Note: The Content below deals mainly with Blackboard 9 issues.
To search this page for keywords select [Ctrl] + F to bring up a search window.
For Macs, use [Command] + F!
Q: What are the OS and Browser requirements for Blackboard? Upgraded for Blackboard 9!
A: Please use the matrix below to determine your specific need.
The tables below explain which browsers and operating systems are supported for using Blackboard. Not using a certified browser could lead to problems while using the various features of Blackboard. If you have any questions about the information below, please contact the IT Customer Service Center at 257-1300.
With the Upgrade to version 9, the supported configurations have changed. Please note Firefox 2 and earlier are not supported. Internet Explorer 6 is not supported, and Mac OS X 10.3 is not supported.
| Browser |
Windows XP |
Windows Vista (32-bit) |
Windows Vista (64-bit) |
Windows 7 (32/64-bit) |
Mac 10.4 |
Mac 10.5 |
Mac 10.6 |
|
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (Standards Mode Only) |
Compatible |
Certified |
Compatible |
Provisional |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
| Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 |
Compatible |
Compatible |
Compatible |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
| Mozilla Firefox 3.5.x |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
Provisional |
| Mozilla Firefox 3.0.x |
Certified |
Certified |
Compatible |
Not Supported |
Compatible |
Certified |
Not Supported |
| Apple Safari 4 |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Compatible |
Compatible |
Provisional |
| Apple Safari 3 |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Support |
Not Supported |
Certified |
Certified |
Not Supported |
| Apple Safari 2 |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Not Supported |
Compatible |
Compatible |
Not Supported |
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Certified |
Fully tested and supported |
|
Compatible |
Key application areas tested |
|
Provisional |
Future technologies considered supported |
|
Not Supported |
Specified browser is not supported for the opreating system |
Q: Is there an easier way I can find out about all of my Blackboard requirements?
A: Yes! Just select BbGo! Due to differences in Browsers, Operating Systems, and Hardware, loading times may differ. Please be patient!
Q: How do I clear my browser's cache?
Internet Explorers 8 and 7
1. Once your browser is open, click the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
2. Make sure the General tab is selected.
3. Under "Browsing History" click "Delete"
4. In the new window, click Delete Files in the Temporary Internet Files section.
Firefox
1. Once your browser is open, click the Tools menu and select Clear Private Data
2. Make sure that "Cache" is checked.
3. Click Clear Private Data Now.
Safari
1. Once your browser is open, click the Safari menu and select Empty Cache
2. Confirm the action by clicking Empty in the pop-up window
Q: What type of connection to the internet should I have?
A: DSL or Cable modems are highly recommended.
While Dialup modems will work, they are often problematic. If your dial up connection times out while working in Blackboard, you will need to speak with your Internet Service Provider to see if they will remove it. This is especially important when taking Tests in Blackboard.
Q: Are there any browser settings that I should know about?
A: Cookies must be enabled to use Blackboard. Blackboard uses "session" cookies in order to login to the system. However, these cookies are not permanent -- once you close your browser after finishing a session in Blackboard, the cookie will go away.
To enable cookies in your Internet Explorer browser:
1. Click on Tools, then Internet Options.
2. Select the Privacy Tab.
3. Your security level should be "medium or less" to allow cookies. Click on slide bar and make necessary change, Click OK button.
To enable cookies in your Safari browser:
1. Click on Safari, then Preferences.
2. Select Security.
3. Make sure that "Only from Sites that I visit is selected under Accept Cookies.
To enable cookies in your Firefox browser:
1. Click on Tools, then Options.
2. Select Privacy.
3. Make sure that the "Accept cookies from sites" is checked under the Cookies section.
Q: Are there any other helper apps that I'll need?
A: Yes. Java and JavaScript must be enabled. Download or check to see if you have the latest version of Java.
Q: How do I enable JAVA?
A: To enable JAVA applet scripting in Internet Explorer browser:
1. Click on Tools. Then click on Internet Options.
2. Click on the Security tab. Click on Internet at top of box.
3. Click the Custom button. Scroll down the list to "Scripting of JAVA applets " and select "Enable." Click the OK button. Click OK again in the Internet Options box.
Please note: if you are connecting to Blackboard from inside a network or firewall, you will need to click on Intranet Options from the Security Tab and repeat the procedure.
Q: Are there any other tips for my browser that I should know about?
A: Yes.
Trusted Sites
You may wish to add Blackboard as a "Trusted Site". To do this in Internet Explorer:
1. Click on Tools. Then click on Internet Options.
2. Click on Security tab. Click on Trusted Sites in top of box.
3. Click the Sites button.
4. In the Address of Web site field key in Blackboard's site address: http://elearning.uky.edu/. Click the Add button.
5. Click the OK button. Click the OK button again in the Internet Options box.
Disable Pop-up Blocker
You will want to disable your pop-up blocker for Blackboard. In Internet Explorer:
If you have additional pop-up blockers installed (such as Yahoo), you will need to turn them off as well.
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©University of Kentucky, 2009
Teaching & Academic Support Center (TASC)
Permission is granted to reproduced materials for educational, noncommercial purposes, with acknowledgement of the University of Kentucky.