System Recommendations for Using Blackboard (bb4.utc.edu)
To use UTC's online course delivery system (Blackboard), your system must meet minimal technical requirements, use a supported browser, and be configured properly for UTC Online. UTC Online's Blackboard version is Learn 9.1. UTC Online recommends all Windows and Mac users use the latest version of Firefox when accessing Blackboard.
Check your web browser, operating system, and plug-ins
Minimum Platforms:
Platform: Windows 7/Vista/XP; Macintosh OS X 10.5 or higher
Hardware: Click here for hardware recommendations from the IT Division
Software: Microsoft Office, software to read PDF files (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader), latest Java version (Windows | Mac)
Which Browsers Work With Blackboard?
certified: fully tested and supported
compatible: partially tested but should function properly
Blackboard 9.1 Supported Browsers and Versions |
|||||
| Windows XP | Firefox Final Release Channel* (Compatible) |
Internet Explorer 8 (Compatible) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Compatible) | ||
| Windows Vista (32-bit) |
Firefox Final Release Channel* (Certified) | Internet Explorer 8 (Compatible) Internet Explorer 9 (Certified) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Certified) | ||
| Windows Vista (64-bit) |
Firefox Final Release Channel* (Compatible) | Internet Explorer 8 (Compatible) Internet Explorer 9 (Compatible) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Compatible) | ||
| Windows 7 (32-bit) |
Firefox Final Release Channel* (Certified) | Internet Explorer 8 (Compatible) Internet Explorer 9 (Certified) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Certified) | ||
| Windows 7 (64-bit) |
Firefox Final Release Channel* (Compatible) | Internet Explorer 8 (Compatible) Internet Explorer 9 (Compatible) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Compatible) | ||
| Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard | Firefox Final Release Channel* (Compatible) | Safari 4 (Compatible) Safari 5 (Compatible) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Compatible) | ||
| Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard | Firefox Final Release Channel* (Certified) | Safari 4 (Compatible) Safari 5.1 (Certified) |
Chrome Stable Channel** (Certified) | ||
| Mac OS X 10.7 Lion | Firefox Final Release Channel* (Certified) | Safari 5.1 (Certified) | Chrome Stable Channel** (Certified) | ||
*The Firefox Release Cannel is the fully tested version by Mozilla and intended to be the most stable. This channel is updated roughly every 6 weeks.
**The Chrome Stable Channel is the fully tested version by Google and intended to be the most stable as the name implies. This channel is updated roughly every 2-3 weeks for minor releases and 6 weeks for major releases.
Note About Firefox & Chrome: Mozilla Firefox & Google Chrome differ from other browsers. They are following a rapid release strategy and are releasing updates every 6 or so weeks. UTC Online supports Chrome and Firefox in the broad sense of the meaning, UTC Online finds most Blackboard functionality is compatible, however, certain functions may not work as expected.
- JavaScript must be enabled (how to)
- Cookies must be enabled, including third-party cookies (how to)
- SSL must be enabled (how to)
- Pop-up windows need to be enabled for some functions in Blackboard, depending on how your instructor has set up various features such as tests (how to)
- If you wish to use the Chat feature in Blackboard, pop-up windows must be enabled.
Find out which browser you are using
Check for updates or download plug-ins
