November 6, 2020: This article has been updated for the 2020-21 school year.
December 18, 2020: Mac OS and Windows OS Secure Browser updates.
Districts and schools can now begin updating Questar Secure Browsers on student testing devices to prepare for the 2020-21 simulation and operational test administration. Students should be familiar with using the Nextera Test Delivery System (TDS) online tools and navigation within the most recent Secure Browser versions.
The Secure Browsers for Windows and MacBook devices have been updated. The Operational Secure Browser for Windows and MacBook are now available on the Help>Downloads page in Nextera Admin. Any schools using Windows and MacBook devices will need to download and install the Operational Secure Browser Windows and MacBook devices for all testing -- Simulation 2, practice tests, and for operational testing.
Note that no update is needed for Chromebook and iOS devices. The browsers made available for Simulation 1 for Chromebooks and iOS devices on the Help>Downloads page in Nextera Admin are the Secure Operational browsers that can be used for all testing – the simulations, operational tests, and the practice tests.
Note that the most current version of all secure browsers is now required on all devices. The Secure browser will verify the current version is being used. When a user launches a SB version that does not meet the minimum requirement (current version), they will get a message that the secure browser is not supported, and they will not be able to access the system. Please see additional information provided in the table below.
Please visit the Help Tab to find additional support materials, such as the Nextera Setup & Installation Guide
Note that the Nextera Setup & Installation Guide includes all supported operating systems and device versions as well as other system information in Appendix B for “System Requirements.”
Below is guidance on maintaining current Questar Secure Browsers on student testing devices followed by Secure Browser release notes to highlight what's new with the current versions.
Questar Secure Browser Release Notes
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Device Type
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Browser Version
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Release Notes 2020
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Chromebook
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2.6.2
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The Operational Secure Browsers for Chromebook are now available to download. These browsers can be used for the operational tests, as well as the simulations.
Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience:
• An internal command sequence was created for QAI Customer Support to help callers when the secure browser will not launch successfully and requires a force exit.
December 18, 2020 Secure Browser Update:
This update does not require an uninstall or reinstall of this version of the secure browser. The update was completed on the back end of this release.
- Secure Browser will check to see if other applications (e.g., meeting apps, classroom apps, browsers, email, etc.) are running and request the test taker to close the application before starting the Secure Browser. If an application is running and user tries to launch the SB it will provide the message " Please disable {running app name} and try again.". The Secure Browser will not launch until all other applications and non-secure background processes are disabled.
- Secure Browser will verify the current version is being used. When a user launches a SB version that does not meet the minimum requirement (current version), they will get a message that the secure browser is not supported, and they will not be able to access the system.
This Secure Browser version was released in Fall 2020 and updated in December 18, 2020.
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Apple iOS (iPads)
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2.0.3
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The Operational Secure Browsers for iOS Devices are now available to download. These browsers can be used for the operational tests, as well as the simulations.
Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience:
• Updated Appstore page information to simplify the descriptions.
• Nextera Secure Browser iOS Landing Page updated. The layout was updated to reflect the current Nextera standards and clients.
December 18, 2020 Secure Browser Update:
This update does not require an uninstall or reinstall of this version of the secure browser. The update was completed on the back end of this release.
- Secure Browser will check to see if other applications (e.g., meeting apps, classroom apps, browsers, email, etc.) are running and request the test taker to close the application before starting the Secure Browser. If an application is running and user tries to launch the SB it will provide the message " Please disable {running app name} and try again.". The Secure Browser will not launch until all other applications and non-secure background processes are disabled.
- Secure Browser will verify the current version is being used. When a user launches a SB version that does not meet the minimum requirement (current version), they will get a message that the secure browser is not supported, and they will not be able to access the system.
This Secure Browser version was released in Fall 2020 and updated in December 18, 2020.
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|
Mac OS
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4.5
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Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as:
- Maintenance updated to the latest Electron code version
- Secure Browser will check to see if other applications (e.g., meeting apps, classroom apps, browsers, email, etc.) are running and request the test taker to close the application before starting the Secure Browser. If an application is running and user tries to launch the SB it will provide the message " Please disable {running app name} and try again.". The Secure Browser will not launch until all other applications and non-secure background processes are disabled.
- Secure Browser will verify the current version is being used. When a user launches a SB version that does not meet the minimum requirement (current version), they will get a message that the secure browser is not supported, and they will not be able to access the system.
This Secure Browser version was released December 18, 2020.
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Windows
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4.5
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Updates include security and performance improvements, along with technology upgrades that will provide a more stable testing experience, such as:
- Secure Browser will detect if the Game Center (Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10) is running and will automatically disable.
- Secure Browser will check to see if other applications (e.g., meeting apps, classroom apps, browsers, email, etc.) are running and request the test taker to close the application before starting the Secure Browser. If an application is running and user tries to launch the SB it will provide the message " Please disable {running app name} and try again.". The Secure Browser will not launch until all other applications and non-secure background processes are disabled.
- The Loss of Focus functionality is being triggered when a user tries to use Cortana in the Secure Browser.
- Maintenance updated to the latest Electron code version
- Secure Browser will verify the current version is being used. When a user launches a SB version that does not meet the minimum requirement (current version), they will get a message that the secure browser is not supported, and they will not be able to access the system.
This Secure Browser version was released December 18, 2020.
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