System Requirements

If your computer does not have the proper hardware, Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1 may run slowly or may not run at all. Prior to using Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1 on your computer, compare your current system configuration with the system requirements below.

Hardware Minimum Requirements

• 1.5 GHz CPU or greater with minimum of 1GB RAM
• Network adapter: LAN (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi)
• DSL or cable broadband Internet (Dial up not compatible)
• 3G & 4G connections not recommended when taking tests
• CD/DVD drive and speakers may be required; refer to course requirements

Operating Systems, Web Browsers & Plugins

• Windows XP, Vista or 7
• MAC OS X 10 or later
• OS x 10.4 Tiger not supported
• JAVA Runtime Environment 6
• Blackboard Learn requires the latest version of Sun JRE 6.
  The JRE can be downloaded from http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.

To determine which web browser to use with the Blackboard Learn System, find your operating system in the left column and choose a web browser. When possible choose a recommended browser which Blackboard has certified compatibility. In addition, you should have at least two approved browsers installed on your computer to accommodate for ongoing browser version changes.

Microsoft Windows Operating System

Recommended - fully tested and supported
Compatible - partially tested but should function properly
Unsupported - either impossible or not tested

Apple Mac OS Operating System

Recommended - fully tested and supported
Compatible - partially tested but should function properly

The following technologies are not supported:

• Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7
• Firefox 1.x, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5
• Safari 2.0, 3.x (or any version on Windows)
• Mac OSX 10.4 "Tiger"
• Java 5

If the computer you are using has a different browser than those indicated above, you still may be able to use parts of Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1. However, you may also experience problems, especially when completing quizzes and tests or using chat and the virtual classroom.

Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1 advises that your web browser conforms to certain standards. If you have an out-of-date or unsupported browser, it is suggested you either download a certified version of your current browser or a different certified browser before attempting to log into Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1.

Note (AOL) users:

The AOL browser is not compatible with Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1. However, you can use your AOL Internet connection with one of the web browsers listed above for your operating system to access Blackboard 9.1.

Browser Configuration

Your browser must be configured properly as follows:

• JavaScript must be enabled.
• Cookies must be enabled.
• Pop-up windows must be enabled.

Browser Plug-ins

At a minimum, you will need three browser plug-ins to use Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1: Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, and the Java Runtime Environment plug-in. You may need additional plug-ins if the course you are taking includes multimedia elements such as QuickTime; your instructor will provide you with any additions you may need.

To download and install the current versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash Player:

1. Go to http://www.adobe.com/.
2. Click the “Get Adobe Reader” button.
3. Return to http://www.adobe.com/.
4. Click the “Get Adobe Flash Player” button.

You will also need the correct version of the Java plug-in (note this is not the same thing as JavaScript). Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1 will not run properly if you are using an incompatible version of Java or if you have multiple versions of Java installed. Verify your Java plug-in is functioning properly by visiting: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.jsp

Connection Speed

Once you have ensured that your computer has the proper operating system and hardware to run Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1, you should verify that your Internet connection is fast enough to support Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1. Online courses may require you to download/upload large files and often include streaming audio and video, both of which require faster connections.

• Dial-up – you should not be relying on dial-up while taking a course through eLearning. You may still use Blackboard^TM Learn Release 9.1. However, you will encounter difficulties when loading pages, especially during peak usage times. You will also find that both audio and video playback can be very choppy. Additionally, downloading or uploading assignments may take a long time.
• Cable modems (Time Warner – CableVision) – this is the preferred connection to use when accessing Blackboard.
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) – this is a good quality connection to use.
• Satellite (such as Hughes Net) will work however you will encounter a latency (a delay) between the satellite connection and Blackboard Learn.