 57 students simultaneously.

    The CAL testing application supports the download of all test data to each workstation during the login process. This means that after the initial login process, no extra data is downloaded and students can navigate through the test with no delays whatsoever. This feature of the CAL system allows you to increase your testing capacity by staggering the login process of your students. For instance, if you have a T1 connection and if you allow a 3 minute window for all your students to login to the test, your testing capacity will be greater than 57 simultaneous users. Following this strategy we have schools with a T1 connection testing up to 150 simultaneous students.

  • LCS Configuration:
    • Local bandwidth requirements can be significantly reduced if you install the LCS in your school or district network. A single instance of the LCS installed in your local environment can support up to 1000 simultaneous testers. If you require an even higher testing capacity, you can install multiple instances of the LCS.
    • We typically recommend the installation of the LCS on the local school network; however if you have reliable and high-speed connectivity, such as DS3 (45Mbps+), between your schools and your district network, you could consider installing the LCS at the district network.
    • Another important feature of the LCS that you should consider when evaluating its use is that in case of local Internet interruptions, students using the LCS would be able to continue their testing session without interruptions. On the other hand, students testing without the LCS would be exited from the test and would need to continue their test session after the Internet interruption is resolved.
    • Read more about the LCS.

Additional Software

  • The Student Tutorials require Flash version 7r63 or higher.
  • We recommend the most current version of Flash for best performance.  If you need to update your version of Flash, visit the Flash Player Download Center.

Additional Requirements for Visual Accommodations

  • Memory: 512 MB minimum, 1 GB recommended
  • CPU/Processor: 1 GHz minimum, 1.5 GHz recommended

Special Note Regarding Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6

  • Mac OS X 10.5.8
    CAL has an automatic update feature that allows the testing software to automatically receive updates. Starting on December 3, 2009, Mac 10.5.8 systems have an option to get a "Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 6". If this update is installed on your computers, the use of Java 1.4 will be disabled. Since Java 1.4 is required for the CAL automatic update feature to work, your computers will not be able to get the next CAL update automatically. One solution to this problem is to manually enable the use of Java 1.4 again. To do that you can follow these steps:
    • Using Finder go to Applications/Utilities
    • Open Java Preferences
    • Under the 'General' tab there would be entries for 'J2SE 1.4.2' under both Java Applet Plugin and Java Applications
    • Enable the check boxes corresponding to 'J2SE 1.4.2' under both these categories
    • Close the Preferences and start the CAL Application
    • Now the application will make use of Java 1.4.2 and should be able to get the updates
  • Mac OS X 10.6
    These systems do not support Java 1.4 and will not be able to get automatic updates at this time.
  • CAL is currently working on a solution that will solve this problem and allow CAL automatic updates for both Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.