Computer Requirements

Before you enroll in online course, you should check your personal computer to make sure it meets the requirements for taking online courses. You will also need to check if your specific course requires special software not installed on your computer. To check the requirements for a course fill out the form for your Student Profile.

If you are having problems with accessing special material in your course, you are encouraged to visit your local community college student labs.
 

Computer Requirements

Check specific information on your computer system and make sure the following minimum specifications are included:

  • 64 MB of RAM
  • 100 MB of free hard drive space
  • A 28.8 KBS Modem or better
  • An Internet Connection through a Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • JavaScript & Cookies enabled

PC Systems

Your computer should have Windows 98 or higher, be Internet-ready including web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.), and have word processing software (Word, Works, etc.), including additional software for certain classes. 

Mac Systems

Your computer should have MAC 7.5 or higher, be Internet-ready including web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.), and have word processing software (Word, Works, etc.), including additional software for certain classes. 

 Internet Service Providers

If you are using an internet service provider (such as AOL, Prodigy, Juno, etc.) which provides its own browsers, we don't recommend using these browsers with Blackboard.  Using these internal browsers may cause sporadic problems.  To minimize the possibility of browser problems, we strongly suggest using an external browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape to access Blackboard. Follow the steps for AOL users if your ISP is providing its own browser.

Attention AOL users

To access your online course you must follow these steps to set up your computer

  • Download the most current version of Mozilla, Netscape Navigator/Communicator or Internet Explorer 6.0.
  • Install the downloaded browser software on your computer. (Installation instructions are provided at the download sites.)
  • After you've installed your new browser successfully, restart your computer.
  • Sign on to AOL as you normally do, but stay at the AOL Main (Welcome) page.
  • Keep AOL running in the background by minimizing the window.
  • Start your new stand-alone browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, or Mozilla) by clicking on the icon. The stand-alone browser will use your AOL Internet connection.
  • Note: If you have problems getting your new browser to work with AOL, check out the Member Services area of AOL. Click on Internet and World Wide Web.Double-click Using other browsers with AOL. for further information.