MyUST System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

These requirements refer specifically to your computer hardware. Remember, it is OK if you satisfy or exceed the "Recommended" settings. "Minimum requirements" are meant for basic use of Blackboard. If you require any additional plug-in software applications, always check with the appropriate vendors as the "minimum requirements" may change.

You should also check with your instructor for any other hardware/software requirements specific to your course. Remember, always be prepared for your online class before it begins for the best learning experience!

Hardware \ Platform Apple Macintosh Microsoft Windows
Minimum Recommended Minimum Recommended
Operating System OS X 10.2 OS X 10.3 2000 XP
Browser I.E. 5.2 or Safari 1.0 I.E. 5.2 or Safari 1.2 I.E. 6.0 or Firefox 1.0.x I.E. 6.0 or Firefox 1.0.x
Processor Speed/Type 300 MHz PowerPC G3 processor 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processor, or better 400 MHz Intel Pentium II processor, or equivalent 800 MHz Intel Pentium III processor, or equivalent/better
CPU Memory 64 MB of RAM 256 MB of RAM 64 MB of RAM 256 MB of RAM
Monitor Resolution 800 x 600 1024 x 768 800 x 600 1024 x 768
Internet Connection 56 kbps Dialup Modem Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband or DSL) 56 kbps Dialup Modem Any high-speed connection (e.g. Cable Broadband or DSL)
Free Hard Disk Space 100 MB 500 MB or greater 100 MB 500 MB or greater
Audio (Sound) Card 16-bit sound card 24-bit sound card 16-bit sound card 24-bit sound card
Video Card Virtual memory turned on and allocated to at least 64 MB Virtual memory turned on and allocated to at least 128 MB 16 MB VRAM with 65,000 colors or 16-bit 64 MB VRAM with True Color (24-bit or 32-bit)

Browser Requirements & Settings

You need a web browser to access MyUST. We recommend Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) as your standard web browser for MyUST.

For Windows platforms, use Internet Explorer version 5.5 SP2 or 6.0 SP 1. For Macintosh users, use Internet Explorer 5.2 or Safari 1.0 for Mac OS X 10.2 or Safari 1.2 for OS X 10.3. Get more information on which versions of web browsers are certified by Blackboard.

Your Web Browser Information
Browser Name
Browser Version

There are 3 important settings for your web browser that must be enabled in order for you to use MyUST. All these 3 settings can be easily configured by choosing the Medium Security Level (default setting).

Your Web Browser Settings
Java
JavaScript
Cookies

MyUST requires the Java Virtual Machine version 1.4.1 and higher from Sun Microsystems. You can obtain this free software from Sun's Java web site.

Conduct our browser test for Java to determine what version of the Java VM you currently have on your system. If this test does not execute, you probably do not have the current version of the Java VM or need to change your Web Browser's Security settings.

Firewalls

Many companies have firewalls installed to protect their networks and prevent unwanted installations of software and possible viruses. If you are having network connectivity issues with your MyUST resources, we advise you first contact the IRT Tech Desk to determine if these issues are related to your firewall settings. You may also want to contact your network or system administrator for assistance as well.

Note: There are also software firewalls for home users. If you have installed such a firewall and are facing difficulties connecting to your MyUST resources, contact the IRT Tech Desk to determine if your software firewall is causing these issues.

Pop-Up/Spam Blockers

If you have installed pop-up/cookie/spam blockers on your computer, you may experience difficulties connecting to MyUST resources. Please contact the IRT Tech Desk to determine if such software could be the cause of your difficulties.

Email

Configure your email account with your web browser and you can then take advantage of sending email by clicking on email links within MyUST. An example of an email link is irthelp@stthomas.edu (i.e. if your email account is setup with your web browser, then clicking on this link will invoke your default email client).

For more information on setting up your web browser for email links, visit the IRT web site.

Virus Scanners

You are required to have anti-virus software installed & running on your computer when connecting to any UST resources. Some of the most popular virus scanners include McAfee VirusScan, Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus, and Sophos Anti-Virus.

Note: Sophos is freely available to all UST faculty, staff, and students from http://sophos.stthomas.edu/

There are thousands of computer viruses today. An effective way to reduce any possible damage/harm to your files is to have a virus scanner configured on your computer to constantly perform background system scans. This requirement is for your own protection and for the protection of all MyUST users. Also, one of the most common methods of passing a virus is through the sharing of files (e.g. via web sites, emails, floppy disks, ZIP disks, or CD-ROMs). Always be cautious of whom you are downloading files from, and verify downloaded files are safe first before opening them.

Browser Plug-ins

For some courses, you may be required to have one or more of these plug-in application programs. Generally, plug-in software should already be present on your computer. However, we recommend that you verify that (1) you have these plug-ins installed & configured on your web browser, and (2) you have at least the minimum required version for each plug-in.

Plug-in # Vendor Plug-in Name Required Version Download Link Test
1 Adobe Reader
(a.k.a. Acrobat Reader)		 5.1 + Get Adobe Reader Test PDF
2 Apple Quicktime 6.3 + Get Quicktime No test currently available
3 Macromedia Flash Player 5.0 + Get Flash Player Test Flash
4 Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4 + Get Windows Media Player No test currently available
5 RealNetworks RealOne Player version 2 Get RealOne Player Test RAM
6 Sun Java VM 1.4.1 + Get Java Test Java

Remember, all these plug-in software applications are FREE downloads from the vendors. For installation assistance with these plug-ins, please contact the technical support of the respective vendors.

Microsoft Office Viewers

Microsoft offers free viewers for users to view documents created by the Microsoft Office product suite (i.e. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint). Below are just a few:

For the full list of Microsoft Office Viewers, visit http://office.microsoft.com/assistance/9798/viewerscvt.aspx

To create and/or edit Microsoft Office files, you will need the Microsoft Office suite (if you do not have this already, it is available for purchase from the UST Bookstore for an academic price). If you already have an older version of a Microsoft Office product, you can download the free Microsoft Office Converters.

Getting Help

To obtain further assistance:

  • Inform your instructor(s)
  • Contact the IRT Tech Desk
  • Consult with your local Technical Support Representative (e.g. if you are accessing MyUST from your company, this would be your local system administrator)
For your convenience, you may also email the IRT Tech Desk using this online form:
Contact the IRT Tech Desk (irthelp@stthomas.edu or 2-6230)
First Name: Last Name:
UST Username: Problem Type:
Title:
Description:

Note: By submitting this online form, you acknowledge that you want the IRT Tech Desk consultants to contact you regarding your technical questions with MyUST. If you prefer contact via telephone, please leave your telephone number in the description field.

For fastest results, please call the IRT Tech Desk at (651) 962-6230.