Computer Setup

Man typing on a laptop

Ensuring you have the proper hardware and software is vital to your success in an online learning environment. Blackboard, the UT TeleCampus (UTTC) Learning Management System (LMS), conducts extensive testing of the operating systems and browser configurations supported by their system.

Home Campus Computing Center
Your Home Campus Computing Center is a resource for obtaining antivirus, personal firewall and other software for free or at a discount. You can also get help with your campus email account and desktop computing, printing, and Internet connectivity issues.

Microsoft Campus Agreement (MSCA)
The University of Texas System has an agreement with Microsoft that provides academic students, faculty, and staff reduced pricing for Microsoft's popular software suite, including operating systems and desktop productivity tools. Visit the MSCA site for more information about obtaining Microsoft software from your home campus.

 
Home » Technical Information » Computer Setup

Computer Setup

The instructions on this page will guide you through computer setup. It is important that you complete all the steps, and in the order in which they are listed. In the first two steps, you will assure you have a compatible browser and that it is configured correctly. In the last step, you will use a browser checker tool to confirm your setup and to install plug-ins or helper applications you may need.

Step 1 - Use a Supported Browser
Make sure you have an operating system and browser that is compatible with Blackboard.

  1. To determine which operating system and browser you are currently using, click the "What's my Browser?" link below (be sure to turn off your pop-up blocker first).

        What's my Browser?

      (If your browser information isn't displayed in the pop-up window, go to the the Help menu and select About [browser name].)

    • Check to be sure your operating system and browser are listed as certified (recommended) or compatible in the chart below.

    • If the browser you are using isn't one of the certified (recommended) or compatible browsers, click one of the links below to download a compatible browser.

      Get Internet Explorer

      Get Firefox

      Get Safari

    • After downloading and installing the browser, then proceed to Step 2 below to configure your browser.

      Blackboard Supported Operating Systems and Browsers

      UTTC logo          Blackboard logo
      (effective fall 2009)

      Windows Mac
      XP Vista 10.3 10.4 10.5
      Internet
      Explorer
      6 yellow caution icon green checkmark icon red X icon red X icon red X icon
      7 yellow caution icon green checkmark icon red X icon red X icon red X icon
      8 yellow caution icon yellow caution icon red X icon red X icon red X icon
      Firefox
      1.5 red X icon red X icon yellow caution icon green checkmark icon yellow caution icon
      2.0 green checkmark icon green checkmark icon red X icon green checkmark icon yellow caution icon
      3.0 green checkmark icon green checkmark icon yellow caution icon green checkmark icon yellow caution icon
      Safari
      2 red X icon red X icon red X icon green checkmark icon green checkmark icon
      3 red X icon red X icon red X icon yellow caution icon green checkmark icon
      Chart Key:
      green checkmark icon Certified - This configuration has been fully tested and is fully supported by Blackboard.
      yellow caution icon Compatible - This configuration has had key application areas tested and is fully supported by Blackboard. There may be unknown issues present.
      red X icon Not Supported - This configuration is not supported by Blackboard.

































    Step 2 - Configure Your Browser
    Now that you've confirmed that you have a compatible browser, you must configure it for optimal use with Blackboard.

    1. To confirm which operating system and browser you are currently using, click the "What's my Browser?" link below (be sure to turn off your pop-up blocker first).

        What's my Browser?

      (If your browser information isn't displayed in the pop-up window, go to the the Help menu and select About [browser name].)

    2. Click the link for your browser below and complete the step-by-step instructions to configure your browser settings.

      Configure Internet Explorer 8
      Configure Internet Explorer 7
      Configure Firefox PC
      Configure Firefox Mac
      Configure Safari Mac

    3. After completing all configuration steps and restarting your computer, then proceed to Step 3 below to check your browser and plug-ins or helper applications.


    Step 3 - Check Your Browser and Helper Applications
    Now that you've confirmed you have a compatible browser and have it configured properly, it's time to use the Browser Checker tool to check your plug-ins and helper applications.

    1. Click the Check My Browser link at the bottom of the page.
    2. Follow the instructions to download and install the plug-ins and helper applications you may be missing.
    3. Rescan your browser and repeat Step b. until your browser passes all checks.
    4. If you have problems, contact our 24/7 Help Desk at 1-866-321-2988 for additional assistance.

      Check My Browser