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Software & Hardware Recommendations |
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| Browser Compatibility with Blackboard |
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Microsoft Windows |
Apple OS X |
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XP |
Vista |
Windows 7
(32/64-bit)
Not Recommended |
10.4 |
10.5 |
10.6 |
| Microsoft Internet Explorer |
6.0 |
Compatible |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| 7.0 |
Compatible+ |
Certified |
Not Supported |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| 8.0* |
Not Recommended |
Not Recommended |
Provisional |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| Mozilla Firefox |
3.0 |
Certified |
Certified |
Not Supported |
Certified |
Certified |
Not Tested |
| 3.5* |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Not Tested |
| Apple Safari |
2.x |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Certified |
Certified |
Not tested |
| 3.x |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Compatible |
Certified |
Not tested |
| 4.x |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Not tested |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Not Tested |
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Linux: Browsers - Mozilla 1.0+, Firefox 3.x; Java 1.5+
Legend:
Certified: tested and supported
Compatible: key application areas tested
Provisional: future technologies considered supported by Blackboard
Not Supported: specified browser is not supported for the operating system
Not Tested: No information available from Blackboard
Not Recommended: We advise not using this browser
NA: Not Available
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Notes:
- We usually recommend Firefox
 for most Blackboard work.
However Firefox 3.5 has shown some issues with Assignments.
- *Internet Explorer 8 is only supported in Standards Mode (Compatibility mode turned on). Internet Explorer has been known to hide the submit button with the timer window during timed tests.
- Google Chrome is NOT supported and should not be used with Blackboard.
- Although other browsers may connect to Bb, they have not been tested and are not recommended.
- +For Windows XP, IE 7has been known to hide the submit button in timed tests. We recommend using Firefox.
- Note for AOL Users:
The AOL browser is not compatible with Blackboard. This is a known issue with AOL's software which affects all AOL users.
If you use AOL or a similar provider for your Internet service, follow these steps.
1.
Log in as you normally do.
2. Minimize the browser they provided (you will remain connected to the Internet)
3. Launch another Web Browser (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer from MS).
4. Log into CSUStan Blackboard.
We attempt to keep this information updated. However, changes in browsers, operating systems, and system settings can alter your performance. Be prepared to use an alternate browser when you encounter issues.
In general, Firefox works well for both students and faculty on all computer platforms.
We cannot provide guarantees due to the way applications continue to change and how individual computer set-ups and Internet Service Providers can affect performance. |
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| Pop-Up Blockers |
Turn off all browser popup blockers or set them to exclude csustan.edu before logging into Blackboard.
If you have turned off or set exclusions for your popup blockers and continue to have problems, contact the OIT Help Desk, L-150, 667-3687. |
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| JavaScript and Cookies |
| Javascript and Cookies must be set to enabled or true. Java must be enabled. In Internet Explorer, selecting the Medium Security Level (on the Privacy tab of the Internet Explorer Internet Options panel) should provide the necessary settings. |
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| Browser Plug-ins |
Some courses may require plug-ins for your Web Browser. Basic configurations include these. Use the automatic update setting for these and other applications.
Adobe Reader for PDF files
QuckTime for QuickTime movie files - for Mac & Windows
Adobe Flash Player for Flash content
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP for media files
Flip4Mac® WMV Components for Mac QuickTime
Sun Java SE Runtime for Windows (built in to Mac OS X)
These are free downloads.
Contact the OIT Help Desk, L-150, 667-3687, for technical assistance. |
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| Applications or Programs |
Most courses will require an office suite application such as Microsoft Office® or OpenOffice (see Plugins & Readers).
See your course information for any specific requirements for the class.
Some software is freeware or open source; other programs can be purchased as shareware or from commercial vendors.
Please honor the software creator's licensing. |
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| Hardware Requirements for Blackboard |
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Windows |
Mac |
| Operating System |
Min: 98, 2000
Recommended: XP, VISTA
Provisional: Windows 7 |
Min: 10.3,
Recommended: 10.4, 10.5
Provisional: 10.6
(some new Bb functions are not compatible with PowerPC processors and OS 9) |
| Processor |
Min: 800 MHz Pentium or comparable
Recommended: 2.33 GHz |
Min: 400 MHz Power PC G3
(10.6 runs only on Intel Macs)
Recommended: 2.33 GHz |
| RAM |
Min: 1 GB, Recommended: 2 GB |
| Free Disk Space |
Min: 1.5 GB, Recommended:15 GB |
Min: 3 GB; Recommended:9 GB |
| Monitor Resolution |
Min: 800 x 600, Recommended 1024 X 768 |
| Audio (Sound) Card & Speakers |
Min: 8-bit, Recommended: 16-bit |
| Video Card |
Min: 16 MB VRAM, 16-bit (65,000 colors)
Recommended: 64 MB VRAM, 24- or 32-bit (True Color) |
Min: 64 MB Virtual Memory
Recommended: 128 MB + Virtual Memory |
| Internet Connection |
Minimum: 56 Kbps +
Recommended: High-speed connection (e.g., Cable or DSL)
Note: Wireless PCs/laptops and ISP providers using satellite connection may create problems during a session when taking exams.
Refer to Test Taking Tips |
| Removable Storage Device |
CD-RW ROM Drive (Min: 8X, Recommended: 24X), USB Flash Drive |
| Printer |
Graphics-capable (inkjet or laser)
Note: Printing may not be necessary for all courses. |
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| Linux: Adapt from the above requirements, focusing on Mac OS X |
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||||||| Updated: 10/26/09
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