SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Is your browser compatible with Blackboard? See the following table regarding browser compatibility and support as defined by Blackboard, Inc.
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Certified - fully tested and supported |
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| Microsoft Windows | Apple Macintosh | |||||
| XP | Vista | 10.3 | 10.4 | 10.5 | ||
| Microsoft Internet Explorer | 6.0 | Compatible | Certified | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
| 7.0 | Compatible | Certified | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested | |
| 8.0(*) | Compatible | Compatible | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested | |
| Mozilla Firefox | 2.0 | Certified | Certified | Not tested | Certified | Compatible |
| 3.0 | Certified | Certified | Compatible | Certified | Compatible | |
| 3.5(*) | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible | |
| Apple Safari | 2.0 | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested | Certified | Certified |
| 3.0 | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested | Compatible | Certified | |
* Standards Mode Only
Note: Internet Explorer 8 - There is a KNOWN ISSUE WITH Assignments and Timed Assessments.
NOTE: Firefox 3.5 - There is a KNOWN ISSUE WITH Assignments
Note: Google Chrome is NOT supported and should not be used with Blackboard.
For Windows XP systems, IE6 works well with Blackboard and can be used for all Blackboard activities, including exams.
Pop-Up/Spam Blockers
All popup blockers on your computer should be turned off before logging into Blackboard. If they aren't you may experience difficulties when using Blackboard. If you continue to have difficulties, please contact the Help Desk.
JavaScript and Cookies
Javascript and Cookies must be set to "enabled' or "true". Also, Java must be enabled. Alternatively, selecting the "Medium Security Level" (on the "Privacy" tab of the "Internet Options" panel) will provide the necessary settings.
Browser Plug-ins
For some courses, you may be required to have one or more of these plug-in application programs. Each course should specify which plug-ins are required. Generally, plug-in software should already be present on your computer when you purchase it. However, we recommend that you verify that (1) you have these plug-ins installed & configured on your web browser, and (2) you have at least the minimum required version for each plug-in.
- Adobe Reader (Also called Acrobat Reader)
- Apple Quicktime
- Macromedia Flash Player
- Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
- Sun Java SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 16
Remember, all these plug-in software applications are free downloads from the vendors. For installation assistance with these plug-ins, please contact the technical support of the respective vendors.
What are the system hardware requirements for Blackboard? See the following table regarding hardware system requirements.
| Microsoft Windows | Apple Macintosh | ||||
| Operating System | XP |
Vista |
Mac
10.3 |
Mac
10.4 |
Mac
10.5 |
| Processor Speed/Type | 300 MHz recommended; Intel Pentium/ Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/ Duron family, or compatible processor recommended | 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor | A Power PC G3, G4, and G5 processor, some models of iMac, iBook, Powerbook G3 & G4 | A Power PC G3, G4, or G5 processor | Intel, Power PC G5, or Power PC G4 (867 MHz or faster) processor |
| CPU Memory (minimum*) | 128 MB of RAM | 1 GB of RAM | 128 MB RAM | 256 MB of RAM | 512 MB of RAM |
| Monitor Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 |
| Free Hard Disk Space (minimum*) | 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of free disk space | 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of free space | 1.5 GB free disk space | 3 GB of free disk space | 9 GB of free disk space |
| Internet Connection | Minimum: 56 kbps Dial-up Modem Note: Wireless PCs/laptops and ISP providers using satellite connection may create some problems during a session when taking exams. Refer to the Exam Tips web page. |
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References for hardware system requirements:
- Microsoft Windows XP: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sysreqs/pro.mspx
- Microsoft Windows Vista: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/system-requirements.aspx
- Mac OS 10.3: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2176
- Mac OS 10.4: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514?viewlocale=en_US
- Mac OS 10.5: http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/
*Note: Minimum requirements do not insure optimal performance nor do they take into account any background tasks or programs (i.e. anti-virus) which may be using the computer's memory.