Blackboard Recommended System Requirements
Most PCs built in the last four to six years should work with Blackboard with no issues assuming the PC is regularly maintained and guarded from viruses and spyware. The following are a list of recommendations when using Blackboard.
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| Windows | Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal computer | With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings) | With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings) |
| Broadband Internet connection | Speed of 512 kb/s or higher for DSL or 1 Mbps or higher for (upload) cable connection | Speed of 512 kb/s or higher for DSL or 1 Mbps or higher for (upload) cable connection |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Mac OS 12 and 13 |
| Microsoft Office | 2013 or higher (see details below about Office 365) | iWork or Microsoft Office (see details below about Office 365) |
| Browsers | Firefox, Chrome, Edge | Safari; however Firefox and Chrome are recommended |
| Hardware | Desktop or Laptop | Desktop or Laptop |
| Webcam | Internal or external with microphone | Internal or external with microphone |
Tablet and Mobile Support
| Device | Operating System | Browser | Supported Browser Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android™ | Android | Chrome | Latest |
| Apple | iOS® | Safari, Chrome | The latest minor or point release of the most recent two major versions of iOS. |
| Windows | Windows 10 and 11 | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Latest of all browsers, except for Microsoft Internet Explorer (not supported) and Firefox ESR |
Office Productivity Software
While the software you will need will vary by course, it is likely that you will need office productivity software such as the Microsoft Office Suite. UofL and Microsoft have added a new program that provides a free version of Office for enrolled students. Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus includes applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and more, including 50GB of cloud storage in OneDrive. The program allows currently enrolled students to install Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices including PCs, Macs, phones or tablets. Additional software can be purchased through the information technology store, iTech Xpress. You must be an enrolled student to access the store.
You can test whether you have recommended and necessary components by performing the following steps:
- Login to the UofL Blackboard home page
- Scroll to the General Resources module
- Click on the Browser Checker