Smart Browser | Dos, Dont’s, and FAQs​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Before downloading the Smart Browser

1.​ Ensure you are using a WiFi connection and not a mobile hotspot.

2.​ Mandatory prerequisites:

a.​ What is the operating system on the computer you are using (MacOS, Linux, or
Windows)?

b.​ What is the version of your operating system?

c.​ For Mac users only

i.​ What processor does your Mac computer have: the Intel processor or the
Apple Silicon processor?

ii.​ For information on how to figure out what processor your Mac has, see this.

d.​ Update webcam drivers

3.​ Ensure that your system is compatible. Here are the system compatibility details:

Operating system Compatible version

Windows 10 and 11

Linux Ubuntu 20.04 and Ubuntu 22.04

Mac 13.5 Ventura and above

4.​ You cannot download Smart Browser if you are:

a.​ Working with a firewall enabled

b.​ Using a VPN

5.​ Close all applications even those running in the background (for example, WhatsApp) to be
able to start Smart Browser

After downloading the Smart Browser

1.​ You cannot do the following while using Smart Browser:

a.​ Share your screen

b.​ Take screenshots of the test window

c.​ Record the test window

d.​ Take screenshots

e.​ Keep any applications open (Chrome, WhatsApp - even if running in the
background, etc.)

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f.​ Resize the test window

g.​ Use multiple monitors

2.​ You cannot press any key combinations on your keyboard using Function keys, Alt,
Command, Shift, etc. ​
​
Here is a list of key combinations that are absolutely forbidden while using the Smart
Browser.

Operating system Keys/Key combinations that you cannot press

All 1.​ Alt + Tab

2.​ Ctrl + Alt + Delete
3.​ OS superkeys and combos involving these keys ex: Windows
Key, Windows Key + C, Superkey (on ubuntu)
4.​ print screen and any combination involving this key
5.​ Ctrl + Shift + Esc
6.​ Alt + Esc
7.​ Ctrl + Alt + Shift and all combos involving these together

Mac 1.​ Command + H

2.​ Command + Option + H
3.​ Shift + Command (⌘) + 3
4.​ Shift + Command (⌘) + 4
5.​ Shift + Command (⌘) + 5
6.​ Control + Arrow (Up/Down)
7.​ Command + Tab
8.​ Command + M
9.​ Command + Option + Esc
10.​ Command + Space
11.​ Command + Option + D
12.​ Control + Up Arrow
13.​ Control + Down Arrow
14.​ Command + ` (Backtick)
15.​ Control + Command + F
16.​ Command + Shift + Option + Esc
17.​ Command + Shift + G
18.​ Command + Shift + N

Ubuntu 1.​ Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R

2.​ Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Key
3.​ Ctrl + Alt + Tab
4.​ Alt + Backtick ( ` )
5.​ Ctrl + Alt + T
6.​ Ctrl + Alt + L
7.​ Ctrl + Shift + N

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.​ After downloading the smart browser, it shows "Unable to connect to HackerEarth server."

This issue is typically caused by firewall restrictions or being connected to a VPN. Try using
a different machine to resolve the issue.

2.​ I am not able to start the test with the smart browser. Please help.;

Please ensure that you have selected the right operating system while installing the Smart
Browser on your machine.​
​

3.​ I have downloaded the smart browser but it does not launch.​
​
Please ensure that you have selected the right operating system while installing the Smart
Browser on your machine.​

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4.​ I get an error saying, Following application must be closed to start the test.

a.​ It is mandatory to close all open applications, including but not limited to, any
widgets, or applications running in the background - like WhatsApp, etc. to resolve
this issue.

b.​ If this does not work, try restarting your laptop to close any applications running in
the background.

5.​ It's showing Following application must be closed to start the test but Chrome is open.​
​
To resolve this, follow these steps:

a.​ Click Start Test in Chrome. ​

​
The Smart Browser launches.

b.​ Now, close Chrome.

c.​ Click Continue to open the test.

6.​ I am getting a black screen after clicking the test link. What do I do?

After downloading the Smart Browser, ensure that you install it properly on your machine.
This should resolve the black screen issue.

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7.​ I launched the Smart Browser and the screen turned completely white. What do I do?​
​

This is caused by poor Internet connectivity. To fix this, close the smart browser and ensure
that your Internet connection meets the minimum requirements i.e. 512 kbps minimum.
Please do not use a mobile hotspot.

8.​ I got logged out of the test. What do I do?​

​
Click on the Test Invite link that you received to your registered email ID.​

9.​ Grammarly desktop interferes with the Smart Browser environment, which prevents me
from typing the answers in the assessment. What do I do?​
​
Grammarly (and all other writing aid software) must be shut entirely before launching the
smart browser. ​

10.​I see Your webcam is not connected on my screen. How do I fix this?​

a.​ If you see this at the beginning of your test, please update your webcam drivers.

b.​ If it is in the middle of the test, this could be an Internet connection issue.

Windows-specific FAQs
1.​ I see this on the screen. What happened?​
​

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​
​

This happens when you click the Windows key on your keyboard while using
Smart Browser.​

2.​ I am installing Smart Browser but I get a Windows Defender error. What do I do?​
​

​
​
In this case, click Run anyway. In case you don’t see the Run anyway button, please
increase the window size of the application.

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Mac OS-specific FAQs

1.​ While using the Smart Browser on Mac, the Smart Browser detects the camera and
microphone permission prompt as an attempt to move away from the test and automatically
closes the assessment window. What do I do?

a.​ You can relaunch the smart browser from the Start Test link on the download page.
The error will not show up again since permissions have already been granted.

b.​ You can avoid this completely by granting camera and microphone permissions
before starting the smart browser. You can do this by going following the steps:
System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> SmartBrowser -> Enable

c.​ To enable microphone permission, follow these steps: System Settings -> Privacy &
Security -> Microphone -> SmartBrowser -> Enable

2.​ I have closed all open applications, it still shows Following application should be closed
to take the test. Other applications, but only on Mac OS.​
​

a.​ On Mac OS, this issue is related to missing permissions.

b.​ Make sure that Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions are enabled in
System Settings

3.​ What is Mac Intel and Mac Silicon? Which one should I choose?​
​
To figure out what processor your Mac has, follow these steps:

a.​ Click the Apple Menu > About This Mac​

​
You will see the following on the screen​

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b.​ If your processor is:

i.​ Intel-based, you will see the word Processor followed by the name of an Intel
processor. ​
​
In this case, select Mac Intel.

ii.​ Apple Silcon, you will see the word Chip (as in the image above), followed
by the name of the chip. ​
​
In this case, select Mac Silicon.

Linux-specific FAQs
1.​ Which commands should I use to install Smart Browser on a Linux machine?

To install Smart Browser on a Linux machine, use the following command:

●​ Command: sudo dpkg -i [package path]

●​ Example: sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/SmartBrowser-amd64-1.0.6.deb

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