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Technical Requirements for eLearning Classes

If you are taking on online course, this is a list of the minimum computer requirements:

An Internet Service Provider - High-speed Internet connection strongly recommended
Pentium 4 (PC) / G4 (MAC) equivalent or higher
56kkps V.90 modem - if on dial-up
500 MB free space on the hard drive
256 MB of RAM or higher
Windows XP or Vista (PC) / Mac OS 10.4 (MAC) or higher
DVD/CD-ROM with speakers or headphone output
Word processing software and other software as required by your instructor/course

Fully supported browsers for Blackboard

PC	Mac
Internet Explorer 7	Firefox 3
Firefox 3	Safari 3

Browser Downloads are available here:

Firefox Browser | Internet Explorer | Safari

Firefox is generally the browser of choice, as it is fully certified by Blackboard. Internet Explorer 7 is also fully certified. Internet Explorer 8 is not fully certified for use with Blackboard, but users can click the "Compatibility Mode" button to improve the situation. By placing the IE 8 browser in compatibility mode you will force the browser to behave as an IE 7 version while working in Blackboard. This is important so you can view all content, such as assignments, discussion board text boxes, etc.

Compatibility Mode Switch

Please note that Blackboard does not support AOL's (America Online) or NetZero's web-browser. If you use AOL or NetZero as your ISP, you will need to download Firefox (Mac or PC), Safari 3 (Mac) or use Internet Explorer 7 (PC only). After you have installed the new browser, you will need to connect to your ISP using the AOL or NetZero browser, then minimize that browser and open your new browser to access Blackboard.

For current discussion about browsers and Blackboard, visit:

Smart Penguin Blackboard Tech Blog

Java and Blackboard

Blackboard works best using the latest version of Java on your computer. You can go to the following site which will scan your system, detect your Java version, and even update it if needed.

Check my Java

Other Important Browser Settings

Pop-up windows must be allowed for Blackboard to function correctly. Turn off the pop-up blocker in your browser and all pop-up blockers on any additional Yahoo or Google toolbars you may have added to your browser.