Getting Started: Your Computer

Before you use Centra, make sure your computer satisfies the following requirements

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) audio is not required for events that use telephone for audio. Some events may not require you to have a microphone. Check with your event organizer for specific event requirements, such as sound card, speakers/headphones, or a microphone.

To check your system automatically you must first log in to your assigned Centra domain. Select System Check from the menu at the top of the screen. This will launch Centra's system check in a new window. Users with Pop-up window blocking software may need to temporarily disable this feature.

Once you are on the System Check page, click the start button to begin.

Centra checks your browser, network connection and audio capabilities one at a time. Between each check you must prompt Centra to Continue. The audio check requires that you test out the speakers and microphone on your system. Follow the prompts to set your playback and recording volume levels. Make sure you do not select voice activated at the bottom of the screen which asks you to choose speaker or headset mode. If you select this option, your breathing could inadvertently activate the microphone. If you have problems you should check your audio manually. Click exit to end the system check once it has completed.

To determine your Windows version, your central processing unit (CPU), and the amount of RAM you have installed: Right click the desktop icon labeled My Computer and select Properties. Under the General tab you'll find your operating system (Win 98, Me, NT, XP or 2000) and the amount of RAM installed. You can also refer to the written documentation that came with your computer.

To determine the screen resolution (size) and color depth you are currently showing: Right click the desktop, select Properties, and then click the Settings tab. You should have at least 256 colors under the Color Pallet box, and 800 X 600 pixels under Desktop Area box. Higher settings for both are fine.

To determine the browser version, open IE or Netscape, go to the Help menu at the top and select About Internet Explorer or About Communicator. A page or box will open indicating your current browser version. Other browsers will have similar paths to find out what your current version is.

To determine the sound card installed on your system (most modern multimedia computers come equipped with a 16 bit sound card), refer to your written documentation that came with your computer.

If, during audio wizard tuning, you can't hear a voice during Play or your voice after Record, please follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have the headset jacks (or speaker and separate mic jacks) plugged in securely to the correct holes. Colors do not always match, so look for the small symbols or "phones", and or "mic" for the microphone. If you have a USB headset or microphone, it will have a rectangular port with a symbol.


2. Right click the volume icon in the lower right menu bar. (If there is no icon go to the Start Menu, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, and choose Volume Controls. In some versions it may be under Control Panel, Sounds and Audio Devices, and then clicking on Advanced under the volume tab.)


3. Left click Open Volume Control.
   
   


4. Under the Options menu, select Properties.
   
   


5. Select Playback and make sure all of the boxes are checked. Click OK.
   
   


6. Mute mic, mono-in, and serial-in by checking the Mute boxes beneath each of their individual volume control sliders.


7. Master out, wave, synth, CD, and line-in should not be muted in the Volume Control.


8. Next, go back to the Options menu and select Properties again.


9. Select Recording and make sure all the boxes are checked.


10. If the Recording Control shows Select boxes in place of Mute boxes, select the Microphone.


11. Wave, synth, and serial-in should be muted in the Recording Control.


12. CD, line-in, and mic should not be muted in the Recording Control.