Technology and Tools
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Make sure your tech setup is ready to go
To access your courses online, work on and submit assignments, communicate with professors and peers, and successfully complete your courses and your degree program, you will need the following hardware and software.
If you have technical questions, contact the UofL IT Helpdesk at 502.852.7997.
Windows | Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal computer | With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings) | With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings) |
| Broadband Internet connection | Speed of 512 kb/s or higher for DSL or 1 Mbps or higher for (upload) cable connection | Speed of 512 kb/s or higher for DSL or 1 Mbps or higher for (upload) cable connection |
| Operating system | Windows 11 (as Windows 10 goes end-of-life in October 2025) | MacOS Ventura (also known as OS 13 or higher) |
| Microsoft Office | Office 365 (also known as Microsoft 365) (provided free to all UofL enrolled students) | iWork or Office 365 (also known as Microsoft 365) (provided free to all UofL enrolled students) |
| Browsers | Firefox, Chrome, Edge | Safari; however Firefox and Chrome are recommended |
| Hardware | Desktop or Laptop | Desktop or Laptop |
| Webcam | Internal or external with microphone | Internal or external with microphone |
Tablet and Mobile Support
| Device | Operating System | Browser | Supported Browser Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android™ | Android | Chrome | Latest |
| Apple | iOS® | Safari, Chrome | The latest minor or point release of the most recent two major versions of iOS. |
| Windows | Windows 10 and 11 | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Latest of all browsers, except for Microsoft Internet Explorer (not supported) and Firefox ESR |
Office Productivity Software
While the software you will need will vary by course, it is likely that you will need office productivity software such as Microsoft Office Suite. UofL and Microsoft have added a new program that provides a free version of Office for enrolled students.
Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus includes applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and more, including 50GB of cloud storage in OneDrive. The program allows currently enrolled students to install Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices including PCs, Macs, phones or tablets. Additional software can be purchased through the information technology store, iTech Xpress. You must be an enrolled student to access the store.
You can test whether you have recommended and necessary components by performing the following steps:
- Login to the UofL Blackboard home page
- Scroll to the General Resources module
- Click on the Browser Checker