Getting Started with Blackboard (old DSO)

The following essential steps will help you to successfully access, log in to and use DSO.

  1. Activate your Deakin username and password
    Go to the Passwords page to activate your Deakin username and password.

  2. Set up your computer
    Ensure your computer meets the recommended computer standards .
    Note: You must use a supported browser and have Java installed for certain areas of DSO to function properly. They can be downloaded from the Deakin University Software site or installed from the 'Software Essentials' DVD. Staff who have a Phoenix desktop please check your Phoenix Software Catalogue .

  3. Access the DSO login page
    Go to http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/.

  4. Do a browser check
     Click the Check my browser button below to check that your browser version is supported and Java is enabled.


    If your browser or Java is not valid, a warning message will be displayed:

    Browser Check screenshot 2 If you receive all ticks, you can successfully access the Blackboard environment within DSO. Go to Step 5.

    Browser Check fail screen shot If you receive a cross for any area, go to the appropriate link below and follow the instructions:

    PC users Mac users
    Recommended Browsers Recommended Browsers
    Enable Cookies Enable Cookies
    Enable JavaScript Enable JavaScript
    Enable Pop-up windows Enable Pop-up windows
    Enable Java Enable Java
    Optimise browser (enable all) Optimise browser (enable all)

    Please take the 5-10 minutes that it will take to set up your computer, so that your experience of using DSO during the semester is as smooth as possible.

  5. Login to DSO
    Type your User name and Password, then click OK.

  6. Accept the Java Security Certificate
    When you first login to DSO and your home page loads, your browser will require you to accept a Java security certificate. You must always accept this certificate for DSO to operate effectively.

    How to accept the java security certificate (quick guide)

    Note: If you click on any links or buttons before you have accepted this certificate, your session may end in error or you may have problems when you are uploading a file to attach to an assignment submission or discussion post.

  7. Access your unit
    The Course List on your home page gives you access to the units you are enrolled in that use DSO. Click on a unit (e.g. unit code TRI-1_2010) in the Course List to go to the learning environment for that unit.

    If your Course List does not include all the units in which you are enrolled, please check your enrolment details through StudentConnect or by contacting the Faculty student support office on your campus.

  8. Navigate DSO
     Go to Navigating DSO for information on accessing the DSO Homepage, and navigating components and tools that may be found in your unit.

Further notes:

  1. If you are accessing DSO from work, please go to Information for Deakin Studies Online (DSO) users connecting via a corporate network for technical information to assist the IT Administrator of your organisation in providing access to DSO.
  2. If you continue to experience problems after configuring your browser software settings, it may help to clear cache and cookies.

If you are still having technical issues that you are not able to resolve, please contact the ITSD service desk.

Please check FAQs for answers to some of the most common queries about using DSO.

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23rd February 2012