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Hardware Requirements
These requirements refer specifically to your computer hardware. Remember, it is OK if you satisfy or exceed the "Recommended" settings. "Minimum requirements" are meant for basic use of Blackboard. If you require any additional plug-in software applications, always check with the appropriate vendors as the "minimum requirements" may change.
You should also check with your instructor for any other hardware/software requirements specific to your course. Remember, always be prepared for your online class before it begins for the best learning experience!
| Hardware \ Platform | Apple Macintosh | Microsoft Windows | ||
| Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended | |
| Operating System | OS X 10.2 | OS X 10.3 | Windows 98 SP2 | XP or Vista |
| Browser | I.E. 5.2 or Safari 1.0 | I.E. 5.2 or Safari 1.2 | I.E. 5.5 or Firefox 1.0.x | I.E. 7.0 or Firefox 2.0.x |
| Processor Speed/Type | 300 MHz PowerPC G3 processor | 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processor, or better | 400 MHz Intel Pentium II processor, or equivalent | 800 MHz Intel Pentium III processor, or equivalent/better |
| CPU Memory | 64 MB of RAM | 256 MB of RAM | 64 MB of RAM | 512 MB of RAM |
| Monitor Resolution | 800 x 600 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600 | 1024 x 768 |
| Internet Connection | 56 kbps Dialup Modem | Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband or DSL) | 56 kbps Dialup Modem | Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband or DSL) |
| Free Hard Disk Space | 100 MB | 500 MB or greater | 100 MB | 500 MB or greater |
| Audio (Sound) Card | 16-bit sound card | 24-bit sound card | 16-bit sound card | 24-bit sound card |
| Video Card | Virtual memory turned on and allocated to at least 64 MB | Virtual memory turned on and allocated to at least 128 MB | 16 MB VRAM with 65,000 colors or 16-bit | 64 MB VRAM with True Color (24-bit or 32-bit) |
This table is adapted from information published by the University of St. Thomas
Browser Requirements
You need a web browser to access Blackboard. We recommend Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) as your standard web browser for Blackboard.
For Windows platforms, use Internet Explorer version 5.5 SP2 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox version 2.0 or higher. For Macintosh users, use Internet Explorer 5.2 or Safari 1.0 for Mac OS X 10.2 or Safari 1.2 for OS X 10.3.
There are three important settings for your web browser that must be enabled in order for you to use Blackboard. All of these settings can be easily configured by choosing the Medium Security Level (default setting).
| Web Browser Settings | |
| Java | Enabled |
| JavaScript | Enabled |
| Cookies | Enabled |
Firewalls
If you are attempting to access Blackboard from a computer at your work, you may experience problems with the company’s network and firewalls. Many companies have firewalls installed to protect their networks and prevent unwanted installations of software and possible viruses. If you are having network connectivity issues with Blackboard, you should contact your network or system administrator for assistance as well.
Pop-Up/Spam Blockers
If you have installed pop-up/cookie/spam blockers on your computer, you may experience difficulties connecting to or using Blackboard. If you do have difficulties, you may be able to allow the screen to open if you hold down on the Control key.
All Thomas University students taking in online courses must have a valid e-mail account. All TU students are automatically assigned a TU e-mail account when they enroll at the university. Although you are not required to use your TU e-mail account, its use is STRONGLY encouraged.
Virus Scanners
You should have anti-virus software installed & running on your computer. Some of the most popular virus scanners include McAfee VirusScan, Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus, and Sophos Anti-Virus.
There are thousands of computer viruses today. An effective way to reduce any possible damage/harm to your files is to have a virus scanner configured on your computer to constantly perform background system scans. One of the most common methods of passing a virus is through the sharing of files (e.g. via web sites, e-mails, floppy disks, ZIP disks, or CD-ROMs). Always be cautious of whom you are downloading files from, and verify downloaded files are safe first before opening them.
Browser Plug-ins
For some courses, you may need to have one or more of these plug-in application programs. Generally, plug-in software should already be present on your computer. However, we recommend that you verify that you have these plug-ins installed & configured on your web browser.
Remember, all these plug-in software applications are FREE downloads from the vendors. For installation assistance with these plug-ins, please contact the technical support of the respective vendors.
Microsoft Office Viewers
Microsoft offers free viewers for users to view documents created by the Microsoft Office product suite (i.e. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint). To create and/or edit Microsoft Office files, you will need the Microsoft Office suite. If you already have an older version of a Microsoft Office product, you can download the free Microsoft Office Converters.
To obtain further assistance: