Java Setup


Java is required for Blackboard to work. If you do not have the correct version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), some features may not work or could cause your web browser to lock up. Blackboard officially supports version 1.5.0_7 and above. The UTMB Academic Resources department has tested and recommends Java version JRE 1.5.0_11. All Blackboard features are supported. To ensure a clean install of the correct version of Java, we recommend that you
Downloading and Installing the Java Runtime Environment:

  1. Click this link to download the Java Runtime Environment v1.5.0 Update 11
  2. Save the file to your desktop.
  3. Double-click to run it once the download completes.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the install. Choose the "Typical" installation.
  5. Google Toolbar may be bundled with the installation program. You can skip the installation of the Google Toolbar by unchecking the appropriate box when prompted by the installer.
  6. When the installation completes, right-click the Java icon in the system tray and choose the "About Java Technology" option. You should see the following:


For additional installation information and instructions for Windows read Sun's official installation notes.


Disabling Automatic Updates for the Java Runtime Environment:

  1. Right-click the Java icon in the system tray and select "Open Control Panel"
  2. Click the "Update" tab.
  3. Uncheck the "Check for Updates Automatically" option
  4. A confirmation window will appear. Click the "Never" button.
  5. Click OK in the Java Control Panel window to save the change and close the panel.