Preparing Windows Computer for Use with EEGer
In some cases, adjustments may be needed to configure a computer for use with EEGer. Follow the instructions below to fully prepare a Windows computer for use with the software.
Taskbar Adjustments (All Computers)
To allow EEGer to display properly, the Windows Taskbar must be set to Autohide. To do this, follow the instructions here.
Security Adjustments (Most Computers)
Antivirus and Security Programs can interfere with EEGer’s ability to run sessions. These programs use a disproportionate amount of computer resources in the background and can block or remove EEGer files during the installation process. To prevent this, it is recommended to disable these programs or add exclusions for EEGer and its subfolders.
For more information on recommended adjustments, see this article.
Display Adjustments (All Computers)
To avoid interrupting the feedback process when making adjustments, it is recommended to use EEGer in Dual Monitor mode. This allows for the game to be displayed on one screen while adjustments are made on the other.
Most external displays including computer monitors, televisions, and even tablets can be used as a second display for EEGer. External monitors or televisions will be connected to the computer via HDMI, whereas tablets or other portable displays will connect via USB.
Once connected, the computer must be adjusted to the correct display mode. This can be done in the Windows Settings app or quickly toggled by pressing Win+P on the keyboard. This will display a Project menu on the right-side of the screen. Choosing ‘Extend’ from the list of options will change the computer to the correct mode for use with EEGer.
If an external monitor is not available, it can always be connected and configured at a later stage. EEGer can be used in single-monitor mode by using spacebar during a session to toggle between the game screen and the screen used to make adjustments.
Function Keys (Most Computers)
Certain keyboards cause the function keys (F Keys) to perform different commands than what is needed for EEGer. To run live neurofeedback sessions, adjustments may be needed.
For more information on adjusting the function keys, see this article.
Adjusting Core Isolation Settings
A new feature of Windows can cause issues with amplifiers and other devices on some computers. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to turn this setting off. See this article for information about adjusting this setting.
Adjusting Windows Sleep Settings
Most computers have settings to automatically turn off the screen and go to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity. This is normally helpful to save battery life, but it can cause problems when running sessions with EEGer. To prevent this it is recommended to adjust the Windows’ sleep settings.
If these settings are not adjusted, it can cause interruptions to the feedback process or in some cases cause the software to crash and data to be lost.