Technical Requirements

Due to the wide variety of computer hardware/software/browser combinations available, it is nearly impossible to give a comprehensive list that accounts for all variations. What follows is the most common equipment necessary for a successful Blackboard experience.

 

Computer

Students should own or have daily access to a computer. Students can use a PC or a Mac that meets these minimum hardware requirements. BusTc classes and CIS 105 require the use of a PC.

Hardware Requirements
Minimum configuration for PC: CPU: Pentium III 300-MHz Memory: 512 MB RAM Hard drive: 20 GB hard drive Operating system: Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista CD-ROM drive Network connection for Internet access	Minimum configuration for Mac: CPU: G3/G4/G5, or Intel Processor Memory: 512 MB RAM Hard drive: 20 GB hard drive Operating system: OS X (10.3 or higher) CD-ROM drive Network connection for Internet access

 

Operating System and Browser

Current list of supported browsers and operating systems.

 

Internet Access

You'll need a reliable connection to the Internet for online courses. You can connect to the Internet by signing up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). There are many ISPs to choose from. Your local phone or cable company may offer Internet access

 

E-mail Account

To take an online course, you need to use your Shoreline e-mail account.
Find out how to access your Shoreline email account, Shoreline e-mail account.

 

Downloading Web Browsers

• Download Internet Explorer
• Download Mozilla Firefox
• Download Apple Safari
• Download Google Chrome

 

Software and Browser Plug-ins

Blackboard Learn requires the latest version of Java which can be downloaded here. You will need a word processor in order to create documents for your online class. The most common are Microsoft Word and WordPad. Also, if you do not have Microsoft Office, these free downloads will allow you to view files created using Word (.doc), Excel (.xls), or PowerPoint (.ppt).

 

Some of the Blackboard pages may have content that requires a plug-in or other software to be viewed. Plug-ins are small software programs that let you hear music or other sounds, watch full-motion video, or enjoy multimedia presentations.  List of additional recommended plug-ins for Java, Acrobat, and various media players.

 

Information for AOL Users.