Software Alternatives & Startups

Lockdown Browser VS PureRef

Compare Lockdown Browser VS PureRef and see what are their differences

Lockdown Browser

LockDown Browser prevents cheating during proctored online exams. Learn how it integrates with Blackboard Learn, Canvas, Brightspace, Moodle, and more.

Rating
0 reviews
PureRef

The simple way to view and organize your multiple reference images.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Lockdown Browser should be more popular than PureRef. It has been mentioned 6 times since March 2021.

social mentions
6 vs 4
Education popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
126 vs 120

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Lockdown Browser
PureRef
Website web.respondus.com pureref.com
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Lockdown Browser 4 features
PureRef 6 features
  • Enhanced Security
    Lockdown Browser prevents students from accessing other websites, applications, or copying and pasting during an exam, thereby reducing the likelihood of cheating.
  • Easy Integration
    The browser integrates easily with popular learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, making it convenient for educators to set up and use.
  • Preventing Print/Screen Capture
    The browser blocks functions like printing, screen capturing, and screen sharing, ensuring that exam content cannot be reproduced or shared.
  • Customizable Settings
    Instructors can adjust settings and controls according to their specific needs, such as allowing certain websites or applications that might be required for the exam.

Possible disadvantages

  • Technical Issues
    Students may experience software compatibility issues or hardware limitations, which can hinder their ability to complete the exam.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Students and educators might be worried about data privacy and the extent of monitoring, which could lead to concerns over the invasion of personal space.
  • Accessibility Issues
    Students with disabilities might find it challenging to use the Lockdown Browser, potentially making the exam experience unfair or non-compliant with accessibility standards.
  • Limited Offline Capability
    Since the Lockdown Browser requires an internet connection, it can be problematic for students who have unreliable or limited internet access.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    PureRef offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to organize and manage reference images. The minimalistic design allows users to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions.
  • Lightweight and Portable
    The software is lightweight and does not require installation, making it highly portable. Users can run PureRef from a USB drive or any location on their computer.
  • Flexible Canvas
    PureRef provides a flexible canvas that can be easily resized and adjusted to fit users’ needs. This allows for seamless scaling of images without quality loss and the ability to organize the workspace freely.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    PureRef is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to maintain a consistent workflow across different operating systems.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can customize keyboard shortcuts to fit their workflow, which increases efficiency and speeds up navigation within the software.
  • Multiple Image Formats
    PureRef supports a wide range of image formats, ensuring compatibility with most reference images beyond basic formats like JPG and PNG.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Editing Tools
    While PureRef excels in organizing and displaying reference images, it lacks advanced editing tools, which means users need to rely on other software for image adjustments or annotations.
  • No Cloud Integration
    PureRef does not offer built-in cloud storage or syncing options, which could be inconvenient for users who work across multiple devices and want seamless access to their reference boards.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easy to grasp, some advanced features and keyboard shortcuts may require time to learn and master, particularly for users new to PureRef.
  • Not Free for All Users
    Although PureRef offers a pay-what-you-want pricing model, users may face ethical dilemmas or budget constraints when deciding what to pay, especially if they plan to use it for professional purposes.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report occasional lag or performance issues when handling extremely large collections of high-resolution images, which can disrupt workflow.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Lockdown Browser
PureRef

Overall verdict

  • Lockdown Browser can be a good choice for institutions and instructors who need to ensure that online exams are taken seriously and securely. However, it can be seen as controversial by students due to its intrusive nature, and there can be issues with accessibility and technical challenges.

Why this product is good

  • Lockdown Browser is designed to provide a secure online testing environment. It is used to prevent cheating by restricting the ability to open other applications, websites, or resources during an exam. This makes it a useful tool for maintaining academic integrity in online assessments.

Recommended for

    Lockdown Browser is recommended for educational institutions, instructors conducting online assessments, and any setting where exam integrity is a priority. It might not be ideal for students who have limited technical access or for those who feel uncomfortable with the level of monitoring.

No analysis of PureRef yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Lockdown Browser 3 videos + Add
PureRef 3 videos + Add

Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser for Students

More videos

  • - How to Use LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor to Protect Exam Integrity | Canvas | Instructure
  • - Student Perspective (LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor)

The Best Free Tool for Artists - PureRef

More videos

  • - PureRef tutorial: a free, cross-platform virtual board for artists!
  • - PureRef Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Lockdown Browser
PureRef
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Lockdown Browser and PureRef. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Lockdown Browser 6 mentions
PureRef 4 mentions
  • UBLOCK ORIGIN TO THE DEATH !
    Websites that only works on the signed browser binary for your "security"? FU Google, just let me own my computer Yes. This exact thing already exists. It's commonplace for a lot of school testing software. You have to use their specific... Source: about 4 years ago
  • Just Boss things
    I won't say the university, because I would like to keep my personal life off reddit. But I will say the program that was used is called "Lockdown browser". Source: over 4 years ago
  • I Did Research On Respondus Lockdown Browser
    My name is Aharon Weinstein, and I am in my undergrad at Georgia State University. Before getting into any information or research, I want to start by disclaiming that I was a news writer for The Signal during my first semester, which is... Source: over 5 years ago

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  • how do u guys organize your visual inspiration/refs digitally?
    I mainly use offline means: organising all my files in a hierarchy of folders and using pureref (which I highly recommend) to make moodboards, and ofc an external hard drive to save backups. The only online means I use is google drive... Source: about 4 years ago
  • HELP! So I want to trace this Image(704x702) into a Pixel art (32 x 32 or 40 x 40) but when I resize it, it gets like this (2nd picture) and if I don't, then the pixels are too small, What do i do?
    If you just want the image to be a transparent overlay while you draw 'through the image'(with it being unchanged) you can use something like Pureref(pureref.com) to set the image as always on top + turn opacity down a bit. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Hide user name in menu bar.
    If you can’t get it to work inside of max, I thought of a free easy workaround you could try. I use the software pureref to manage and quickly access reference images. You could just resize an empty pureref window to cover your username.... Source: over 4 years ago

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Alternatives to Lockdown Browser and PureRef

When comparing Lockdown Browser and PureRef, you can also consider the following products.