Technical Requirements

To download and read eBooks using Ripple Reader, your PC or Mac must have the following:

• RAM – we recommend a minimum of 512 MB RAM.
• Adobe® Flash® – Flash is software that allows for engaging interactive experiences.  Since Ripple is interactive and exciting with the recorder and reader functionality, we require the latest Flash version. You can click on the Adobe Flash Player link to download Flash for the first time or upgrade to the latest version.
• Adobe® AIR™ - AIR is software that allows for the Ripple Reader to function as an active application on your computer, outside of your web browsers.  Children will use Ripple Reader to hear their stories which requires AIR. You can click on the Adobe AIR link to download AIR for the first time or to upgrade to the latest version.
• Internet Connection – Since Ripple’s website, recorder and reader programs communicate with each other through the Internet, an active Internet connection is required.

To record and listen to the eBooks, your computer must have the following:

• Microphone – In order to record a story to a child on Ripple, your computer must have a microphone. If your computer is equipped with an internal microphone, make sure it is active. You can check your microphone preferences by going to your computer’s control panel.  If your computer did not come equipped with a microphone, you may purchase an external one at a local electronic store or online at stores like Amazon (www.amazon.com).
• Speakers – In order to hear the stories that have been recorded, your computer must have speakers. Most computers are equipped with speakers but you may need to make sure they are active or enabled. You can check your speaker settings by going into your computer’s control panel.  Also, make sure your speakers are turned on and the volume is turned up.

Testing your Microphone and Speakers
After you purchase a story and are ready to record, we give you the opportunity to test your microphone and speakers.  Simply go to Record A Story, click on the ‘Record This Story Now’ button and you will be directed to the test page.