Technology Requirements

To volunteer at Trevor, you’ll need the right technology. Security, privacy, sound quality, and a strong internet connection are all key elements to providing a safe and supportive experience for the young people you will be supporting. Counselors will be using multiple platforms on shift, and it is important that applicants are comfortable multitasking across different systems.

Please read below for more information on technology requirements for Volunteer Crisis Counselors.

To become a TrevorChat/TrevorLifeline volunteer, you must have:

A personal laptop or desktop computer with a minimum of 8GB of RAM – no tablets, iPads, mobile phones, public computers, or computers issued by your employer.

• Please note that Chromebooks and Chromeboxes most often do not have enough RAM to meet these requirements.

 An up-to-date operating system supported by Apple, Microsoft, or Linux

• For Apple computers this is MacOS Sonoma, Ventura or, Monterey
• For PCs this is Windows 10 or Windows 11
• If needed, here’s how to update your operating system for Macs and PCs

 The Chrome web browser version 100 or higher installed on your computer, not Safari, Edge or Chromium.

• Need to download Chrome? Click here

A secure, private high-speed internet connection - unsecured public networks like hotels, restaurants, or coffee shops can’t be used.

• A minimum of 10 Mbps download speed, 5 Mbps upload speed: Check your download and upload speeds here
• Fast page load times, measured by an Octane score of over 30,000: Check your Octane score by clicking “Start Octane” here

A private space to work

To become a TrevorLifeline (phone) Volunteer, you must also have:

The ability to charge your computer and plug in a wired headset at the same time - A wired headset with built-in background noise reduction and external mic will be mailed to you towards the end of training.

Verifying Your Technology Setup on your own

Operating System Check
Here’s how to check which operating system you are on:

• Apple MacOS: Click on the Apple logo in the top left-hand corner, select About this Mac. You should then see the name of the OS and its accompanying number (ie. Sonoma 14.6.1)
• Windows: Select the windows key on your keyboard, type in the search bar “about windows” this will bring up the version.

For Apple computers you will need MacOS Sonoma, Ventura, or Monterey and for PCs you will need Windows 10 or Windows 11.

• If needed, here’s how to update your operating system for Macs and PCs

Chrome Browser Version Check
Here’s how to check your Chrome version and to update it if needed:

• On your computer, open your Chrome browser. Need to download Chrome? Click here.
• There are three vertical dots on the right-hand side, select those dots, go to Help and select “About Google Chrome.” The Google Chrome version is shown here.
• Click Update Google Chrome if your browser needs updating
  • • • Important: If you can't find this button, you're on the latest version.
• Click Relaunch

Headset & Power Port Check (TrevorLifeline only)
Here’s how to check to make sure you are able to charge your computer and plug in a wired headset at the same time:

• Take stock of how many ports you have on your computer and which ports you have.
• Check to see which ports are required for your computer charger and for your headsets.
  
  • • • If you plan on using a headset provided by Trevor, you will need to have a USB-A port (and offer a converter to USB-C if needed) in addition to the port you need for your charger.
• Use the port reference guide below to help determine which ports you need.

Still have questions not answered by this article? Fill out our Contact Us form to get in touch with the Volunteer Operations team.