USC ONLINE (Virtual Campus)

System Requirements for Blackboard 6.1

When taking an Online Course through USC's Online Course System, your computer should meet the following minimum specifications:

Browser and Operating System: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6) works best with Blackboard on computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. If you don't already have IE 6, you may download it at http://www.microsoft.com/. Depending on your platform, certain browsers are certified, while others are at least compatible. Go to the Browser Configuration Guide document to determine what browsers are certified and /or compatible with Blackboard 6 in consideration of your platform. This guide is also an indication of what platforms/operating systems are recommended for Blackboard 6.

Browser Settings: Java and Cookies must be enabled. In Internet Explorer 6, go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Internet Options". Choose the "Privacy" tab and move the slider to "Medium" (which is the default setting) to enable Cookies. To enable Java (if not installed, first see next item "Java Plug-in for Windows..." or Java Plug-in for Macintosh" below), while remaining in the "Internet Options" window choose the "Advanced" tab. Scroll down until you see the "Java (Sun)" item and check the box beside "Use Java...". Click "OK". You may need to close your browser and all other applications and restart your computer before this setting takes effect.

Java Plug-in for Windows users only: Java Plug-in, J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5.0_03 (also known as JRE 5.0) or higher is required in order to use Blackboard. Please go to the "Java Update Procedures" page for important instructions regarding the proper installation of the newer plug-in (including instructions for the removal of any old version of the plug-in).

Java Plug-in for Macintosh: Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X both come with the plug-in you need for using Blackboard. Please review the "Java Update Procedure for Blackboard Users" page for more information. Mac OS 8 users may need the Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) plug-in. Users running Mac OS 8 or Mac OS 9 should use the Accessible version of the Collaboration Tools. On the launch page, which opens when "Join" is selected on the Collaboration Sessions page, a link to this version appears. This link will open the Accessible version of the Virtual Classroom, which resembles the Lightweight Chat. Links to items that appear in the Virtual Classroom, such as items in the Course Map and Group Browser, will appear in this version. Documents created on the Whiteboard may be viewed if the instructor takes a snapshot of them, using the Snapshot button on the Whiteboard action bar. A link will be created to the snapshot for users to view it.

Hardware Requirements

Memory: Minimum 64 MB RAM, 1 G of free disk space. (If you have minimal RAM, you may not be able to run other programs at the same time you are using Blackboard, especially the Collaboration tools in Blackboard.

Processor speed: 150 MHz or higher recommended.
Internet connection: 56 K modem or better.
Monitor: A monitor capable of at least 800 x 600 resolution is recommended.

Tips:

Disable pop-up blocker software.
Remove spyware.

Check firewall settings (if applicable) to make sure settings aren't blocking Blackboard or JSU sites. Depending on your access location, this could be on your computer, on a network or through your ISP.

Mail preferences in your chosen e-mail program may need to be set to open "Mail To" commands for certain e-mail links within Blackboard to function properly.

Your browser needs to be set to check for newer versions of stored pages every visit. In Internet Explorer 6, go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Internet Options." Under "Temporary Internet Files", choose "Settings." Under "Check for newer versions of stored pages," check "Every visit to the page," Click "OK," the "OK" again.

Additional Suggested Software: Microsoft Office 97 or higher (or Microsoft Office Converters and Viewers - MS Word Viewer, MS Power Point Viewer), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player or equivalent, QuickTime plug-in, Real Player plug-in. (Note: Internet Explorer 6 works best for downloading these programs.)

Anti-virus software: (Highly recommended for students; Required for instructors. This is for your own protection and the protection of others. Online courses involve much file sharing, which increases your risk of computer virus infection. Anti-virus software will help protect your computer in case of exposure to a computer virus.

All USC students in Blackboard receive mail through their USC (USC Web Mail) address. for information on USC E-Mail review the student e-mail page. USC's web-based e-mail system is free to all USC students, faculty and staff.

Please contact the instructor concerning specific software or hardware that may be required for his/her course.