Blackboard 9.1 Browser & Plug-in Assessment Tool
This page detects your browser, settings and plug-ins. This page provides access for testing plug-ins you may need to make your course(s) function properly.
UHI recommend using Mozilla Firefox with Blackboard.
At a minimum, Blackboard requires JavaScript and Cookies to be enabled in your browser. Within your course you may discover that your instructor requests you to download other specialized software.
You will see Warning icons until the pop up detection is completely done and the page is completely loaded.
Pop-up Windows
While using Blackboard 9.1, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you may need to disable pop-up blocking for your web browser.
- Mozilla Firefox Pop-up Blocker Information (See instructions for disabling Pop-up Blocker)
- Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker FAQ's (See instructions for disabling Pop-up Blocker)
Browser Information
Your Browser:
Your Operating System:
If you see a fail or warning, icon review the official list of supported browsers and consider upgrading:
http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=101285989
- Firefox (current version on release update channel) is the recommended browser for accessing Blackboard.
- Any Browser/ Operating system determined to be compatible with Blackboard will pass this check.
- Browsers identified as compatible have been partially tested by Blackboard, but should function.
- If you are using Internet Explorer 7 or earlier, it is not supported by Blackboard.
- Beta versions of any browser are not supported by Blackboard.
- Mobile/tablet operating systems are currently not supported by Blackboard.
- Be aware that bandwidth utilization affects how well Blackboard functions (especially when taking a test). If others in your home are utilizing the same internet connection for things such as Netflix, XBox, Video Streaming, etc... it may cause Blackboard to be slow.
Browser Settings for Internet Explorer and Firefox:
*Read this document on Optimum Browser Settings for Internet Explorer 7.0, 8.0 and Firefox 3.0(+) [PDF]
Cookies
A cookie (also tracking cookie, browser cookie, and HTTP cookie) is a small piece of text stored on a user's computer by a web browser. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie. Different features of Blackboard use cookies.
Javascript
Javascript is a scripting language used in many web pages to create events and interactivity on the page. Almost every part of the Learning System relies on Javascript for the ability to generate interactive web pages.
Java
Test your browser for Java at the Java website. (will open in a new window)
Java is free software by the SunMicroSystems Corporation that is used to display some multimedia in a browser.Blackboard 9 also makes use of Java content for many of its elements. For all operating systems, the supported version is Java Standard Edition 5 and Java Standard Edition 6
PC only: choose "Free Download"; you will probably want "Java Runtime Environment" or "Java for Windows" version 6.
Mac: Tiger (10.4) and Leopard (10.5) already include Java SE 5 (1.5). Use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac.
- DOWNLOAD http://java.com/en/ (click the "FREE" Java download)
Adobe Flash Player
Test your browser for Flash Player at the Adobe website. (will open in a new window)
The Adobe Flash Player is free software from the Adobe company that is used in many web pages to display animation, video and/ or audio. The most current version of the Flash player is the best choice. If you view web pages with video, games or animation you likely already have the Flash player installed. Many Blackboard courses include materials that use the Flash player. Follow the instructions on the Adobe Flash Player download page to download or upgrade your Flash Player.