Computer Maintenance Tips for Blackboard Use
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Blackboard Maintenance Tips: The information in this handout is the same information found on this web page.
The following includes suggestions on basic computer maintenance and tips to improve Blackboard performance. Mozilla Firefox is the recommended web browser for Blackboard. (Firefox 3.6), but information has been included here for when utilizing either Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Quick Reference List
A. Run Ad-Aware or Spybot regularly
B. Disable Pop-Up Blocker (at least for Blackboard) (http://learn.vccs.edu) This is the direct web address for Blackboard.
C. Clear Your Web Browser Cache and Cookies (Especially before taking a test or at least once a week)
D. Clear your Java cache
E. Enable Cookies
F. Run Java updates
G. Update your web browser (Firefox 3.6, Internet Explorer 8) If you use Internet Explorer 8, it must be in compatibility mode.
H. Don’t use AOL
Detail Instructions for many of the points noted in the list above.
A. Run Ad-Aware or Spybot Regularly
You need to have a program to detect spyware and run it regularly. Spybot-Search and Destroy is an excellent program, but there are many. Here is a link to the Lavasoft website where you can download a free version of the program. It might be something for you to take a look at and consider.
This is a program that you will be able to open on your computer and run a system scan on your computer. This is not a program supported by the SVCC, so if you encounter any problems with the program you will need to contact their technical support.
B. Disable Pop-Up Blocker
To Disable pop-up blocker (From within the web browser)
Internet Explorer 8: Tools - > Pop-Up Blocker - > Turn off Pop-up Blocker
Firefox 3.6: Tools -> Options - > Content - > Uncheck Block pop-up windows; Also make sure that ‘Load Images Automatically’ and Enable JavaScript’ are checked.
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C. Clear Your Web Browser Cache and Cookies (From within the web browser)
Internet Explorer: Tools - > Internet Options - > General - > Delete - > Make sure ‘Cookies’ and ‘Temporary Internet Files are checked –> Delete
Firefox 3.6: Tools - > Options - > Privacy - > Remove Individual Cookies - > Remove All Cookies
D. Clear Java Cache
This can be a little different depending on the Windows version. This website has instructions that applicable to Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000.
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E. Enable Cookies
The instructions for this are web browser specific. This website linked above provides instructions for multiple browsers.
F. Run Java Updates
This can also be a little different depending on web browser and even windows version.
You need to get to your control panel. Start ->Control Panel - > Double Click Java icon - > Select the Update tab on the ‘Java Control Panel’ window - > Check in the box to ‘Check for Updates Automatically’ and click the button to ‘Update Now’
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G. Go to this website to view information on web browser and operating system information (Update your web browser)
Additional Note: We are currently recommending Firefox over Internet Explorer since we are finding many issues and problems related to that particular web browser.
Firefox 3.6 Download (Recommended)
Internet Explorer 8 Download (Must be in IE8 Compatibility Mode)
(IE Compatibility Mode Instructions)
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