In order to access Blackboard courses, students must obtain or have easy access to a computer with internet access that meets the following hardware/software requirements. It is also recommend that students have a basic familiarity with using computers and browsing the Internet. Specific skills are listed below.

Skills

• Familiar with using a web browser and entering URLs (web addresses).
• Able to download files.
• Able to complete online forms.
• Able to search for files on local computer and upload to course site as needed in course.
• Able to install helper applications (browser plug-ins) as needed in course.

Hardware

Macintosh: OS System 10.3 or better (10.4 minimum recommended)
IBM Compatibles: OS Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 or (Windows Vista users: Vista Enterprise recommended)
Minimum Configuration:
512 MB of RAM
700 MHz Processor
20 GB Hard Drive; as well as a 56K modem (a high-speed internet connection is highly recommended)

Computer Software

• An Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Safari is required. For specific browser version requirements for your computer configuration please visit http://blackboard.fitchburgstate.edu.
• A standard word-processing package such as Microsoft Word, or WordPad is required so you can prepare and submit homework, papers, and exams.
• Active email account
• Since you may be exchanging files with your Instructor or classmates, it is required that you have current antivirus software installed on your computer.
• In addition, students may be required to use course-specific software packages. Check the course descriptions for special software requirements.

Browser Requirements

Blackboard recommends the following browser/operating system configurations.

Window Client Configurations

Mac OSX Client Configurations

Textbooks

Students can purchase the required textbook(s) for each online course through the appropriate university bookstore.

Fitchburg State University Bookstore (978) 665-4026