To ensure that AWARDS works correctly for you, care should be paid to meeting the system software and hardware requirements outlined here. We strongly recommend that additional considerations such as encryption, also detailed below, be factored into your use of AWARDS as well.
Software Requirements
Supported Browsers & Operating Systems
Browsers supported for use with AWARDS are listed in the table below, along with the corresponding operating system(s) in which they can be used. These are the only browsers with which we test AWARDS. As a result, if you use a browser other than one listed here, you may not experience AWARDS as it was intended to be used.
| Browser | Version | Operating System | Notes |
| Microsoft Edge | Most recent version | Windows 10 | Windows XP is NOT a supported operating system. |
| Google Chrome | Most recent version |
Windows 7, 8.1, 10 |
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| Mozilla Firefox | Most recent version | Windows 7, 8.1, 10 Mac OS Chrome OS Linux Android |
|
| Apple Safari | Most recent version |
Mac OS |
Safari should not be used in "private browsing" mode when accessing AWARDS. |
Notes on Browser Settings and Plug-Ins
When configuring your chosen browser's settings, please note the following for the best possible AWARDS experience:
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JavaScript - Should be set to "allowed," as many aspects of AWARDS require it.
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Pop-Up Blockers - Set your pop-up blocker to always allow pop-ups from your AWARDS database, as having a pop-up blocker enabled can interfere with some functionality (for example, file downloads).
Hardware Requirements
AWARDS is optimized for desktop and laptop computers with internet access and an up-to-date Web browser; however, it can also be used with internet-connected mobile devices like tablets (for example iPads) or smartphones. Many users successfully access and work with their AWARDS databases via such mobile devices; however, it is important to keep in mind that AWARDS is not mobile-optimized so your experience may vary.
Regardless of the device you choose to use, you are responsible for making sure that it is connected to the Internet, up-to-date, and works with any external devices that you use with AWARDS.
Also, please keep in mind that the minimum supported screen resolution in AWARDS is 1024x768 on a seven inch screen. If you use a device with a lesser resolution or a smaller screen, your experience may vary.
Electronic Signature Capture Considerations
If you will be using AWARDS to electronically sign documents, it may be helpful to take that into consideration when making hardware selections. For additional information, please see the short video below.
- Capturing Electronic Signatures in AWARDS (4 min) - A quick look at commonly used hardware solutions for agencies implementing (or upgrading) electronic signatures functionality. (November 2018)
Additional Considerations
Device Encryption
While use of AWARDS does not require that the device you're using be encrypted, encryption is a critically important and highly recommended piece of technology in today's information technology environment. Encryption makes data indecipherable to unauthorized individuals - including anyone acting maliciously - unless they have the shared "key" to unlock the data. This protects any protected health information you may have downloaded from AWARDS to your device in the event that it is compromised or stolen.
The process of setting up encryption will vary from device to device based on your operating system. There are often built-in solutions that are easy to use; for example:
- Windows - Windows has a built-in encryption module called BitLocker; however, it is only available in Windows Pro (and Enterprise), and will only work with machines with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. There are exceptions to this, but by and large these are the requirements for encrypting a Windows machine without using additional software.
- Mac OS - Every Mac has a built-in feature called FileVault; however, it is generally not enabled by default and must be turned on under System Preferences.
- Chrome OS - Every Chrome device has encryption enabled by default and adheres to the same hardware spec for security. It just works - there's nothing else to do.
- iOS - iOS has built-in encryption, but you may have to enable it on your device. Here are some quick instructions for making sure your device is encrypted.
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Android - The method of encrypting an Android device depends on the manufacturer. Most recent Google-designed devices like the Nexus and Pixel models are encrypted by default, but as a general rule you should go to your device's security settings and make sure that device storage is encrypted.
Optimizing AWARDS Security for Shared Devices
The staff at many of our customer agencies use shared computers or other devices on a day-to-day basis. Sharing in this way, while often necessary and practical, can present some additional security challenges for staff who must be especially careful with regard to their AWARDS usage so as not to leave their database session open for others to access. If you're an administrator at an agency utilizing shared devices, we encourage you to optimize your AWARDS security and guide your staff in the following ways:
- Have a reasonable timeout value in place - The AWARDS timeout value is what is used when determining whether a user should be automatically logged out of AWARDS based on inactivity. For instance, if the timeout value is set at 15 minutes, AWARDS will log a user out after he/she has been inactive in the system for that length of time (with inactivity in this context being the period of time in which the user is not actively typing or clicking buttons in the system). Your timeout value should be set at a level that meets the workflow requirements of your staff while still keeping the system safe should a user walk away from a shared computer without remembering to log out. To review and/or adjust your timeout value, go to Administration > System Setup > Business Rules > Set the Timeout Value.
- Get users in the habit of clicking log out - To allow for multi-tab usage of AWARDS, the system does not automatically log out users who "x" out of a browser tab to close it. Instead, AWARDS relies on the timeout value and/or a user actively logging out in order to end a session. As a result, users should be directed to log out of AWARDS each and every time they are done with their work and/or need to step away from their device/computer. To do so, they'll click their name from the right side of the AWARDS navigation bar, and then click Log Out. In addition to making this process part of user training, it's a great idea to send out periodic reminders to all of your users to help them get in the log out habit.
Other Helpful Resources
Documentation
The above information and more is available in the AWARDS Technical Specs and System Requirements Document.