Audio Browser Setup

1. What is the audio browser?

The audio browser allows the test taker to record themselves speaking during the delivery of computer based tests. This application starts when the test starts, and if desired by the test, locks down the desktop, including:

Hiding all other running programs, including program manager
Blocking the user from using a hotkey combination to launch applications
Disabling the use of the ctl-alt-del administration menu
Clearing the clipboard when the test is over

2. What hardware and software do I need to run the audio browser?

To successfully run the audio browser, you will need a computer that supports the Windows operating system, and has Windows Media Player 9 or later installed. Administrator or power user rights are required to install the audio browser, though no special privileges are required to take the test.

3. What do I have to do to install and run the audio browser?

The audio browser involves installing a small Windows application on your computer. The application does not require configuration, but it does require either Power User or Administrator rights to install. When a secure test starts, it will automatically launch the audio browser, taking control of the screen and locking down the environment for the duration of the test. At the end of the test, the audio browser shell is released, and control is returned back to your browser. No changes or reconfigurations are made to your browser.

4. How large is the audio browser application?

The application is less than 900K.

5. How long will it take to download the audio browser application?

Depending on your network, about 15 seconds to 2 minutes.

6. If I re-image the machine, do I need to reinstall the audio browser?

If you wish to run a secure test after you re-image the machine, you will need to re-install the audio browser software. If you will be administering the test over a period of time, and you re-image your machines on a periodic basis (e.g. nightly or weekly) it is strongly recommended that you make the audio browser a part of your image during the test administration period. This will reduce the amount of work required by your technical staff in re-installing the browser, or getting special permission rights.

7. Does the audio browser application stay resident and/or active on the machine for future administrations?

The audio browser is only resident in memory while it is being used to take an examination. It will remain installed on the machine, and will allow the machine to be used for future secure examinations without requiring an additional installation. It does not remain in memory unless being used, and is only active during the test administration. It cannot be launched in any other way except through test delivery.

8. Can a test taker execute the audio browser application to browse the web?

No. The purpose of the audio browser is strictly to deliver an examination. It is activated only when launched by the test.

9. Will the audio browser interact with other applications on my machine?

No. If there are applications running on the machine when the test is launch, the audio browser will “hide” these applications for the duration of the test. If another application opens a window during a test administration, that application window will be automatically closed behind the scenes without interruption of the test.

10. Does the audio browser application need to be removed once the test has ended?

No. The audio browser will start when the test is started, and will close automatically at the end of the test. It will not interfere with any other application, does not remain in memory unless being used during test delivery, and is only activated when launched by the test. When you have finished your test administration period, if you wish, you may remove it until your next test administration period.

11. I'm having problems. Where can I get help?

First make sure you are using a supported browser and computer. If you are, check the list of common problems and solutions under the technical support link to see if your problem is listed. If you cannot resolve the problem, please contact technical support and we will be happy to assist you.


Audio Browser Setup This application requires the audio browser. The audio browser allows you to record yourself speaking during a test, and is only loaded into memory while the test is being delivered. This software does not transfer any information from your machine, nor is it resident in memory when you are not delivering a test. Click the link on the upper right-hand side of the page to download and install the program. Once the program has been installed, click the link to return to your application. 891K 1 minute, 52 seconds over a dialup modem 15 seconds over a broadband connection
1. What is the audio browser? The audio browser allows the test taker to record themselves speaking during the delivery of computer based tests. This application starts when the test starts, and if desired by the test, locks down the desktop, including: Hiding all other running programs, including program manager Blocking the user from using a hotkey combination to launch applications Disabling the use of the ctl-alt-del administration menu Clearing the clipboard when the test is over 2. What hardware and software do I need to run the audio browser? To successfully run the audio browser, you will need a computer that supports the Windows operating system, and has Windows Media Player 9 or later installed. Administrator or power user rights are required to install the audio browser, though no special privileges are required to take the test. 3. What do I have to do to install and run the audio browser? The audio browser involves installing a small Windows application on your computer. The application does not require configuration, but it does require either Power User or Administrator rights to install. When a secure test starts, it will automatically launch the audio browser, taking control of the screen and locking down the environment for the duration of the test. At the end of the test, the audio browser shell is released, and control is returned back to your browser. No changes or reconfigurations are made to your browser. 4. How large is the audio browser application? The application is less than 900K. 5. How long will it take to download the audio browser application? Depending on your network, about 15 seconds to 2 minutes. 6. If I re-image the machine, do I need to reinstall the audio browser? If you wish to run a secure test after you re-image the machine, you will need to re-install the audio browser software. If you will be administering the test over a period of time, and you re-image your machines on a periodic basis (e.g. nightly or weekly) it is strongly recommended that you make the audio browser a part of your image during the test administration period. This will reduce the amount of work required by your technical staff in re-installing the browser, or getting special permission rights. 7. Does the audio browser application stay resident and/or active on the machine for future administrations? The audio browser is only resident in memory while it is being used to take an examination. It will remain installed on the machine, and will allow the machine to be used for future secure examinations without requiring an additional installation. It does not remain in memory unless being used, and is only active during the test administration. It cannot be launched in any other way except through test delivery. 8. Can a test taker execute the audio browser application to browse the web? No. The purpose of the audio browser is strictly to deliver an examination. It is activated only when launched by the test. 9. Will the audio browser interact with other applications on my machine? No. If there are applications running on the machine when the test is launch, the audio browser will “hide” these applications for the duration of the test. If another application opens a window during a test administration, that application window will be automatically closed behind the scenes without interruption of the test. 10. Does the audio browser application need to be removed once the test has ended? No. The audio browser will start when the test is started, and will close automatically at the end of the test. It will not interfere with any other application, does not remain in memory unless being used during test delivery, and is only activated when launched by the test. When you have finished your test administration period, if you wish, you may remove it until your next test administration period. 11. I'm having problems. Where can I get help? First make sure you are using a supported browser and computer. If you are, check the list of common problems and solutions under the technical support link to see if your problem is listed. If you cannot resolve the problem, please contact technical support and we will be happy to assist you.