Computer Requirements
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. UTTC conducts comprehensive technical reviews, under multiple operating systems and browser configurations, on each course before its release.
Home » Technical Information » Computer Requirements
OS & Browser | Browser Download | Audio | Internet | Email | Virus Protection | Spyware Protection
*Supported Operating Systems and Browsers
Chart Key
Computer Requirements
OS & Browser | Browser Download | Audio | Internet | Email | Virus Protection | Spyware Protection
*Supported Operating Systems and Browsers
|
|
Windows | Mac | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | XP | Vista | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.4 | ||
| Internet Explorer |
5.2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5.5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 6 | C |  |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 7 | N/A | P | |
N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Netscape & Mozilla |
NS 7.1 | C | C | |
C | C | N/A |
| NS 8.0 | C | |
P | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Firefox 1.0 | C | C | N/A | C | C | C | |
| Firefox 1.5 | C | |
P | N/A | C | | |
| Firefox 2.0 | N/A | P | |
N/A | N/A | P | |
| Safari | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | N/A | N/A |
| 1.1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | N/A | |
| 1.2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
N/A | |
| 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ** | |
| * Some courses may have additional requirements (such as Windows-only programming courses); these will be identified in the course listing in the Catalog. ** There are some known issues with the Safari browser and Blackboard. Please see the FAQ in the UTTC Knowledge Center for more information and workarounds. | |||||||
Chart Key
 |
Certified - fully tested and supported |
| C | Compatible - key application areas tested |
|---|---|
| N/A | Not tested - specified Browser is not supported for the Operating System |
| P | Provisional - will test on beta versions of new platforms and browsers. Certification is dependent on release by 3rd parties |
Browser Download Links
Use the links below to download a supported browser for your operating system (see guide above).
Internet Explorer 6
Internet Explorer 7
Netscape 7.1 and 8.0
Firefox 1.5
Firefox 2.0
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Audio
16 bit or better sound card and speakers (if your course contains audio content); headset with microphone (if your course uses Live Classroom - check the course syllabus for specific requirements related to audio)
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Internet Connection
Recommended - Cable modem, DSL, or intranet (T-1); or 56.6 KBPS modem
Note: Corporate or academic security firewalls may block some course content, such as chat or streaming media. Accommodations for access can usually be arranged if you contact your network administrator, though local security policies ultimately dictate what is allowed.
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Email Address
Email is a vital communication medium in online learning. It is important that you have a working email address to receive communications from your advisor, instructors, classmates, and from UTTC. You are responsible for keeping your email address and other personal information up to date in the TIS (academic students) or PDO (professional development students).
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Virus & Intruder Protection
It is strongly recommended that you protect your computer from viruses and intruders. It is vital that you keep your antivirus software up to date with the latest virus updates. Antivirus and Personal Firewall products may be available to you for free or at a reduced price through your Home Campus Computing Center. Check with your ISP, network help desk, or search the Internet for more information and product resources.
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Spyware & Adware Protection
Spyware and Adware are fast-growing threats that represent a major security and privacy risk. Spyware is a program that is installed, with or without the user's permission, and can monitor computer activity while broadcasting the information back to an outside party that controls the program. Adware displays unwanted advertising to your computer, can track your Web surfing habits and report it back to a central advertising server. It can slow your PC to a crawl by bombarding it with unwanted ads. Spyware and Adware removal tools and protection can be obtained through your Home Campus Computing Center.
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Use the links below to download a supported browser for your operating system (see guide above).
Internet Explorer 6
Internet Explorer 7
Netscape 7.1 and 8.0
Firefox 1.5
Firefox 2.0
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Audio
16 bit or better sound card and speakers (if your course contains audio content); headset with microphone (if your course uses Live Classroom - check the course syllabus for specific requirements related to audio)
back to top
Internet Connection
Recommended - Cable modem, DSL, or intranet (T-1); or 56.6 KBPS modem
Note: Corporate or academic security firewalls may block some course content, such as chat or streaming media. Accommodations for access can usually be arranged if you contact your network administrator, though local security policies ultimately dictate what is allowed.
back to top
Email Address
Email is a vital communication medium in online learning. It is important that you have a working email address to receive communications from your advisor, instructors, classmates, and from UTTC. You are responsible for keeping your email address and other personal information up to date in the TIS (academic students) or PDO (professional development students).
back to top
Virus & Intruder Protection
It is strongly recommended that you protect your computer from viruses and intruders. It is vital that you keep your antivirus software up to date with the latest virus updates. Antivirus and Personal Firewall products may be available to you for free or at a reduced price through your Home Campus Computing Center. Check with your ISP, network help desk, or search the Internet for more information and product resources.
back to top
Spyware & Adware Protection
Spyware and Adware are fast-growing threats that represent a major security and privacy risk. Spyware is a program that is installed, with or without the user's permission, and can monitor computer activity while broadcasting the information back to an outside party that controls the program. Adware displays unwanted advertising to your computer, can track your Web surfing habits and report it back to a central advertising server. It can slow your PC to a crawl by bombarding it with unwanted ads. Spyware and Adware removal tools and protection can be obtained through your Home Campus Computing Center.
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