For successful completion of the MSU Distance MSIS program we recommend that students have Internet access via DSL or equivalent broadband connectivity option.

Traditional dial-up Internet services do not provide adequate support to the many technologies used within the program.

The following software and procedures are necessary for the courses to run smoothly, please complete the following:
_______ 1. Download the latest version of Acrobat Reader.

_______ 2. Download or upgrade to the latest version of Java.

_______ 3. Download Macromedia Flash Player.

_______ 4. Download Quicktime Player.

_______ 5. Configuring Your Computer for myCourses - Additionally, some instructors may require the purchase of specific technologies. Check the course syllabus for specific requirements.

MSU has upgraded to a new system called myCourses, also known as Blackboard Vista Learning System. 

To access your course please log into myCourses at http://mycourses.msstate.edu

DO NOT put the www in the address – the site will not work if you do.

Please check the following before you begin your course
 
Supported Browsers for Vista 4.2
Listed below are the supported operating systems and browsers for use with the Blackboard Learning System. The Learning System is a Web-based application. Therefore, other browsers and operating system may work well, however, the listed configurations are the only configurations that are tested and supported by Blackboard.

Term	Definition
Certified	fully tested and supported
Compatible	key application areas tested
Not tested	specified Browser is not supported for the Operating System

Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Web Browsers

	Windows 2000	Windows XP	Windows Vista Desktop
Internet Explorer 6	Compatible	Certified	Not Tested
Internet Explorer 7	Not Tested	Certified	Compatible
Internet Explorer 8	Not Tested	Not Tested	Not Tested

Mozilla® Firefox Windows Web Browsers

	Windows 2000	Windows XP	Windows Vista Desktop
Firefox 1.0	Not Tested	Not Tested	Not Tested
Firefox 1.5	Compatible	Compatible	Not Tested
Firefox 2.0	Compatible	Certified	Compatible

Mozilla® Firefox Mac Web Browsers

	Mac OS 10.2	Mac OS 10.3	Mac OS 10.4
Firefox 1.0	Certified	Certified	Certified
Firefox 1.5	Not Tested	Not Tested	Not Tested
Firefox 2.0	Not Tested	Not Tested	Not Tested

Apple® Safari® Web Browsers

	Mac OS 10.2	Mac OS 10.3	Mac OS 10.4
Safari 2	Not Tested	Certified	Certified
Safari 3	Not Tested	Certified	Certified

 
Please make sure you are using a CERTIFIED browser.

---

Check your Java
Java must be enabled on your computer and up to date.  If it is not you may have issues using myCourses. 

Go to http://java.com for the latest update
This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!

---

Pop-up Blockers
Your pop-up blockers must be turned off when using myCourses.  You will receive an error message every time you log in if your computers’ pop-up blockers are not disengaged.

---

Check browser Function within myCourses
After you have checked the above information you must also double check with the myCourses program to make sure your settings are correct.  

The check browser is located in the top right corner of the course listings page after log in. 

Clicking on this will check your browser for all important settings and also provide you change options.  You must have a GREEN check on each item listed below BEFORE beginning your course!!!

For more information contact the Help Desk at (662)325-0631 or (888)398-6394.