Information Technology: Blackboard Student Help - Technical Requirements

In order to access Blackboard courses, students must obtain or have easy access to a computer with internet access that meets the following hardware/software requirements. It is also recommend that students have a basic familiarity with using computers and browsing the internet. Specific skills are listed below.

Skills:

• Familiar with using a web browser and entering URLs (web addresses).
• Able to download files.
• Able to complete online forms.
• Able to search for files on local computer and upload to course site as needed in course.
• Able to install helper applications (browser plug-ins) as needed in course.

Hardware:

Macintosh: OS 9 or better
IBM Compatibles: OS Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional if on-campus, (Win 2000 or better for home use)
Minimum Configuration:
256 MB of RAM
400 Mhz Processor
28K modem or better

Software:

• Microsoft Office 2000 or XP, while not required, is helpful in order to access some course documents. Alternatively, if you don't have access to this software you can download and install free plug-ins provided by Microsoft.

Browser Requirements:

Blackboard recommends the following certified* configurations:

*These recommendations have been certified by Blackboard. There are other configurations (PDF) that are considered compatible.

AOL users are advised not to use the AOL browser. After making the connection to AOL minimize it and use one of the recommended web browsers (i.e. Internet Explorer) above.