Computer Requirements
Browser Tune-Up
Before first loging in Vista, check and configure your browser using the Browser Tune-up.
Then, read the following information about setting up your computer and browser properly.
1) Use a Supported Web Browser.
Internet Explorer: 6.0 and 8.0
Firefox: 2.0 and 3.0
Safari: 3.0 and 4.0
2) Download and Configure Java.
For Windows: Go to http://java.com/en/ (for older versions of Java, click here)
Detailed instructions for Java download are available here.
For Mac: Java comes pre-installed on OSX, so you should not need to make any changes.
How do I know if I have Java on my computer?
To check whether you have Java on your computer, try loading these pages:
Official Java Test
WebOOG
Determine your version of Java:
For Windows XP:
1. From the Windows Start menu select Settings > Control Panel.
2. From the control panel double click Java Plug-In.
3. In the Java Plug-In click the About tab.
4. The version number and other information will be displayed. The important thing to check is the “Build”. You need build 1.5.0_07.
For Windows Vista:
1. From the Windows Start menu select Control Panel
2. From the control panel double click Classic View (if it is not already enabled)
3. From the control panel double click the Java icon.
4. In the Java window, in the General tab, click the About button.
5. The version number and other information will be displayed.
3) Uninstall Yahoo, Google or Any Other Toolbar.
Please disable any pop-up ad blocker programs if they are installed on your system. Pop-up blocker applications work in the background while you browse the Internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. This functionality will prevent Blackboard Vista from performing properly.
Detailed instructions are available here.
4) Disable Pop-Up Blockers.
Pop-up blockers may be installed as part of a browser toolbar, as part of your browser, as part of your virus protection software or even as a separate program. View detailed instructions here.
| Internet Explorer | Open Internet Explorer Click the Tools button, click Pop-up Blocker and then click Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of the Web site to allow text box enter: kent.edu. Click Add. Click Close. Details: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_popupblocker.mspx |
| Firefox | Open Firefox On the Tools menu, select Options. Click on the Content tab. Ensure the Block Pop-up Windows checkbox is ticked. Click on the on the Allowed Sites button. In the Address of the Web site text box enter: kent.edu. Click Allow. Click Close. Click OK. Details: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Options+window#webfeatures |
| Safari | Open Safari Choose Preferences from the Safari menu and click Security. Make sure that the Block pop-up windows checkbox is not selected. |