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NSC Canvas LMS System Requirements


What are the canvas System Requirements for a PC?

  • Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (or newer), Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows 7, 8 operating systems
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 8 or higher) or Mozilla Firefox (Version 15 or higher)
  • Internet Explorer 8/9 may have a compatibility issue with the current version of Canvas LMS courseware,  clicking the "Compatibility" toggle switch located to the right of the URL address bar should correct the problem.
  • Flash is required in several places in Canvas: media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas.
  • Java Runtime Environment 1.4 or higher
  • JavaScript and AJAX enabled
  • Pop-Up blocking disabled
  • Minimum of 1024x600 screen size (smaller screen size would be difficult to view)

What are the Canvas System Requirements for a Mac?

  • Macintosh OS 10.6 Snow Leopard or higher.
  • Mozilla Firefox (Version 7 or higher) Safari or Chrome.
  • Java Runtime Environment 1.4 or higher
  • JavaScript and AJAX enabled
  • Pop-Up blocking disabled
  • Minimum of 1024x600 screen size (smaller screen size would be difficult to view)

Canvas also supports Linux - ChromeOS

What Internet Browsers are compatible with Canvas?

  • Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. 
  • If you are interested in minimums, we support:
    Internet Explorer 8, Chrome 21,  Safari 5,  Firefox 15 but do recommend using the most current version of the browser.
  • Flash 9 (if you want to use the audio/video recording or viewing feature or upload files)
    We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.
  • Other Notes:
    Flash is required in several places in Canvas: media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas.
  • The Java plug-in is required for screen sharing in Conferences. Otherwise, there are no other browser plug-ins used by Canvas.
  • The Canvas UI was optimized for desktop displays, small form factors such as phones may not be as pleasant to use Canvas with. We recommend trying out our Mobile App if you are on an iPhone or have an iPad. Click here to learn more about downloading the app.
  • There are only two hard requirements:
    • You have to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
    • No IE 6 or 7—they're just too old to be able to do the interactive things Canvas does.
  • If you experiencing issues viewing your Canvas course materials and/or videos please click "What Browsers does Canvas Support" There have been recent Browser updates and some users have found that Canvas does not work as expected.  (04/21/2014)

What Internet Browsers are not compatible with Canvas?

There are many different types of Internet Browsers. Often your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will install an Internet Browser on your computer. Many computers may come with a factory installed Internet Browser (such as Safari on Macs). Please see the list above for those browsers best supported by Canvas.

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