How to prepare a laptop for running a tournament

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Laptop, tablet and microphone: a setup for running a tournament

As in any other trade — personnel and equipment decide everything! A chef can’t do without well-sharpened knives and a skilled assistant, a seamstress without her favorite threads and needles.

The same is true in our trade. Well-prepared equipment is extremely important for running a sporting event. Nothing complicated, but we have put together a list of the most effective tips designed to help the user.

1. Every computer must have an external mouse

Computer mouse on a desk: use an external mouse when preparing the computer to run a tournament with Tournament Expert

A regular computer mouse. A wired one is even better — there’s no risk that it will run out of charge at the most critical moment.

However, regardless of color and shape, we strongly recommend using a mouse to run the event. It is much more convenient and calmer than trying to reproduce the required combination of clicks through a touchpad.

2. Disable antivirus during the tournament

As much as antivirus is in demand these days, the quality of its work sometimes leaves much to be desired. Sometimes it can block the transfer of important data between various parts of the functionality in the name of imagined security. It is better to disable any such information blocking during the tournament.

3. Disable Windows update installation

Windows logo in the laptop preparation guide for running a tournament

An operating system update can also affect the app’s work. It is better to install all updates in advance. Or simply schedule the update for later. The recommended Windows version for work is 7 and above.

4. Restart the computer and check it after the reboot (check that programs start and the scoreboard works)

This must be done in any case. In case of any problems, contact us

 

5. Change the computer’s power mode — disable sleep and screen-off

Such settings are often present on all computers. In themselves they are not bad. However, they can seriously get in the way when running an event. Just consider how inconvenient it is to move the mouse every 5-10 minutes to wake the laptop from sleep mode (and not to display a black screen instead of the sports scoreboard).

6. Install AnyDesk. Prepare the AnyDesk installer in advance (an old version without a license) for remote support

After installation, this program makes it possible to provide installation advice in a remote format. And prepare .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0.12 (x86 and x64) in advance. It is better to install it beforehand. To do this, download the installer from the Microsoft website and copy it to a USB drive or install it on the laptop right away.

7. Plug laptops into the power outlet (the laptop shuts down, the battery runs out, during the competition)

This happens often — the device’s charge runs out at the worst possible moment. Therefore, we recommend keeping laptops connected to a power source throughout the event. It may be worth arranging the required number of outlets and extension cords in advance.

8. Turn off Wi-Fi and connect only via cables for the devices in the hall.

Not all Wi-Fi networks have a stable signal level. Some laptops may lose the signal and reconnect to the network for a very long time. To avoid possible problems related to this, it is advisable to use a wired internet connection.