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JAVA Requirements & Southeastern Blackboard 7.1
UPDATED, June 2007! -- For effective use of Southeastern Blackboard 7.1, end-user computers must have the correct version of JAVA installed.  For complete details, see below.

Legal issues have prevented the inclusion of Java and Java Virtual Machine in Windows XP and Vista. A JAVA 2 installation with any of the versions from version 1.5.0.6 through 1.5.0.10 is required.  The required version can be downloaded by clicking here (installation file - right-click to save to computer then open to install.) 

To check which version you have installed, go to your computer's control panel, select add/remove programs, and look for items such as "J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0  Update X" (where X should be 6 through 10).  If multiple versions of Java exist in the Windows control panel, REMOVE ALL JAVA-related items and reinstall JAVA using this link (right-click to save to computer then open to install.)  Only “J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 update 10” should be installed!

It is extremely important that one of those versions listed above is used when accessing SOSU Blackboard.  The newer JAVA 2, version 1.6.0 (sometimes called JAVA 2, version 6) will not work effectively with Southeastern Blackboard and should be removed.

 
For Students -- Accessing the Southeastern Blackboard system
UPDATED, Fall 2007! -- Discussion Board & Testing Issues -- If you experience difficulties (page not displaying completely, slow to load, iframe errors) when using the Bb Discussion Boards or taking assessments, please click here for possible solutions (Adobe Acrobat format). (Note, while document refers to discussion board issues, solutions include will also help with assessment issues!)

UPDATED, Fall 2007! -- Hardware/Software Quick Questions -- Use the questions below to install the latest patches and updates for accessing Southeastern Blackboard.  In addition, steps to adjust your computer settings are also included. Pay special attention to the JAVA items!

UPDATED, Fall 2007! -- Hardware/Software Requirements -- The list below includes the recommended computer specifications for accessing and using Southeastern Blackboard. Pay special attention to the JAVA items!

UPDATED, Feb. 2007! -- Windows Vista & IE 7 Issues -- If you are having trouble with entering text in areas of Southeastern Blackboard (for instance, the discussion forums or on essay exams) or do not see the quiz timer at the bottom of the screen, try this possible fix.  Click here for Bb & Internet Explorer fix (Adobe Acrobat format).

The Southeastern Blackboard system FAQs & HOW-TOs -- Please visit the Southeastern Blackboard FAQs to see a list of frequently asked questions.

Free Plug-ins for Southeastern Blackboard Courses

Request Technical Assistance -- If you are unable to find the answer to your question after viewing the FAQs above, please use the "Request Blackboard Technical Support (students only)" link located on the left-side of the Southeastern Blackboard login page - http://blackboard.se.edu.

General Non-Technical Questions about Southeastern Blackboard -- Please contact your instructor.  For technical issues, please use the Technical Assistance information and links above.

 

 

Hardware/Software Requirements
The following is a list of recommended computer specifications for successfully accessing and using Southeastern Blackboard.  Please note that some courses may have other requirements. Contact your instructor for specific requirements. 

Operating System

Windows ME, 2000, or XP; MacOS X or higher.  Windows Vista users may experience usability issues. For a possible fix, see information above.

 

Preferred - Windows XP

 

Hardware

64 MB of RAM minimum, 1 GB of free disk space

 

Preferred - 128 MB RAM or higher

 

Internet Browser

Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher (includes version 7)
Mozilla Firefox 2
 

Preferred - Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher with Windows XP Service Pack 2
 

Netscape or America Online browsers are NOT recommended.

 

** Please disable all "Pop-up Blocker" programs while using Southeastern Blackboard.  Failure to do so will result in decreased course functionality.

 

** Please note that firewalls, both personal and corporate, will frequently block access to Southeastern Blackboard.  This includes the free download of McAfee, ZoneAlarm, as well as Norton Personal Firewall. ALL FIREWALLS SHOULD BE DISABLED WHILE USING Southeastern BLACKBOARD.

 

** Cookies must be enabled for Southeastern Blackboard to function properly – See instructions under item 5 below.

JAVA Required - JAVA 2 version 1.5.0.6 through 1.5.0.10

The required version can be downloaded by clicking here. (Right-click to save to computer then open to install.)

Additional details can be found below under item 2.

Internet Connection

Dial-up*, DSL, cable, satellite*, T1, local area network, etc.
 

Preferred - DSL, cable, or local area network
*Please note that dial-up AND satellite internet connections can be extremely unreliable and WILL cause problems when trying to access parts of SoutheasternBlackboard including tests and discussion boards. 

 

In addition, because of the nature of wireless internet connections, they are not recommended when taking tests.

Software

Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader

Additional software is required to effectively run Southeastern Blackboard.  See details below. 

Please note, other programs may be required for your course.  Contact your instructor for details.
 
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Hardware/Software Quick Questions
 The following questions will help to ensure you have the latest software updates as well as the correct settings for using Southeastern Blackboard.
1. Do you have the latest version of Internet Explorer?

Here’s how you can find out.  Note, Internet Explorer is the preferred browser for Southeastern Blackboard.  Other browsers may be used but reduced functionality is possible.
  1. Open Internet Explorer
  2. Click on Help on the Menu Bar
  3. Select About Internet Explorer
  4. READ the first line to see what version is on your computer
  5. If it is not at least 6.0, then go to the following link and download Internet Explorer 6 or 7. This will generally fix a number of issues you may be experiencing with Southeastern Blackboard and/or other Websites. 

INTERNET EXPLORER 6  -- Follow this link to for the free download.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/default.mspx

INTERNET EXPLORER 7 -- Browse to www.microsoft.com and search for Internet Explorer 7.

** Please note that firewalls, both personal and corporate, will frequently block access to Southeastern Blackboard.  This includes the free download of McAfee, ZoneAlarm, as well as Norton Personal Firewall.
 
2. Do you have JAVA for Windows?

Legal issues have prevented the inclusion of Java and Java Virtual Machine in Windows XP and Vista. A JAVA 2 installation with any of the versions from version 1.5.0.6 through 1.5.0.10 is required.  The required version can be downloaded by clicking here (installation file - right-click to save to computer then open to install.) 

To check which version you have installed, go to your computer's control panel, select add/remove programs, and look for items such as "J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0  Update X" (where X should be 6 through 10).  If multiple versions of Java exist in the Windows control panel, REMOVE ALL JAVA-related items and reinstall JAVA using this link (right-click to save to computer then open to install.)  Only “J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 update 10” should be installed!

It is extremely important that one of those versions listed above is used when accessing Southeastern Blackboard.  The newer JAVA 2, version 1.6.0 (sometimes called JAVA 2, version 6) will not work effectively with Southeastern Blackboard and should be removed.

Remember to enable Java for IE 6/ IE 7  -  Instructions are below.
 
3. Have you enabled Java for Internet Explorer 6 or Internet Explorer 7?
  1. Click Tools
  2. Select Internet Options
  3. Click on the Advanced tab. Scroll down to where it says "Microsoft VM" or "Java" and make sure that everything is checked.
  4. Click OK
 
4. Have you cleared the Memory Cache in Internet Explorer recently?

Often times, many standard browser issues are a result of a full cache (pronounced “cash”). The cache is a folder that stores temporary files of all the actions you perform while working on the web or within your Southeastern Blackboard course site. A full cache can prevent you from writing (saving) any more actions to that folder.  So when a temporary file cannot be written for an action, such as submitting a change in personal information, that action cannot be executed. To solve this problem please take the steps below to clear your cache.

INTERNET EXPLORER 6

  1. Click Tools
  2. Select Internet Options
  3. Click Delete Files under the Temporary Internet Files section
  4. Click Clear History under the History in the History section
  5. Click OK

INTERNET EXPLORER 7

  1. Click Tools
  2. Select Internet Options
  3. Click Delete under the General section
  4. Click Delete Files in the Temporary Internet Files section
  5. Click Close
  6. Click OK
 
5. Are “cookies” enabled for Internet Explorer 6 & Internet Explorer 7?
  1. Click Tools
  2. Select Internet options
  3. Click on Privacy tab
  4. Set slider to Medium
  5. Click OK
 
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Document created by The Center for Instructional Development and Technology.
If you have any questions, please email blackboard@se.edu.

Last Updated: 06/09/2008