Last year, I wrote a blog post on the ideal WebPT setup. In that post, I discussed what technologies—like browsers, hardware, and routers—we recommend to optimize WebPT. Of course, technology changes almost daily, so I thought I’d revisit and update our recommendations. In general, our application works great with just about any setup, but the following suggestions will help you create the most ideal WebPT experience.
Internet Connection
We recommend cable or DSL Internet with a connection speed of at least 1 Mbps (megabits per second) upload and 10 Mbps download. If your clinic uses eDoc and/or QuickScan, you’ll benefit from a faster upload speed.
Wireless Routers
Just about any current wireless router will work great with WebPT. A tip from many therapists, though, is that the Asus RT-N16 and Asus RT-N66U router models work really well. Whatever you choose, make sure that the quality of your router is proportionate to your clinic’s router workload, (i.e., the more Internet users, the better your router should be).
PC Hardware and Software
Do you use a PC? If so, we suggest running Windows 7 or newer with at least 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and a 20” monitor—anything less than 20” might force your eyes to defriend you.
As for a web browser, your WebPT experience will be best with Firefox version 25 or later or Google Chrome 30 or later. (If you use WebPT Billing + EMR, we recommend Internet Explorer 10 only.) For your computer’s antivirus software, we vote for Microsoft Security Essentials, which is available as a free download from Microsoft.
Macintosh Hardware and Software
If you’re a Mac, you can use any current model to meet our recommended requirements of 4GB RAM and 500GB disk space. For your operating system, we suggest OS X 10.5 Snow Leopard or later, and WebPT performs best on a Mac with Firefox version 25 or later or Google Chrome 30 or later.
Microsoft Surface
The Microsoft Surface is a fairly new device, and as such, we haven’t fully tested WebPT on it. Furthermore, these tablets come standard with Internet Explorer 11, which doesn’t offer the most optimal WebPT experience. The good news is that Microsoft is constantly innovating, and we’re always evaluating (and reevaluating) technology; so hopefully, the Surface can join the WebPT party soon.
Android Tablets
WebPT recommends Android tablets that have at least 32GB of storage space as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. The Samsung Galaxy Note and Tab and the Google Nexus are both fantastic options.
There you have it: the 2013 edition of the ideal WebPT setup.
If your setup isn’t exactly to the letter I laid out above, no worries. As I mentioned in the beginning, WebPT works well with just about any setup. But if you’re considering investing in a new computer, hardware, or tablet for your clinic, definitely keep the aforementioned suggestions handy. Until next time, my ever-increasingly tech savvy friends.
