For issues with Cookies being Blocked or Not Supported
Click here to see our article with instructions for various browsers.
The information on this page will help you understand the results shown when you run the System Checker and any next steps you may need to take. These links will help you navigate this article quickly.
- What is the System Checker?
- Where can I find the System Checker?
- What Warnings mean and how to solve them
What is the System Checker?
The System Checker is a tool created by Sponge to help you check if the device you are using to access your training is compatible with the Spark learning system.
As eLearning is designed to work on modern browsers with reasonably modern devices, this will help you determine if there are any issues affecting your experience and what they might be.
Where can I find the System Checker?
The System Checker can be found on the log in page for your training.
While you are taking the training, the System Checker also will run automatically and alert you if it finds a potential issue. A notification will appear on your screen, with an option allowing you to run the full System Checker and view the results.
Clicking the button to run the full System Checker will open the test in a new browser window or tab, allowing you to return to the original window or tab without having to reload your training.
Alternately you can access the System Checker directly via the following link:
https://showcase.boltspark.com/frontend/checker/
Understanding the System Checker
When you open the page for the System Checker it will display an initial summary of your browser details, including the browser and version of that browser currently being used. It will also display other information that may be useful to Support queries, such as the Platform and Connection information.
To continue the test, select the “Run Tests” button beneath the initial summary.
The System Checker will then proceed to run more in-depth tests over approximately the next 30 seconds and display the results on the same page.
Successful test results
A Green Tick next to each test indicates that it meets the minimum requirements and will not impact your training experience, and may look like the below image.
Partially successful results
A Warning Symbol next to a test indicates that there may be an issue that will impact your learning experience, and it is in your best interest to resolve these where you are able to.
The example image below shows a mostly successful check but with a warning about latency.
If you receive warnings, see the information below on what they mean and what you might do to resolve them. For each area that needs attention, follow the suggested troubleshooting steps and re-run the system checker regularly to confirm that the steps taken have resolved the issue.
What do the warnings mean and what can I do about them?
- Browser
- Cookies blocked or not supported
- Mouse/Touch
- Clock Accuracy
- Connection Speed
- Network Latency
- Firewall
- Other
Browser
eLearning can have a wide range of functionality and interactivity, and is designed to be used across a variety of different devices. Achieving this means using modern web technologies, which requires an up-to-date browser to run.
The System Checker will verify if the browser you are using is able to support these technologies, including visual and audio elements.
If your browser is out of date or does not allow the use of certain technologies or plugins, you should update your browser to the latest available version for your device.
Browsers
|
Google Chrome |
Mozilla Firefox |
Microsoft Edge |
Safari iOS* |
*Safari on iOS mobile devices is tied to the Operating System, please ensure your device is up to date with the latest software.
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Samsung Internet browser are not supported browsers for the Spark or Ignite platforms. Please update your browser to the latest version of one of the compatible browsers.
If your browser is up-to-date and errors are still appearing on the System Checker that are not addressed in this article, please reach out to our Support Team for assistance.
Cookies/Third Party Cookies blocked or not supported
Cookies are small files stored in your browser when you access a website. They are used in tracking your progress in training and personalising your experience.
Fixing this issue depends on the browser you are using.
Click here to see the article for instructions across various browsers.
This test will identify if your system allows Cookies to be stored and what type of Cookies your browser is able to support.
No cookies enabled
Not having any Cookies enabled on your browser will impact your experience and ability to have your training progress accurately recorded.
Third-party cookies disabled
Recent updates to Apple's Safari browser have third-party cookies disabled by default. Third Party Cookies are needed for some of the software used in eLearning content, and are required to ensure you receive the best training experience.
Note: Cookies and Third-party Cookies are required to ensure that you are able to complete your eLearning experience.
If there is a Warning relating to Cookies, you will need to refer to your browser settings to resolve this issue. Please refer to our guide on how to enable cookies on your browser.
Once you have enabled Cookies, please re-run the System Checker to confirm that this issue is resolved.
3D Transforms
Mouse/Touch
The System Checker will be able to verify if your mouse or touchpad is operating correctly.
If you receive a Warning, you may prefer to check/switch to a wired mouse instead of a touch pad or wireless mouse. You may also need to restart your device and run the check a second time.
Clock Accuracy
Accurate Date and Time information on your local system is vital to ensuring correct progress tracking and syncing of your progress data to the eLearning.
If the System Checker highlights that this is an issue, please resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Options for doing this on various platforms are listed below:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Apple Mac
- iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads
- Android devices - phones or tablets
Connection Speed
This check verifies that there is enough bandwidth available on your internet connection for the modules and their content to load.
If you find that your speed is below the suggested minimum, the training may still work but you may encounter slow load times or the learning content may struggle to load completely.
Training is intended to be accessed on connection speeds of 1Mb or higher as a minimum.
Here are some simple things you can review to try and improve this. These suggestions can also assist in improving your Network Latency.
- If you are using a phone, tablet or wireless device, try switching to a Wi-Fi connection rather than a 3G or 4G data connection. 5G connections should be suitable, but due to low coverage areas of 5G you may find that you do not have a consistent strong 5G connection.
- If on a Wi-Fi connection, get closer to your wireless router to try to boost your connection speed. Thick walls may degrade your Wi-Fi performance.
- If you are on a desktop computer or laptop and having problems with a Wi-Fi connection, try using a wired ethernet connection if you are able.
It requires a cable to directly connect your computer to your router, but will invariably give you better connection speeds.
For further advice on troubleshooting a consistently low connection speed, please refer to your internet service provider or local company IT team. They may be able to provide further specific advice and carry out remote troubleshooting for you to improve your connection.
Network Latency
Latency is how long it takes data to travel between its source and destination, measured in milliseconds. If this value is too high, then there will be a delay in transferring information from the server to your device.
High values may mean that your training does not load or track your progress correctly, and extremely high values may disrupt your experience completely.
Solutions for high Network Latency are related to your Connection Speed, and solutions that can assist in resolving this issue can be found in the section above.
Firewall
Training modules contain a wide variety of mixed-media content, including videos, animations, fonts, graphics, and scripts located outside of the module that may be loaded or linked to on-demand.
This check verifies that your Firewall will allow the modules to be run and load the above content from certain default online locations.
Some Firewalls block the use of videos or certain types of files.
If the System Checker advises that certain content or locations are being blocked, you may need to add an exception in your Anti-Virus software or Firewall rules.
To do this, you may need to contact your local IT/Systems Administrator to white-list the following domains:
- http://*.boltspark.com/*
- https://*.boltspark.com/*
- http://*.boltdemo.com/*
- https://*.boltdemo.com/*
- https://polyfill.io/v3/polyfill.min.js
- https://bolt-static.s3.amazonaws.com/*
- https://fonts.googleapis.com/css
- https://bolt-live-a.s3.amazonaws.com/*
- https://d1lmi2xunt0bg9.cloudfront.net/*
- https://d37qvdioltnfzp.cloudfront.net/*
- https://browser.sentry-cdn.com/*
- cloudfront.boltspark.com
Still need help?
If you are unable to find a solution, please submit a request to the Support Team for further assistance.
Please include the following details when submitting your request:
- Any relevant screenshots and details of error messages you are seeing when you try to access your training; and
- Screenshots of your System Checker results.
The more information you are able to provide, the more our Support Team will be able to narrow down and diagnose the issue for you.