The Communication features in Blackboard (Virtual Classroom and Lightweight Chat) require the use of Java. Users may have encountered problems while trying to use these features - these problems arise from the use of the incorrect Java Runtime Environment
Which version of Java do I need to use?
If you are having problems using the communication features in Blackboard, you need to ensure that you have the SUN JAVA RUNTIME ENVIRONMENT 1.5.0_11 or later installed. Earlier versions of the Sun Java Runtime Environment, and the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine, which was included in many versions of Windows, are NOT compatible with Blackboard.
How can I tell which version of JAVA is installed on my PC?
Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel.
If
you have previously installed a version of the Sun Java Runtime Environment,
the Java icon will be displayed (as shown right) in the Control Panel.
Double click on the icon, and then select the JAVA tab. - In the second section -- JAVA APPLICATION RUNTIME SETTINGS -- click the VIEW button. The version(s) number of the installed version(s) will be displayed.
- If your version(s) is earlier than 1.5.0_11 then you will need to update to at least version 1.5.0_11.
- Disable any earlier versions by unchecking the ENABLED box on the right.
- If there is NO icon displayed in the control panel, then you either do not have any JAVA Run Time Environment installed, or are currently using the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine. In either case, you will need to install the latest version.
I failed the BrowerCheck Java test, but I have the most recent version installed.
- Many times when you install a newer version of Java, the old version remains on your system.
- While your system will use the most recent version installed, when BrowserCheck searches for the Java version you have, it will see the first one it comes to -- the lower version.
- To prevent this from happening, follow the instructions in the section above to disable the old versions of Java on your system.
Installing the Latest Version of the SUN Java Runtime Environment
The Java Runtime Environment is available directly from the Sun Microsystems Web site. Here, you will also find full installation and configuration instructions. Please note that downloading the installation may take some time, especially if you are connected to the internet via a 56k Dial Up connection.
Step 1: If you have a previous version of the Java Run Time Environment installed:
This must be uninstalled before upgrading to the latest version. Instructions on how to do this are available from Sun Microsystems
Step 2: Download the latest version of Java
Go to http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp and select the version of Java suitable for your PC. Full installation instructions are supplied by Sun Microsystems and should be followed to ensure successful installation
Step 3: Configure your PC to use JAVA
If, after installing the JAVA Run Time Environment, you are still having problems, then you need to ensure that your browser is configured to use JAVA.