Client Download

The following information comes directly from the Respondus website. Some of the features listed below may not be available with the TTUHSC version of the Respondus software.

Respondus LockDown Browser ™ is a customized browser that increases the security of online testing in SAKAI. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser to access an assessment, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Students are locked into an assessment until it is submitted for grading.

Updating Respondus LockDown Browser To update to the latest version of the Respondus LockDown Browser, start the browser, click the “information” ( i ) button on the toolbar, then the "Check for Newer Version" button. If an update is available, information about the update will be displayed. If the current Windows account has administrator access a "Get Update" button will be displayed. Press the button, wait for the download to complete, and then exit the browser.

Overview of Browser Application

Respondus LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. It provides a custom interface for the Internet Explorer (Windows) or Safari (Macintosh) software that is already installed on the computer. It does not modify an existing copy of Internet Explorer or Safari, but rather, installs a separate program that will display a custom browser when it is started. Respondus LockDown Browser uses the same security features and service packs that are currently installed for Internet Explorer or Safari. Installing Respondus LockDown Browser won’t modify the current version of Internet Explorer or Safari in any way.

Respondus LockDown Browser creates a “locked” testing environment for SAKAI and includes the following features:

  • Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
  • Assessments cannot be exited until submitted by users for grading
  • Task switching or access to other applications is prevented
  • Printing functions are disabled
  • Print Screen and capturing functions are disabled
  • Copying and pasting anything to and from an assessment is prohibited
  • Right-click menu options are disabled (Windows); key+click options are disabled (Macintosh)
  • Browser menu and toolbar options are disabled except Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
  • Function keys (F1-F12) are disabled
  • Source code for the HTML page cannot be viewed
  • URLs cannot be typed by the user
  • Hundreds of screen capture, messaging, screen sharing and network monitoring applications are blocked from running
  • The browser automatically starts at the institutions login page for SAKAI
  • Links in questions that point to other servers don't compromise the "locked" testing environment
  • Pages from the assessment aren't cached or stored in the browser's history listing
  • And many other features...

Respondus LockDown Browser is not intended to replace the browser used by faculty or students within SAKAI. Respondus LockDown Browser is only intended for use by students while taking assessments that have been prepared for use with Respondus LockDown Browser. This browser has not been tested for use in other areas of SAKAI.

Help Desk Information

Help Desk technicians are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to answer any technical or computer-related questions or concerns you may have. Help Desk contact information is (806) 743-1234 ITSolutions@ttuhsc.edu