What are the Browser Requirements for using Blackboard Vista?

The listed configurations below are the only configurations that are tested and supported by Blackboard:

Windows Operating System; Windows 2000, XP, Vista*

Windows 7 is UNSUPPORTED by Blackboard Vista. (Nov. 10, 2009)

Compatible Browsers with Blackboard Vista 8.0.3:
 

• Firefox 2.x (with Windows 2000, XP, Vista)

Firefox 2 download: 

Firefox 2.0.0.20 download

• Firefox 3.0* (Do NOT go to a higher version, such as 3.5, as it has not been tested.)
• Internet Explorer  6 SP1; 6 SP2 (with Windows 2000, XP)

• Internet Explorer  7 (with Windows XP, Vista) 

• Internet Explorer 8* (with Windows Vista only. NOT with Windows 7.)

*Please note that although Blackboard Vista is now compatible with Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 8, other systems in the myCommNet Portal, such as Self-Service, are not yet supported by them.

Browsers tested on PC as NOT Compatible:

Google Chrome, and Safari 3 Public Beta, and Safari 4 all are not compatible. These newer browsers have been tested and are not compatible with our Blackboard Vista 8.0.3 system.

Apple's iPhone Blackboard Learn app is not compatible with Blackboard Vista.

Mac Operating System

Mac OS 10.2.x, 10.3.x, and OS 10.4.x

Compatible Browsers:

Firefox 1.0 (with OS 10.2.x, 10.3.x, 10.4.x)

Firefox 3.0.11

Safari 1.3.x; 2.x (with OS 10.3.x & 10.4.x)

Safari 3.0 (with OS 10.4) 

What version of Java should I be using with Blackboard Vista?

Windows Operating Systems:

• Java JRE 1.5.11 up to version Version 1.6.0_05

  • 1.6.0_05 download

     

We have seen problems with 1.5.10 and lower. 

• HTML Editor and other components may not work with Java 1.6.0_06 or higher.

Mac Operating Systems:

Apple Version 1.4.2_12 up to 1.5.0_13

Do I need to disable pop-up blockers?

Yes. Most of the online learning systems, including myCommNet and Blackboard Vista take advantage of pop-up windows to present course material. If any pop-up blockers are present on your system they will prevent you from using myCommNet and some Blackboard Vista course tools (i.e. mail, exams, library reserves, streaming media) We recommend setting an option that allows pop-ups from websites you specify, and blocks all other pop-ups. (Be sure to add *.my.commnet.edu and *.blackboard.com as safe sites to allow popups from these sites.)

Please refer to the myCommNet site for further information. 

(http://my.commnet.edu/site/faq.html#popup)