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2.b - Computer Software Recommendations

The following list of software is recommended to have installed on your computer when using Blackboard at NSU. Most of these applications are installed on Campus Lab Computers and most Faculty and Staff office computers. If you do not have one of these software applications installed on your home computer, you may click on the appropriate title to learn more about downloading and using the application.

• An Internet Browser - This is the application that allows you to visit websites such as Blackboard at NSU. All of these web browsers are free to download and use. Netscape Navigator is the Campus Standard, and is installed on every computer on all campuses at NSU.
  • Internet Explorer
  • Netscape Navigator
  • Firefox
• Word Processing applications - You will most likely need at least one of these applications in order to type and submit papers for your classes. They allow you to type, format, edit, and spell-check documents. Most of these applications are not will require you to purchase, however, there are a few that are free.
  • Microsoft Word (Microsoft Office) (must purchase)
  • Corel WordPerfect (must purchase)
  • StarOffice (free)
  • OpenOffice (free)
• Powerpoint or a Powerpoint viewer - Many instructors create "Powerpoint" slideshows for viewing and available on Blackboard. You will need a Powerpoint viewer in order to watch most of these slideshows. If you already have purchased Microsoft Office, you can install the complete PowerPoint application on your computer. However, if you do not have Microsoft Office, you can use the link above to download the free Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader - This is an application which allows you to view Adobe's Portable Documents Format (PDF) files. Many websites and courses on NSU Blackboard contain documents in this format. This is a free software application which you can download and install.
• Java Client (from Sun Microsystems) - This is a special application that allows the Blackboard Chat features to run on your computer. Without this installed, you will not be able to use the Blackboard Chat or Virtual Classroom features. (Download the application called "J2SE JRE"). The Java Client is a free program.
• Macromedia Flash Player - This application allows you to view special animated pages containing "Flash". Many websites and courses on Blackboard at NSU utilize "Flash", and you will need this viewer in order to view this type of content. Macromedia Flash Player is a free software download. Use the link above to start the download process.

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