Viewing Documents
Adobe Acrobat
Many files in Blackboard Vista are in pdf format and require a pdf reader in order to view. Adobe Acrobat is a free download that is available for most computer platforms.
Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
Open, edit, and save documents, workbooks, and presentations in the file formats new to Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007.
The Compatibility Pack can also be used in conjunction with the Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003, Excel Viewer 2003, and PowerPoint Viewer 2003 to view files saved in these new formats.
Word Viewer 2003
It is very common for files to be posted on Blackboard Vista in Microsoft Word format. If you do not have Microsoft Word (or you have a very old version). You may download Word Viewer for free in order to look at these files. This is for Windows Only!
Powerpoint Viewer 2007
Powerpoint is a very common format for lecture notes to be posted in Blackboard Vista. If you do not have Microsoft Powerpoint (or you have a very old version). You may download Powerpoint Viewer for free in order to look at these files. This is for Windows Only!
Excel Viewer 2003
Although not as common, you may encounter Excel spreadsheet files posted in Blackboard Vista. If you do not have Microsoft Excel (or you have a very old version). You may download Excel Viewer for free in order to look at these files. This is for Windows Only!
Virus Protection Software
Students are strongly encouraged to have virus protection software installed on their computer. Any infected files that are uploaded to the Blackboard Vista servers will be deleted automatically to prevent the spread of infection.
Spyware & Adware Removers
If you are being redirected to an unexpected page (search page) after logging into myCommNet you most likely have spyware on your computer. You can remove this by running one of the programs mentioned below.
Please remember you must keep your spyware and adware removal software up to date just like virus removal software!
Spybot Search and Destroy
Free, Download & Install
Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner
Free, Download & Install, also has some great online information.
Doxdesk Parasite Check
Free, Runs from the web
Simslice Parasite Check
Free, Runs from the web.
cwshredder
Free, Download & Install. Removes some spyware.
Adaware
Free, Download & Install. Will remove most adware and some spyware.