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Technical Information

Software and Hardware

All Macquarie units use Blackboard CE6.

In order to enhance the material and allow the use of advanced interactivity and media, some material may also use features particular to certain browsers and/or require some additional software.

You can check that your software meets Blackboard CE6 standard requirements by using the Browser Tune-up.

Software

Browser

To access and use these online units, we recommend that you use one of the Web browsers listed below, with Java (J2SE 1.5.x or 1.6) installed and security settings to allow per-session cookies, javascript and pop-up windows. To use Blackboard CE6 with security software such as Norton Internet Security or Personal Firewall, you should also add the Online Learning Facility (learn.mq.edu.au) to your trusted sites.

Blackboard CE6 sometimes uses small browser windows to deliver requested content. Some pop-up blockers incorrectly interpret these small windows as pop-ups and block them. If you have installed a pop-up blocker, turn it off while using the Learning System.

After logging in to Blackboard CE6, you will be prompted to accept a Java Security Certificate. You must click Yes or Always to ensure that Learning System functionality using Java will work properly in your browser.

For more information and step-by-step troubleshooting for your computer setup, see the Browser Tune-up. For further assistance with Java installation see this Student Guide. For more help with these settings, contact Student IT Help.

We recommend you use one of the following browsers:

  • Netscape 7.2
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7
  • AOL 9.0
  • Mozilla 1.7x or
  • Firefox 1.0x, 1.5x or 2.0.

(Note Netscape 6.0 and 6.1, and Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1 are not supported and you should not use them to access these courses. See the Browser Tune-up mentioned above for more details.)

Firefox browsers can be downloaded from http://http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Microsoft browsers and updates are available from http://www.microsoft.com (follow the "Downloads" link).

Netscape browsers can be downloaded from http://www.netscape.com/ (follow the "Browsers" link).

Browsers are also distributed on CDs attached to many popular computing magazines available from newsagents.

Plugins

A plugin is a program which works with your browser to give added functionality. Some web sites may require that you install one or more of these. The plugins you are likely to require are free and are listed below. These programs are also distributed on CDs attached to many popular computing magazines which are available from newsagents.

Adobe Reader
View, navigate and print PDF files
Download from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Flash
View animation and interactive content
Download from http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer/
Java - Sun Microsystems
Run applications and applets that use Java technology. Java is required for Blackboard CE6. For further assistance with Java installation see this Student Guide.
Download from http://www.java.com/
QuickTime
Download or stream audio and video
Download from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
Shockwave

View animation and interactive content
Download from http://www.macromedia.com/go/getshockwaveplayer/

Hardware

The recommended minimum computer requirement is:

  • PC running Windows 98/Me/2000/XP or Mac OS 9.x or OS X 10.x.
  • Internet access with 56.6 kbps modem (minimum). A high-bandwidth connection is recommended such as a cable modem or a DSL connection
  • Processor: 200 MHz or faster
  • Memory: 128 MB RAM; 1 GB free hard drive space
  • CD-ROM drive.

A sound card and speakers or headphones may be required for some online unit material.

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