• Java Plug-in for Windows users only (Mac users see next item):  Java Plug-in, J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5.0_03 or higher (also known as JRE 5.0) is required in order to use Blackboard.  For now, avoid installing Java 6 (1.6.x), because we are still researching it's compatibility with our current Blackboard installation.  Please go to the "Java Update Instructions" page for important instructions regarding the proper installation of the newer plug-in (including instructions for the removal of any old version of the plug-in).
• Java Plug-in for Macintosh:  Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X both come with the plug-in you need for using Blackboard.  Please review the "Java Update Procedure for Blackboard Users" page for more information.  Mac OS 8 users may need the Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) plug-in available at  http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75097 .  Users running Mac OS 8 or Mac OS 9 should us the Accessible version of the Collaboration Tools.  On the launch page, which opens when "Join" is selected on the Collaboration Sessions page, a link to this version appears.  This link will open the Accessible version of the Virtual Classroom, which resembles the Lightweight Chat.  Links to items that appear in the Virtual Classroom, such as items in the Course Map and Group Browser, will appear in this version.  Documents created on the Whiteboard may be viewed if the instructor takes a snapshot of them, using the Snapshot button on the Whiteboard action bar.  A link will be created to the snapshot for users to view it.

The information above may be revised as the software is upgraded and new information becomes available.