Browser Requirements

Which browser should I use?

Blackboard works best with Microsoft's Internet Explorer version 6.0 and above. If you experience any problems, you should get the latest version. As of this writing, the latest version of is Internet Explorer 7. It is available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp.

You may also use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x or the latest version of Firefox. We do not recommend Netscape or Safari, because these browsers do not work with all of Blackboard 7's features, notably the new text editing tool bar, and the blog and wiki tools.

How do I check the browser version?

On the browser menu bar, click the “Help” option at the end of the menu. Then select the option for “About Mozilla Firefox ” or “About Internet Explorer”. The window that appears will show your browser version. If you are using a prior version to you should upgrade to the latest version in order to use all the features of Blackboard.

Flash demo: How to view the version of your web browser

I have problems using AOL ...

There are known problems with the AOL browser.  However, you can still use your AOL connection without using the AOL browser.  Login to your AOL account and minimize the AOL window.  Then start the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape browser from the Start menu.

Plug-ins

A plug-in application is additional software that runs with your web browser. It allows you to view files that your browser alone is not capable of viewing. Listed below are some common plug-ins and the location where you can download them.

PDF Acrobat Reader:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Flash Player:
http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer

RealOne Player:
http://www.realnetworks.com/info/freeplayer/

Windows Media Player: http://windowsmedia.com/9series/download/download.asp

What is the Java runtime environment?

Windows users: If you do not have java, you may download it at http://www.java.com

Macintosh users: If you do not have java, you may download it at
http://www.apple.com/java/

How do I check if Java is enabled?

Java must be enabled for the Virtual Classroom to work properly.

In Internet Explorer:

• Click Tools on the browser menu
• Select Internet Options
• Click the Security tab
• Click Custom Level
• Under "Java permissions", make sure that "Disable Java" is not selected. If it is selected, change to "high safety" instead and click OK.
• Reload the chat page and try to access chat again

In Netscape 4.7 and above:

• On the browser menu, click Edit
• Select Preferences
• In the left window pane, click on the word Advanced (not on the + sign)
• On the right hand side, make sure there is a check next to "enable Java" and click OK.
• Reload the page and try to access chat again.