Hardware
and Software Specifications for Blackboard
- You need a computer
with multimedia capabilities (i.e., sound with speakers), a monitor
capable of at least 800 x 600 resolution, a modem or Internet connection
of least a 56K modem connection, and an Internet Browser in order to
access Blackboard. Here are further
specifications:
- Your browser must
accommodate both Javascript and Java for some functions of the
course. These are functions you can
turn on in your browser.
- Your browser must be
set to accept cookies (use minimum browser security settings).
- Windows users will
need the Java Virtual Machine, which can be downloaded for free from Sun
Microsystems. Mac OS 10.1 and higher have Java Virtual Machine already
installed.
- Firewalls will affect
your ability to access and use Blackboard.
XP users should know that the latest Service Pack, SP2, includes a
firewall that is turned on by default.
Instructions for turning it off are at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx
- Popup Blockers (also
included in the SP2) will affect your ability to use the Collaboration
Tools and other features.
Windows
Users Only – Downloading the Java Virtual Machine
Ø The Java 2 Run Time Environment1.5.06 & above (recommended) is required to use the Collaboration Tools.
Ø This plug-in may be downloaded from the page that appears when a user joins a Collaboration Session, or
Ø Visit http://java.sun.com/products/plugin/index.jsp.
Enabling Cookies in your Browser
In order to use Blackboard on
your personal computer, you must have cookies enabled. Depending on your browser type, do one of the
following:
Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer and select Tools à Internet Options.
- Select the Privacy Tab.
- Using the sliding bar, slide the bar down to that
the cookie settings are Medium or lower.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Internet Explorer (Mac)
- Open Internet Explorer and select Internet
Explorer à Preferences
- Scroll down and select Cookies (under Receiving
Files).
- On the drop down menu to the right select “Never
Ask”.
- Click OK.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox and select Tools à Options.
- Click onto Privacy.
- Check “Accept Cookies from Sites.”
- Click OK.
Netscape
- Open Netscape and select Edit à Preferences
(under Mac
it is Netscape à Preferences).
- Click onto Privacy and Security.
- Select Cookies.
- Select Enable Cookies.
- Click OK.
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari and select Safari à Preferences.
- Click on Security.
- Under Cookies select the option “Always”.
- Close the Window.
Enabling Cookies in Your Browser
In order to use Blackboard on your personal computer, you must have cookies enabled. Depending on your browser type, do one of the following:
Internet
Explorer 6 and 7
Open Internet
Explorer and select Tools à
Internet Options.
NOTE: Internet Explorer 7 users may need to press the Alt key on the keyboard to display Tools menu.
1. Select the Privacy Tab.
2. Using the sliding bar, slide the bar down to that the cookie settings are Medium or lower.
3. Click Apply.
4. Click OK.
Internet 7 users
must also add Blackboard to their list of trusted sites.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox
and select Tools à Options.
- Click
onto Privacy.
- Check
“Accept Cookies from Sites.”
- Click OK.
Netscape 8
- Open Netscape and select Tools à Options à Site Controls.
- Under Site List, be sure Allow Cookies is selected.
On this Site List, be sure that Enable Java and Enable JavaScript are enabled, as well as Open Requested Popups.