A web browser is the tool that lets your computer "read" a page on the World Wide Web when you have an active internet connection. Internet Explorer is the most common browser and it is very likely that this is what you're using to log on to the Internet. The computer user rooms at the University at Albany all have Internet Explorer installed as the default web browser.

Detecting a Browser

Blackboard Learning System CE6 includes a browser checker that automatically detects whether or not the user's browser is supported by BLS CE6. If the browser is not supported, users are given the option of downloading a supported browser. The browser checker provides automatic troubleshooting, which enhances the user experience and helps to reduce support call volume on campus.

Disabling Popup Blockers

Popup blockers work in the background while you browse the Internet will close windows that are set to automatically open in certain web sites. Unfortunately, most popup blockers do not distinguish between advertisements and BLS' popup windows used for discussion postings, assessments, assignments, chat rooms or download links.  If a window won't popup in BLS, disable you popup blocker for the duration of your BLS session.

Problems Accessing Blackboard at Work

If you run into problems accessing BLS CE6 from your office, your company's network security may be the problem. This can only be fixed by contacting your company's network administrator and ask him/her to give you access to Blackboard. This is something that we have no control over so contacting your network administrator yourself is your best option.