The following hardware and software are minimum specifications to work with the Blackboard 7:
http://library.blackboard.com/docs/bbas_r7_0_browser_requirements.pdf
Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, or ME; MacOS 9 or MacOS X
Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 MB of free disk space
Software: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader
Browser: Client Browser Configuration Guide
Modem: 56 K
Web Browsers and Blackboard
Web browsers (The software tool you use to access web pages. Common examples of free web browsers would be Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Opera, Mozilla.) can interfere with your ability to log in and/or use some of the features of Blackboard.
A java-enabled browser is required to access material on Blackboard. Examples of java-enabled browsers include Internet Explorer, Version 5 or above, or Netscape Navigator, Version 4 or above. Blackboard is compatible with either a Windows or Macintosh machine.
However, you may be unable to use the Virtual Classroom of Blackboard if you use the combination of a Macintosh computer and an older Netscape browser. Use of a Macintosh computer and Internet Explorer browser will load the Virtual Classroom.
UIS recommends Internet Explorer for use with Blackboard. Blackboard uses cookies in its navigation process. Cookies must be enabled to use Blackboard. Take the UIS Browser Test to be sure your browser is ready for online course access.
Important: JavaScript & Cookies must be enabled.
A note about Proprietary Browsers
Internet service providers such as AOL, MSN, AT&T at home, and CompuServ offer their users a customized interface for accessing the world wide web. These customized looks can interfere with access and use of Blackboard features. If you are using a proprietary browser to view the web, we recommend using your ISP to connect to the Internet and then minimizing their window and opening up a new browser window in Internet Explorer or Netscape to view and access Blackboard material.
Contact UIS TechSupport at (217)206-7357 or toll free in Illinois at 1-877-847-0443 for additional assistance.
ISPs can also use a proxy server set to maximize caching levels. Depending upon the circumstance, these settings can interfere with your ability to login to Blackboard. If you experience repeated problems in accessing Blackboard, please contact UIS TechSupport at (217)206-7357 or toll free in Illinois at 1-877-847-0443 for assistance.
Additional Plug-ins
Depending upon the specific course you are taking, you may be required to download add-ons or plug-ins to view material for your class. See your instructor for specific instructions and contact UIS TechSupport for technical assistance. Links to useful web plug-ins can be found at http://online.uis.edu/internet_tools.htm