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| SMART BOARD FAQ |
How does a SMART Board interactive whiteboard work?
Does a SMART Board interactive whiteboard come with software?
Can I use any computer with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
Which computer applications can I use?
Do I need to use a projector with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
What type of projector can I use?
Can I use a SMART Board interactive whiteboard for conferencing?
How durable is the screen surface?
What's the difference between an interactive whiteboard and an electronic whiteboard?
How does the SMART Board interactive whiteboard know which SMART Pen Tray tool I'm using?
How do I right-click without a mouse?
What makes a SMART Board interactive whiteboard touch sensitive?
What are the advantages of analog resistive technology?
How firmly do I have to press to register contact with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
Is product training available?
How does a SMART Board interactive whiteboard work?
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard connects to a computer with a USB cable (older models use a serial cable) and draws the power it needs from the computer. The SMART Board driver automatically starts when the computer is turned on, and the interactive whiteboard becomes active once the driver is running.
When you connect a digital projector to your computer, you can project the computer image onto the SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
The SMART Board driver converts contact with the interactive whiteboard into mouse clicks or digital ink. This feature enables you to use your finger as a mouse or write overtop of applications.
Does a SMART Board interactive whiteboard come with software?
Yes. The award-winning SMART Board software suite includes Notebook white boarding software, flexible tools, and content designed specifically for educators, included at no cost. Unlimited installs, free upgrades and a take-home version also come as standard features.
Can I use any computer with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
SMART Board software is required to run the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. You can install SMART Board software on any computer running Windows 98 (and later) or Mac OS 8.5 (and later) operating systems. You’ll also need an available serial or USB connection.
For the latest version of SMART Board software, the requirements are as follows:
Windows operating systems
- Pentium 150 MHz processor (450 MHz or faster recommended)
- 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)
- Available powered USB or serial port
- Windows NT 4.0 (SP6) or Windows 98 operating system or later
- 160 MB of free hard disk space for complete installation
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later
- Macromedia Flash player version 7.0.19 or later (recommended)
Macintosh computers
- 400 MHz processor (800 MHz or faster recommended)
- 256 MB of RAM
- 110 MB for complete installation with Gallery collections
- Available powered USB port
- Mac OS X version 10.1.5 or later
Linux operating systems
- Pentium II 450 MHz processor
- 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)
- 185 MB of free hard disk space for minimum installation (460 MB for full installation with Gallery collections)
- Linux kernel version 2.6 or later (2.6.13 or later to use a Sympodium DT770 interactive pen display)
- X Windows version 11 release 6 (X11R6) or higher that supports XRENDER and Xinerama
- glibc 2.3.3 (gcc 3.4.2)
- libstdc++6
- Gnome 2.8.0+ or KDE 3.3+ libraries (recommended)
- SUSE 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 WS or Fedora Core 3+
NOTE: Earlier versions of SMART Board software are available for Windows, Mac and UNIX and Linux operating systems.
Which computer applications can I use?
Any application that you use on your computer will work on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Some commonly used applications, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word, and AutoCAD, are especially well integrated for use with SMART Board interactive whiteboards. Depending on the application, you can save files with notes, convert handwriting to text or activate tools when you pick up a pen from the SMART Pen Tray.
While any software will work on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, some applications are designed specifically for use on interactive whiteboards. These applications may feature large buttons and scroll bars for easy manipulation and low toolbars for easy access by children or seated users.
Do I need to use a projector with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
To make the most of your SMART Board interactive whiteboard, you'll want to project your desktop to work with your computer applications. This requires a digital projector.
If you simply connect a front-projection SMART Board interactive whiteboard to your computer and install the software, you do not need a projector. You can use the interactive whiteboard as a dry-erase whiteboard, with the benefit of being able to save all written notes to your computer.
What type of projector can I use?
You can use any digital projector to display your desktop on a front-projection SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
Can I use a SMART Board interactive whiteboard for conferencing?
Yes. SMART Board software has advanced integration with SMART’s Bridgit conferencing software for simple, effective data conferencing. The software also integrates with other conferencing applications.
For specific information on integration with other conferencing systems, visit the SMART conferencing resource center.
How durable is the screen surface?
The screen surface is very durable. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard display is made of a special hard-coated polyester, the same material used for New York City Transit and Shanghai Subway cards. The hard coat is a thin finish that greatly enhances the resistance to scratches, abrasions and chemicals. The underlying layer of polyester is virtually tear proof. The hard coat and polyester combine to create a very durable and long-lasting surface
Can someone without a SMART Board interactive whiteboard view my notes?
Yes. There are two ways to share notes with someone who doesn't have a SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
First, if you're running the latest version of Notebook software for Windows operating systems, you can save your files as .pdf, .htm or .jpg files. To upgrade your software for free, visit the software library.
Second, since SMART Board software comes with SMART’s interactive products, you can give other users in your organization the SMART Board software disks or the software can be downloaded from the SMART website. With SMART Board software installed, Notebook files can be opened, edited and saved from any desktop. You can even share files across platforms. Any computer running SMART Board software, regardless of operating system, can open Notebook files.
What's the difference between an interactive whiteboard and an electronic whiteboard?
Interactive whiteboard is the standard term for a product on which you display your computer desktop and with which you interact to open applications, navigate websites, and write and save whiteboard notes.
Electronic whiteboard is the standard term for a product that you use solely to save dry-erase-marker notes to a connected computer. You don't display your computer desktop on the board.
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard front-projection models (640, 660, 680) can be used either as electronic whiteboards (without a projector) or as interactive whiteboards (with a projector).
How does the SMART Board interactive whiteboard know which SMART Pen Tray tool I'm using?
Optical sensors in the pen tray automatically detect when a tool is lifted and send this information to the computer. If you pick up the red pen, your next contact with the surface will be in red ink. If you pick up the eraser, you’ll erase the ink. LED lights indicate which tool is active. If more than one tool is removed from the tray, the last tool selected will be active.
How do I right-click without a mouse?
Simply press the right mouse button on the SMART Pen Tray, and your next touch will be a right-click.
What makes a SMART Board interactive whiteboard touch sensitive?
The interactive whiteboard surface consists of two sheets of resistive material separated by a small air gap. When you press on the interactive whiteboard you close the air gap and thus register a contact point. This contact point's coordinates are sent to the computer.
What are the advantages of analog resistive technology?
- Touch control is intuitive. With resistive technology, you can press on the board with your finger or a pen to control computer applications or write on the interactive whiteboard. You need no special tools, batteries or buttons to work at the board.
- Resistive interactive whiteboards are reliable and stable – they can be easily moved because there are no delicate scanners or sensors to dislodge. Yet they also offer accurate, precise input.
How firmly do I have to press to register contact with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
You don't have to press hard, but pressure on the SMART Board interactive whiteboard must be constant in order for writing to register. It's similar to writing with chalk on a blackboard.
Is product training available?
Yes. SMART offers a variety of training materials and services to help you get the most from your SMART product. Whether you choose to learn at your own pace free of charge, through instructor-led sessions or through the reseller who sells you the product, you'll find tools to suit your needs. For more information, visit our ICT Consults Ltd
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