Step 2- Computer Check Before you attempt to login to University resources it is important to make sure your computer will support an online course, or an accelerated course with an online component. It is not only important for students to have the appropriate computer, but also to have the appropriate connection, browser settings and plug-ins. To ensure you have the appropriate equipment and settings please review the following: Software and Hardware Recommendations [Helpdesk] Is your browser compatible with Blackboard? Test your browser using the browser test tool in Blackboard: IMPORTANT - Review the following BROWSER COMPATIBILITY CHART to assure you are using a browser that will be supported as defined by Blackboard, Inc. for version 9.1 SP6. Release 9.1 SP6 Supported Browsers & Operating Systems Blackboard Learn Release 9.1 SP6 (9.1.60230.0) are tested with a variety of technologies. Certified: fully tested and supported. Compatible: partially tested but should function properly. Provisional: future technologies considered supported by Blackboard Support. Unsupported: either impossible or not tested. Microsoft Windows Operating System Internet Explorer 9 Internet Explorer 8 Firefox (Final Release Channel) Firefox 3.6 Chrome (Stable Channel) Windows XP Unsupported Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible (32- Windows Certified Compatible Certified Compatible Compatible Vista (32- Windows Vista Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible (64- Windows 7 (32- Certified Compatible Certified Compatible Certified
Windows 7 (64- Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Apple Mac OS Operating System Mac OSX 10.5 "Leopard " Mac OSX 10.6 "Snow Leopard " Safari 5.0 Safari 4.0 Firefox (Final Release Channel) Firefox 3.6 Chrome (Stable Channel) Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Certified Compatible Certified Compatible Certified Blackboard strives to make all its products as accessible as possible. JAWS for Windows 11 and 12 were used during accessibility testing. Blackboard Learn requires the latest version of Sun JRE 6. The JRE can be downloaded from http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp. The following technologies are not supported: o Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7 o Firefox 1.x, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 o Safari 2.0, 3.x (or any version on Windows) o Mac OSX 10.4 "Tiger" o Java 5 Internet Explorer 8 and Internet Explorer 9 are tested in Standards Mode. Some known issues can be resolved by using Compatibility Mode (emulates IE7 behavior). Both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have moved to a rapid release cycle. At the time of testing, Chrome 10.0 and Firefox 4.0 were the latest available versions. Since then, new stable versions have been released and widely adopted. Blackboard is supporting all newer stable versions of Chrome and Firefox. 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 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 Apple Quicktime Adobe Flash Player Microsoft Windows Media Player Windows Media Player Plugin for Firefox browsers Windows Media Player Plugin for Macs (Flip4Mac) RealNetworks RealOne Player Sun Java SE Runtime Environment 6 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. Please note: In addition to the equipment listed below, it may be to the student's advantage to have a web cam and microphone installed for distance advising and troubleshooting purposes. Operating System Microsoft Windows Processor or AMD Speed/Type K6/Athlon/ Apple Macintosh XP Vista Windows 7 Mac 10.5 Mac 10.6 300 MHz recommended; Intel Pentium/ Celeron family, Duron family, or compatible recommended 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Intel, Power PC G5, or Power PC G4 (867 MHz or faster) Intel
CPU Memory 128 MB of RAM 1 GB of RAM (minimum*) Monitor Resolution 1024 x 768 1024 x 768 1.5 gigabytes Free Hard (GB) of free Disk Space disk space (minimum*) 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of free space 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32- or 2 GB RAM (64- DirectX 9 graphics device 1024 x 768 with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver 16 GB available 9 GB of free hard disk space disk space (32- or 20 GB (64-512 MB of RAM 1 GB of RAM 5 GB of free disk space Internet Minimum: 56 kbps Dial-up Modem Connection Recommended: Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband or DSL) References for hardware system requirements: 1. Microsoft Windows XP: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sysreqs/pro.mspx 2. Microsoft Windows Vista: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsvista/get/system-requirements.aspx 3. Microsoft Windows 7: http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements 4. Mac OS 10.5: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3759 5. Mac OS 10.6: http://www.apple.com/macosx/specs.html *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 memory. Internet Access: Internet access is required to participate in online components of your courses at Stevenson University. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the Internet in order of preference: 1. Recommended: LAN, Cable, or *DSL connection. Highly recommended for optimal student experience. Required for all technical programs. 2. 56K Dial-up connection. Many course components will have suboptimal performance when accessed through a 56K dial-up connection. 3. Satellite and/or Wireless Internet connection. Satellite and wireless connections are not recommended. Performance may be suboptimal due to latency and signal instability. *Note: DSL services come in various grades. It is recommended to use a 3 Mbps downstream/384 Kbps upstream or better DSL connection. Contact your service provider to find out the speeds available. The faster the connection, the better your virtual classroom experience will be.
**Note: If you connect to the Internet through your company, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network. Internet Connectivity: Reliable Internet availability from home via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is required. Internet access at work may not allow enough time to complete required assignments. "Firewalls" may impede access to online courses from work and also from home. If an employer has a firewall, the student needs to request that special arrangements with their ITS Dept. for the Firewall to be opened to the Blackboard port.