Requirements and Recommendations Check
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Blackboard System Requirements and Recommendations
You are using Netscape Navigator .0
Needed to open documents saved as Portable Document Format (PDF)
Needed to view Flash media objects (example: .swf files)
Needed to open Windows Media file formats (movies, music, etc.)
Needed to open QuickTime objects (example .mov files)
Needed to open RealPlayer media objects (radio streams, movies, etc.)
The tests below ensure your computer configuration meets the minimum requirements and optional requirements for all Blackboard features. Recommendations are noted as optional. Overall performance will vary based on hardware and connection speeds.
In addition to the following requirements, Frostburg State University recommends students have a version of Microsoft Office (perferably Microsoft Office 2003 or later). Click here for information on purchasing Microsoft Office at a discounted rate.
Internet Requirements:
The Blackboard Learning System is best utilized when accessed via a 256 Kbps Internet connection or higher. DSL or Cable Internet recommended. A list of local Internet Service Providers (ISP) is listed in the phonebook.
Hardware Requirements:
In order to participate in a fully online, blended or web-enhanced course at FSU, students must have reliable access to a computer with Internet access. The computer system the student uses must fulfill the requirements listed within this page. All computers available in the student computer labs on campus meet these hardware requirements.
512 MB of RAM (1024 MB Recommended)
1 GB of free disk space
8-bit (16-bit recommended) sound card and speakers
8X CD-Rom Drive (24X recommended)
Browser Recommendations:
Supported Web Browsers for Blackboard version 8
Listed below are the supported operating systems and browsers for use with the Blackboard Academic Suite 8. The Academic Suite is a Web-based application and other browsers and operating systems may work well, however, the listed configurations are the only configurations that are tested and supported by Blackboard.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Certified | fully tested and supported |
| Compatible | key application areas tested |
| Provisional |
future technologies considered supported by Blackboard Support. |
| Not tested | specified Browser is not supported for the Operating System |
Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Web Browsers
| Windows XP | Windows Vista Desktop | Windows 7 (32/64-bit) |
Mac OS 10.3 | Mac OS 10.4 | Mac OS 10.5 | |
| Compatible | Not Supported | Not Supported | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested | |
| Internet Explorer 7 | Compatible | Certified | Not Supported | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested |
| Internet Explorer 8 | Compatible | Compatible | Provisional |
Not Tested |
Not Tested |
Not Tested |
Mozilla® Firefox and Netscape® Navigator Web Browsers
| Windows XP | Windows Vista Desktop | Windows 7 (32/64-bit) |
Mac OS 10.3 | Mac OS 10.4 | Mac OS 10.5 | |
| Firefox 1.5 | Not Supported | Not Supported | Not Supported |
Compatible | Certified | Not Tested |
| Firefox 2.0 | Certified | Certified | Not Supported | Not Tested | Certified | Compatible |
| Firefox 3.0 | Certified | Certified | Not Supported | Compatible | Certified | Compatible |
| Firefox 3.5 |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Not Tested |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Apple® Safari® Web Browsers
| Windows XP | Windows Vista Desktop | Mac OS 10.3 | Mac OS 10.4 | Mac OS 10.5 | |
| Safari 2 | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested | Certified | Certified |
| Safari 3 | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested | Compatible | Certified |
| Safari 4 |
Not Tested |
Not Tested |
Not Tested |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Minimum Software Requirements:
You are using Netscape Navigator .0
Java Requirement for Blackboard Collaboration Tools:
A text box should be displayed above detailing the version of Java Runtime Environment you have installed. If you do not see the text box above with the Java version then you do not have JRE installed. Recommended Version: JRE 5 Update 7 (1.5.0_07) or higher |
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Display Recommendations:
Recommended Screen Resolution: 1024 × 768 pixels (or higher)
Your Screen Resolution:
Optional Plug-In's (For viewing certain files and media):
Needed to open documents saved as Portable Document Format (PDF)
Needed to view Flash media objects (example: .swf files)
Needed to open Windows Media file formats (movies, music, etc.)
Needed to open QuickTime objects (example .mov files)
Needed to open RealPlayer media objects (radio streams, movies, etc.)