How to turn Java on

It is important that you read the following advisory:

There may come a time when you discover you need to use Java.  Before you use it, it is highly recommended that you check first to confirm whether it is up-to-date.  You can do so here.  NOTE:  If you install a new version from Java's web site, please be sure to un-check the box that installs the “ASK.com” toolbar.  It is not needed.

You should procede with the steps below ONLY if you are certain of the safety of the web site or web program that is asking you to enable Java.  It is not recommended that you do this for all your browsers, only the one you will use for trusted sites and web programs that require Java.

• If you previously used either the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh OS 10.7.3 and up) to disable Java in all of your browsers, you will need to re-enable Java and then turn off the Java plug-in inside the browser you will use for day-to-day browsing.  It is only in this manner that you’ll be able to independently control Java in each of your browsers.  If you are uncertain as to whether you turned it off globally, the steps below will take you to the appropriate control panel (Windows) or preference (Macintosh) where you can determine its current status.
• If you did NOT disable Java using the control panel or the preference, then procede to the section below labeled “Turning Java on in an individual browser”. 

Known sites and applications that require Java.

Globally turn Java on using the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh)

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a two part process!  Once you have turned Java on globally, you must turn it off for the individual browser(s) you intend to use for day-to-day browsing.  See the link at the bottom of this page for disabling Java in an individual browser.

Windows (all versions)

1. Click on the Start button
2. Click on Control Panel
3. Click on the Java (32 Bit) Control Panel
4. Click on the Security tab
5. Click to enter a checkmark in the box at the top labeled, “Enable Java content in the browser”.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.

Macintosh (OS 10.7.3 and up) Lion & Mountain Lion

NOTE: Versions of the Macintosh OS below 10.7.3 do not have the Java Preference.

1. Click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of the screen).
2. Select Preferences.
3. Locate the preference called Java (it is in the bottom row) and click to open it
4. Click on the Security tab in the Java Preference.  
5. Click in the check box to “Enable Java content in the browser”.
6. Click on Apply and then click on OK.

Turning Java on in an individual browser

All versions of Windows and all versions of Macintosh

(These instructions will work only if the Windows Java Control Panel or the Macintosh Java Preference was not used to globally disable Java.)

NOTE:  If you have not previously disabled Java in your other browsers, you should do so (a link to instructions appears at the bottom of this page).  The instructions that follow here are only intended for the browser you will use to access trusted web sites or web programs that require Java. 

From the list of browsers below, choose the one you intend to use only for Blackboard Learn (or other web delivered programs or sites you trust)  and follow the instructions for enabling Java.

 Safari (Macintosh)

1. Click on the Safari menu and choose Preferences. 
2. Click on the Security icon and check the box to “Enable Browser” only if no checkmark already appears.
3. Close the Preferences window.

 Firefox (Windows & Macintosh)

1. Click on the Tools menu and choose Add-ons OR click on the Firefox menu, and choose Add-Ons.
2. Click on Plug-ins and then locate the Java Applet plugin. 
3. Click to enable it and close the Add-ons window.

Chrome (Windows & Macintosh)

1. Click on the Chrome menu and choose Preferences (Macintosh) OR click on the wrench icon, then select Settings (Windows)
2. Click on Settings in the left column. 
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link labeled “Show advanced settings”.
4. Scroll down to the Privacy section and click on the button labeled “Content Settings...”. 
5. Next click on “Disable individual plug-ins” in the Plug-ins section. 
6. In the list that is presented, locate Java and click on the link to “Enable” it.

Internet Explorer 7 and above (Windows)

1. Click on your Start button and select Control Panel.
2. Locate and then open the Control Panel called Internet Options.
3. Click the Programs tab and select Manage Add-ons.
4. Select Toolbars and Extenstions in the left hand column. Then in the right hand column scroll down to Oracle America.
5. Click Java Plug-in then click the Enable button.
6. Click Close and OK to accept the change.

How to disable Java in the browsers you intend to use for day-to-day browsing

Instructions can be found here that will help you turn Java off for individual browsers or for all browsers.