# Technology Requirements and Recommendations for Sora Students

Updated over 2 weeks ago

# **Is Your Device Supported? Check here!**

# **For New Students**

Make sure that you have a device that meets our technology recommendations **before you start school.** _Parents, you can also find this information on Heartbeat._

Here's a quick recap of what you need to know:

- Tablets are not recommended as a primary Sora device due to software restrictions. Mobile devices like cell phones are not supported as a primary device. Contact [techsupport@soraschools.com](mailto:techsupport@soraschools.com) for information on alternatives to tablets and mobile devices.

- Make sure that your device is able to support its most recent operating system (so it can install necessary security updates).

# **Using Chromebooks/ChromeOS**

We’re actively working to improve the experience for students using ChromeOS devices.

- Recent updates to Sora Home and Zoom’s new ChromeOS app have brought greater stability, and we’ll continue to make improvements wherever possible.

- **While success at Sora is certainly possible on a Chromebook, we recommend having access to a Mac or Windows device for the best overall experience.**

- Please note that full support for ChromeOS is still limited at this time.

- Contact **[techsupport@soraschools.com](mailto:techsupport@soraschools.com)** if you'd like more guidance about using Chromebooks at Sora.

# **Hardware and Operating System Minimum Recommendations**

Students need a computer to successfully participate in the Sora program. The minimum hardware recommendations for the Sora Program are as follows:

## **Windows**

- Operating System: Windows 7+ (Windows 10+ recommended)

- CPU: Intel/AMD processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12 level GPU

- RAM: 4GB of RAM

- Storage: 10 GB of free storage space

- Recommended Browser: Google Chrome

# **macOS**

- Operating System: macOS 10.11+ (macOS 10.14+ recommended)

- CPU: Intel processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12 level GPU ( _Apple M-series chips work too_)

- RAM: 4GB of RAM

- Storage: 10 GB of free storage space

- Recommended Browser: Google Chrome or Safari

# **Internet Connection**

Sora recommends a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps to properly access Sora’s learning resources. You may go here to perform a speed test: [https://www.speedtest.net](https://www.speedtest.net/).

# **Mobile Devices for Learning at Sora**

Unfortunately, mobile devices such as tablets and phones cannot be used as a primary device for accessing Sora because they do not support all the necessary software products.

# **Software Needed on Day 1**

_Learn more about [being day 1 tech-ready for Sora here](https://support.soraschools.com/en/articles/11407801-tech-check-getting-day-1-ready)._

- [Google/Gmail](https://mail.google.com/) (your account login information will be sent to the **parent/guardian email** so you can help your student log in to start the onboarding process)
  
- Make sure you are logged in and have your password saved somewhere safe! Contact [techsupport@soraschools.com](mailto:techsupport@soraschools.com) if you need to have your password reset.

- [Zoom](https://zoom.us/download) (download and install + test to see if you can connect to a meeting)
  
- You will be able to access Sora Expeditions and House meetings via your Sora Google Account! You won't need a separate Zoom account for Sora expeditions or meetings.

- [Heartbeat](https://www.heartbeat.chat/) (download and install the Heartbeat native app, or keep Heartbeat as a tab in the browser you use for other Sora websites)
  
- Parents and students will be emailed an invitation to access the Sora community before the first day of school.