Lesson 1.1: System Requirements

Before you process your first payroll, it is essential to ensure that your workstation and network meet the technical requirements for FastFund Payroll Online. Because FastFund is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, your local hardware does not need to be highly advanced. However, maintaining a stable network environment and using the correct browser settings is crucial for optimal performance and secure data management.

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: A checklist graphic displaying a computer monitor, web browser icon, and network signal, representing the core System Requirements]

Below are the minimum and recommended workstation requirements you need to effectively run the system:

Hardware and Display Requirements

• PC: The minimum requirement is a Pentium II/266 processor, but a Pentium III/600 is recommended.
• Mac: OS X or later, utilizing a Power PC 604e 266MHz G3 or G4 processor.
• Memory (RAM): For PC, 128 MB is the minimum, but 256 MB is recommended. For Mac, a minimum of 128 MB is required.
• Display: Your monitor should support a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 color to ensure that all data entry screens and dashboards render correctly without cutting off important payroll fields.

Network Connection

• Bandwidth: A minimum of 56 kbps per concurrent user is required.
• Latency: Network latency to https\\araizeonline.com should be 100 milliseconds or less. Latency of 200 milliseconds or more will result in decreased performance. It is recommended that you run a trace route test during peak times to measure this speed accurately.

Supported Web Browsers To ensure full functionality, use one of the following supported browsers:

• PC: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 5.0, Chrome, or Safari 5.0.
• Mac: Mozilla Firefox 5.0 or Safari 4.0.

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: The settings menu of a web browser, highlighting where to enable Javascript and Cookies]

Critical Browser Options For FastFund to operate securely and efficiently, your browser must be configured with the following options enabled:

• Javascript must be turned on.
• Cookies must be accepted.
• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) must be enabled to protect your sensitive payroll and employee data.
• Internet Settings: Ensure your browser is set to check for newer versions of stored pages on every visit. This guarantees you are always viewing the most up-to-date interface and data, rather than an older, cached version of a page.

Required Third-Party Software To view or print the PDF files generated by FastFund (such as your Payroll Journals, pay stubs, and tax forms), you will need Adobe Reader. This is available as a free download directly from Adobe’s website (http://get.adobe.com/reader).