Embedded Files
Follow the steps below to make sure your computer and internet connection are ready for online classes. Each step includes guidance on what to do and resources if you run into issues.
Note: This Technical Troubleshooting Guide provides step-by-step videos to help resolve common technical issues.
Step 1: Understand the Minimum System Requirements
Your computer needs to meet these basic requirements to run Blackboard and course tools smoothly.
What to do:
Compare these requirements to your computer. If your computer does not meet these requirements, you may experience technical issues.
If you are unsure what these terms mean or where to locate this information on your computer, review the Device Compatibility video linked in the Technical Troubleshooting Guide.
Minimum System Requirements
Windows 10 or later
MacOS 13 or later
Intel i3+ processor (or equivalent)
8+ GB RAM
250+ GB SSD drive
Internet access 5+ Mbps upload / 10+ Mbps download speed or above (broadband connection highly recommended)
Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser
Speakers, webcam, and microphone
1366 x 768 display resolution
Additional requirements may vary by program
Special Requirements
*For programs that require proctoring and the use of ProctorU software
Windows 10 or later
MacOS 13 or later
Intel i3+ processor (or equivalent)
8+ GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
250+ GB SSD drive
Internet access: 5+ Mbps upload / 25+ Mbps download speed or above / 50+ Mbps download recommended (mobile hotspots and tethering discouraged)
Guardian browser
Speakers: Built-in or external speakers required
Microphone: All microphones other than those built into headphones are permitted
1366 x 768 display resolution
Note: Chromebooks are not fully supported for online education at PMI. For best results, please use a desktop or laptop computer running Windows or MacOS.
Windows 10 or later
MacOS 13 or later
Intel i3+ processor (or equivalent)
8+ GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
250+ GB SSD drive
Internet access: 5+ Mbps upload / 25+ Mbps download speed or above / 50+ Mbps download recommended (mobile hotspots and tethering discouraged)
Guardian browser
Speakers: Built-in or external speakers required
Microphone: All microphones other than those built into headphones are permitted
1366 x 768 display resolution
Step 2: Check your System Audio and Speed (click icons)
Many courses require you to use video, audio, and have a reliable internet connection.
What to do:
Run the audio test to confirm your speakers are working properly.
Run the internet speed test to confirm your connection meets the minim requirements listed in step 1.
Audio Test
Use: Audio files
Internet Speed
Use: Blackboard features
Step 3: Register for Microsoft 365 Education
Microsoft Office 365 for FREE
Students and educators can sign up for Office 365 Education for FREE, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams, plus additional classroom tools. Use your valid school email address to get started.
Click here for further instructions.
Step 4: Use the Correct Browser
Supported Internet Browsers
For Blackboard Learn, Anthology supports Google Chrome™, Mozilla® Firefox®, and Apple® Safari®, desktop and mobile browsers. All these browsers apply updates automatically for most users. Anthology makes every effort to support the most recent version upon release. For these supported browsers, these are the supported versions:
Google Chrome™, most recent stable version and two preceding versions.
Mozilla® Firefox®, most recent stable version and two preceding versions.
Apple® Safari® for MacOS and iOS, two most recent major versions.
Run the browser checker to see whether Blackboard Learn supports your browser.
Step 5: Check Browser Settings and Permissions
You MUST be sure your computer browser settings are properly set so course-related content is not blocked from opening. This will not compromise your online security.
What to check:
Camera and Microphone: Some tools, like Panopto or Zoom, need access to your camera and microphone.
Third Party Cookies: Blackboard and many integrated tools require third-party cookies to function properly.
How to set security for:
Step 6: Allow Pop-Ups from PMI
Course content sometimes opens in a new browser window and your browser settings must be configured to allow pop-ups from PMI. Click the link below to test your pop-up window settings.
If a new browser window does NOT open, set your browser to allow pop-ups from:
pmi.edu
repo.pmi.edu
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
As a final step, restart your computer. Restarting ensures all updates and changes take effect.
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