E-learning Support
Blackboard Vista Computer Setup
Blackboard Vista Computer Setup
Supported Browsers
Bb Vista does a browser check before you login. If you are using an unsupported browser, Firefox can be installed from the WMU WebKit 7.3. Supported browsers can also be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
| Recommended Browsers * | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Macintosh OSX | ||
| Mozilla Firefox | 1.5.x, 2.0.x | Mozilla Firefox | 1.5 or 2.0 |
| Mozilla | 1.7.x | Safari | 1.2, 1.3, 2.x |
| Netscape | 7.2 | Mozilla | 1.7.x |
| Internet Explorer | 6.0 7.0 |
Netscape | 7.2 |
It is usually okay to install security updates to your browser as they are released. However, you should not install new versions of the browser as they are released (for example Firefox 2.0, Internet Explorer 7.0). Updates are usually denoted after the version (e.g. 1.5.1).
Java
All Blackboard Vista courses require that Sun Java Virtual Machine (Sun JVM) to be installed on your computer. Java is used in many web environments to enable online interaction (for instance, online games).
If you can't enter a chat room, upload or attach files, or use the HTML editior when sending or replying to messages, then you probably need to update or downgrade the Java on your computer. The browser check at login will tell you what version of Java you have installed.
NOTE — some course activities may require you to go to other web sites that use Java applications. If so, you need to ensure that you have a version of Java installed on your computer that will support Java requirements at both web sites.
| Windows | Macintosh |
|---|---|
Java 2 Release 5 Java 2 Release 6 Update 2 (current release) |
Java 2 SE 5 Release 1 |
| If you do not have a supported version of Java installed on your computer, you can get one at the Java Archive web site. Click the "Download JRE" link. (this link goes to Java 2 Release 5 archives) | If you do not haved a supported version of Java installed on your computer, youc can get one at the Apple download site. |
Note: Disable automattic Java updates on your computer (see below). Windows users: It is highly recommended you delete older versions of Java installed on your computer. You can do this by going to Start>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs. |
|
How to determine your Java Version
From the My E-learning page, click on the "Check Browser" link in the upper right corner or follow the directions below if you are not logged into Vista.
| Windows | Macintosh |
|---|---|
Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel or Start > Control Panel The next panel displays the version type. For example: |
Go to your Applications folder. Open the Utilites folder. Open the Java folder — you should see JSE 5.0  |
How to disable automatic Java updates
| Windows | Macintosh |
|---|---|
| Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel or Start > Control Panel Note: if you are using Windows XP, you may need to switch to classic view Look for the Java icon and double-click on it .  To disable automatic updates, click on the "Update" tab. Uncheck the update box. |
Go to your Applications folder. Open the Utilites folder. Open the Java folder — you should see JSE 5.0 |
Student Assistance
OIT Help Desk Hours
269-387-HELP
Fall/Spring Terms
Mon-Fri:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday:
noon- 4:00 pm
Sunday
noon-10:00 pm
Summer I & II Terms
Mon-Fri:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Faculty Assistance
ITCenter Hours
269-387-6958
Monday-Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm