Tech Support
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Chromebook Best Practices and Troubleshooting Tips
Restart devices each morning and periodically throughout the day. This helps free-up valuable resources and improve performance. It also allows the device to perform necessary updates.
Check your bandwidth/connection speed using either speedtest.net or fast.com.
Verify you are running the latest version of ChromeOS (97.0.4692.77 as of January 6, 2022) by checking the About Chrome OS under the device settings (Chromebooks Only).
Have the device plugged into the AC/power adapter while using Zoom or Meets to ensure maximum performance. However, a spacer may be needed underneath the device to prevent overheating, which can throttle the processor back down, especially after several hours of use.
Close all other tabs or apps while video conferencing. Having too many tabs open will hurt performance on even the most powerful devices.
Remove any unnecessary extensions.
Zoom recommends the use of the web-based client on Chromebooks instead of the Chrome App if students are experiencing issues.
Lower the video quality in settings. Click here for instructions for Google Meets | For Zoom: Go to Settings -> Video and uncheck "Enable HD"
Try reducing the window size by dragging the bottom right corner to see if performance improves.
Choosing Presenter/Spotlight view instead of Gallery/Grid view may also improve performance.
Start meeting with video only. Allow video to connect and stabilize for about a minute prior to enabling audio.
If/When possible, turn off video and only enable it when asked to by your teacher(s).
Position yourself near your wireless router with no obstructions. If you cannot be near the router, try switching to the 2.4GHz band, which can offer better range. If in an apartment building, the 5G, or 5GHz band, is recommended to avoid conflicts with other wireless networks that may be broadcasting nearby.
Limit use of other high bandwidth applications/devices such as video streaming on other devices (Apple TVs, Firesticks, iPads, etc.) in the household that may be sharing the connection/wireless during school hours.
If using a mobile hotspot, positioning yourself near an exterior wall or window may improve reception. Limit use of hotspot to only necessary activities to avoid exhausting data limits.
WiFi Hotspots
The District has a limited number of mobile hotspots available for anyone that does not have internet access at home.
Hotspots are assigned based on need and on a first come, first serve basis.
To request a hotspot for wifi/internet access, please contact the helpdesk.
Hotspots are only for academic purposes and are subject to a monthly data cap. Usage beyond the cap will be at a reduced speed.
If you have internet access at home and are experiencing issues, a hotspot may not resolve these issues. Please contact your internet provider first and/or use some of the troubleshooting steps below, prior to contacting the helpdesk.
Requesting Support
Helpdesk Hours
Helpdesk
(201) 646-6820
Email
tech@hackensackschools.org
Helpdesk Hours
Monday-Friday 8am-3:30pm
In-Person Walk-Up Support (by Appointment Only):
Hackensack High School
First and Beech Streets
Hackensack Middle School
360 Union Street
8:30 AM- 3:30PM Monday-Friday
Tutorials
Please check back often as we will be adding tutorials frequently. Additional tutorials are available in our Digital Learning Center.