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Hardware & Software
Hardware Requirements
PC
Minimum Requirements
- 256 MB RAM
- 1 Ghz Processor
- 25 Gb Hard Drive
- Reliable Internet Connection
- Windows 2000
- Virus Protection with latest definitions
- Latest Operating System Patches
- Laptop Speakers/Headphones
Recommended Requirements
- 512+ MB RAM
- 1.2+ Ghz Processor
- 25 Gb Hard Drive
- High Speed Internet Connection
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher
- Headset / Microphone Combo
- CD or DVD /RW Drive or USB Drive for backups
Macintosh
Minimum Requirements
- 256 MB RAM
- 500 Mhz Processor
- 25 Gb Hard Drive
- Reliable Internet Connection
- Mac OS X
- Virus Protection with latest definitions
- Latest Operating System Patches
- Laptop Speakers/Headphones
Recommended Requirements
- 512+ MB RAM
- 1.2 Ghz Processor
- 25 Gb Hard Drive
- High Speed Internet Connection
- Mac OS X.3.6 (10.3.6)
- Headset / Microphone Combo (Mac computers require a USB connection for a microphone)
- CD or DVD /RW Drive or USB Drive for backups
Buy a discounted Dell laptop through Longwood (optional)
Software Requirements
Microsoft Office 2007 including:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
Latest versions of:
- Adobe Reader
- Macromedia Flash
- Windows Media
- Real Player
- QuickTime
Buy required Microsoft Office software (optional)
Recommended software downloads (free)
Web Browsers
Blackboard does not support every possible Web browser version and operating system version configuration. Generally, safe browsers include Internet Explorer and Firefox for PC and Safari and Firefox for Mac. However, Internet Explorer is still the best Web browser for Blackboard.
Often times, temporary problems can be solved by emptying a Web browser's cached files. If you encounter problems with a file the instructor is distributing, contact the instructor.
General functionality questions about Blackboard can be referred to Longwood's User Support Services.
