Web Browser / Operating System Compatibility List for Blackboard
The following table shows the Operating Systems and Web Browsers that are supported by the University's current Blackboard installation.
| Browser | Windows XP | Windows Vista | Mac 10.3 | Mac 10.4 | Mac 10.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 | Compatible | Certified | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested |
| Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 | Compatible | Certified | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested |
| Mozilla Firefox 1.5 | Compatible | Certified | Not Tested | ||
| Mozilla Firefox 2.0 | Certified | Certified | Not Tested | Certified | Not Tested |
| Apple Safari 2 | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested | Certified | Certified |
| Apple Safari 3 | Not Tested | Not Tested | Not Tested | Compatible | Compatible |
Key
Certified: fully tested and supported
Compatible: key application areas tested
Any browser versions, browsers, or operating systems not listed in the above table are not supported by the vendor.
Known issues with other browsers:
Firefox 3.0:
When adding a file to an assignment a "Please submit valid file" error message appears. Workaround is listed on the student faq.
Internet Explorer 8 (IE8):
Internet Explorer 8 is has not been tested with Blackboard, and is neither officially deemed as compatible nor certified. Preliminary reports suggest that there is an issue with timed tests where students are not able to submit. The recommendation from the user community is to set IE8 into compatibility mode:
- Launch IE8
- Select Tools
- Select Compatibility View Settings
- Type blackboard.soton.ac.uk in the Add this website text box
- Click Add
- Click Close
- Restart IE8, Blackboard will now always use Compatibility Mode.

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