Blackboard & Browsers/Operating Systems

See a list of Web browsers approved for Blackboard version 7.3.

Internet Explorer 8

This browser is still in Beta and has been shown to have numerous errors and security risks for Blackboard. Blackboard has not approved it for use.

Google Chrome

This browser is still in Beta and has been shown to have numerous errors and security risks for Blackboard. Blackboard has not approved it for use.

Firefox

• Firefox 3
  
  When uploading an attachment to an assignment with Firefox 3, you will receive a popup error "please enter a valid file," even though the file is valid.
  
  Blackboard does not yet support Firefox 3. If you have not upgraded to version 3, it is recommended that you do not upgrade.
  
  If you have already upgraded, a Firefox Add-on may be a work around for you. See the instructions for the workaround.
  
  
• All versions of Firefox
  
  Some users may have trouble using it with timed exams in Blackboard because of the way all versions of Firefox sometimes handle Java.
  
  Blackboard tools often use Java, a free, downloadable plug-in. If you experience problems using Firefox with timed Blackboard exams, please uninstall Java, restart your computer, and reinstall Java. If you still have problems taking your exam, please try using Internet Explorer or Safari.

Macintosh OS

• On Mac OS X, Safari will not run the Whiteboard Collaboration Tool due to Java caching. Firefox is a good alternative.
  
  For older versions of the Mac OS, the Whiteboard will not function in any browser.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista is not compatible with the text editor in Blackboard. If you use Windows Vista and cannot type in text boxes (discussion board threads, for example), please see Blackboard Text Box Editor Help.