Computing Requirements:
Class of 2012
Students entering the Doctor of Medicine program in the Fall of 2008 are required to have a computer meeting at least the minimum specifications
detailed below.
- The minimum configuration is designed to accommodate people
who have purchased a computer during the last 12 months. However, this
configuration, most likely, will not last through the 4 years
of medical school.
- On the other hand, the recommended configuration is designed
to provide excellent performance throughout the four-year program.
Contents:
Hardware Requirements
Software Requirements
High-Speed Internet Access Requirement
Other Considerations
Purchasing Options
Minimum Specifications
If you have purchased a computer during the past 12-18 months then you
do not need to purchase a new one to meet this requirement assuming that
your systems meets most of these specifications.
| Item |
Specification |
|
Operating System
|
Windows XP Home or Professional SP2 or Macintosh OS 10.4 (Tiger) |
|
CPU/Processor
|
No specification. In the past, processor speeds were accurate indicators of a computer's processing power, but today that is no longer the case. Use the other specifications below to guide your decisions. |
|
RAM
|
2 GB or more |
|
Hard Drive
|
No specification. For new computer purchases, we recommend that you buy the largest hard drive you can afford. |
|
CD-ROM
|
CD-RW/DVD
|
|
Monitor
|
No specification. |
|
Network Interface Card (NIC)
|
10/100 Ethernet [Tell
me more]
|
| Wireless Network Card |
Laptop: 802.11g Wireless
Network Card [Tell
me more] |
|
Storage Device
|
CD-RW [Tell
me more]
|
| Surge Protector |
High quality surge protector
with phone line protection. |
| Printer |
Yes [Tell
me more] |
|
Laptop Security Cable
|
Yes
|
Recommended Specifications
If you are planning to purchase a new computer for use during medical
school, we recommend that your computer at least meet these specifications.
A computer with these specifications should last you throughout your medical
education.
| Item |
Specification |
|
Operating System
|
Windows Vista (Home Premium, Business, Ultimate) or Macintosh OS 10.5 (Leopard) |
|
CPU/
Processor
|
No specification. In the past, processor speeds were accurate indicators of a computer's processing power, but today that is no longer the case. Use the other specifications below to guide your decisions.
|
|
RAM
|
4 GB |
|
Hard Drive
|
No specification. For new computer purchases, we recommend that you buy the largest hard drive you can afford. |
|
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
|
CD-RW/DVD±RW |
|
Monitor
|
No specification. [Tell
me more]
|
|
Network Interface Card (NIC)
|
10/100 Ethernet [Tell
me more]
|
| Wireless Network Card |
Laptop: Wireless 802.11g
[Tell
me more] |
|
Storage Device
|
CD-RW/DVD±RW [Tell
me more] |
|
Protable Storage Device
|
USB 2.0 Flash Drive [Tell me more] |
|
Surge Protector |
High quality surge protector with phone line protection.
|
|
Printer |
Yes [Tell me more] |
|
Warranty |
3 year with on-site support
|
|
Laptop Security Cable
|
Yes
|
Software Requirements
All students entering the Doctor of Medicine program in the Fall of 2007
are required to have the following compliment of software. *Note: All
software except Microsoft Office is provided to you free by the
university.
| Item |
Description |
|
Microsoft Office |
Windows:
Macintosh: Microsoft Office 2004
The Office suite includes:
-
Word,
-
Excel and
-
PowerPoint
- PC: Outlook, Mac: Entourage
Students
are responsible for purchasing this software. It can be purchased
at The
UCSF Technology Store , UCSF's computer store, at an educational discount. |
|
Anti-Virus |
Norton AntiVirus, McAfee VirusScan, or Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows
and Macintosh. Antivirus software must have a current license that
allows for regular settings updates. Students may purchase Norton
or McAfee software, or you may use Sophos
free through a campus license. |
|
Adobe Acrobat Reader |
The free Acrobat reader for portable document files (PDF). [Free] |
|
MultiMedia Plug-ins |
Real Player; QuickTime; Windows Media Player; Shockwave and Flash Plugin's |
| Personal Firewall |
Sygate Firewall (UCSF site license version)* |
Spyware/Malware Removal Utility |
Webroot SpySweeper (UCSF site license version)* |
Secure Remote Connection Utility |
UCSF Virtual Private Network Utility. Available after receipt of your SAA userid and pin. |
* Provided on CD to students at orientation
High-Speed Internet Access Requirement
The School of Medicine requires that students who live where DSL or Cable
Modem Internet access is available must acquire this high-speed service.
The SOM discourages the use of AOL as an Internet service provider
because of incompatabilities with our online systems.
The Broadband Reports web site (http://www.dslreports.com)
provides information of whether broadband Internet access is available
in your area as well as information on various Internet service providers.
Desktops versus Laptops
Laptops are not required for our curriculum, but they can provide more
options for working on campus.
| Item |
Description |
|
Wireless Network / Internet Access
|
The UCSF Library, Medical Student Lounge, Medical Sciences Small
Group Rooms, several of the large lecture halls, and our food courts
have wireless
internet access. An IEEE 802.11b wireless network interface
card is needed in order to connect to the wireless network.
|
|
Ethernet Network / Internet Connections
|
The UCSF Library, Medical Sciences Building, and Nursing Cafe have
many network
jacks for Laptop Internet Access Service (LIAS). Your laptop
computer needs an Ethernet Adapter Card (also called NIC, or Network
Interface Card) in order to connect to the Library network
using the Ethernet jacks.
|
|
Interactive Learning Center Student Computing Services
|
The Library hosts two computer
labs with desktop computers and wireless network access for
laptops, and hardware and software support as it relates to using
the SOM curriculum and online services. Appointments to troubleshoot
basic laptop computing problems may be scheduled with an ILC consultant
in the ILC South computing lab, Room S166. All UCSF students,
faculty and staff share access to these two labs so they are often
full.
|
Financial Aid Assistance
Students can apply for an optional financial assistance to meet the required
hardware, software and Internet Access requirements.
| Item |
Description |
|
Hardware/
Software
|
A Computer Hardware loan is available through Student
Financial Services. The loan can cover required hardware/software
up to $2500. You must meet these conditions to qualify for
the loan:
- Purchase the computer on or after August 1, 2008.
- Make the purchase in your own name.
- In lieu of receiving student loan funds, charge the purchase
to a credit card, or
- If you cannot or prefer not to charge, obtain an itemized estimate,
including taxes.
- Contact Student Financial Services if you have any questions
regarding the loan. 415/476-4181.
|
|
High-Speed Internet Access
|
The cost of high-speed Internet access is included in the total
cost of attendance that is used to determine financial aid eligibility.
Join the California Medical Association and save on high-speed
internet access. [Tell
me more]
|
Purchasing Options
|
