Most of the content uploaded in to Blackboard will be visible when you open it, as the web browser can read it. Occasionally some files are uploaded which require different software programs on your computer in order to run. At University, computers will be pre-programmed with the appropriate software, but if you are accessing Blackboard from home, you may need to download an extra program. Here are some of the most common (you can download them all for free, though some of them my try to encourage you to go for a premium version!).

	Acrobat Reader (for PDF files)
	Microsoft Excel Viewer
	Microsoft Word Viewer
	Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 2003 (97, 2000 & 2002 users click here)
	Windows Media Player
	Real Player (free version only click here)
	QuickTime Movie Player
	Macromedia Shockwave Player
	Macromedia Flash Player

If the file you want is a proprietary type which needs a very specific player/reader not covered here, please ask your lecturer or ICT Helpdesk for advice.