Computer Requirements

General Requirements

Equipment must be owned or leased for the exclusive use of the student
Computer must be a laptop or tablet PC
Equipment acquisition, maintenance and security are the responsibility of the student

Minimum Specifications for New Computer Purchases (effective as of 8/1/2009)

Laptop Specifications

1.7 GHz Intel Pentium or Core processor (other Intel or AMD Athlon processors of equivalent speeds or faster are acceptable equivalents)
60 GB Hard Drive
1 GB RAM
Audio (via motherboard or SoundBlaster 16 equivalent)
CD ROM or DVD-ROM Drive 16x
802.11b wireless network interface (NIC)
Inkjet or laser printer for home use (a portable printer is not required)

Software

Operating system:
Windows: Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Home premium or Windows Vista Business (Windows XP Home and Windows Vista Home Basic are not supported on the AMC campus. Vista Ultimate is not recommended. Windows 7 is not yet supported.)
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later

Productivity Software: Windows: Microsoft Office 2003 (Standard Version) or Microsoft Office 2007

Macintosh

Internet browser (such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.; student's choice)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (may be obtained at no charge on campus or from Adobe)
Current antivirus and antispyware software (McAfee antivirus may be obtained on campus at no charge)

Hardware/Software Optional but Recommended

2.0GHz or faster Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent AMD processor
2GB RAM or more
Hard drive larger than 60GB
802.11g Wireless network interface
16x or faster CD-RW drive or DVD-RW (may replace required CD-ROM drive) for transfer of large files and presentations and making backups
Internet service provider (ISP) for Internet access at home
E-mail application:
Windows: Microsoft Outlook (UCD campus standard email software; may be obtained on campus at no charge)
Macintosh: Mac OS X Mail or Microsoft Entourage

Note: Some School of Pharmacy departments and programs and some SOP faculty may have additional requirements for software or document formats. We strongly recommend that you consult with your department or program to confirm before you purchase any new computer or software.

These hardware and software specifications are made with the understanding that computer technology evolves rapidly and that the life span of such systems cannot be predicted. Students may, during the course of the curriculum, be expected to upgrade their hardware and/or software at the discretion of the school or program. Students who currently possess a personal computer (own or lease, PC or Mac, desktop or portable) that does not meet the required specifications may petition the UCD School of Pharmacy Director of Information Technology for a waiver of the requirements. The decision of the Director will be final and must be abided by the student.

The UCD School of Pharmacy will make every effort to ensure students' access to and awareness of the best available pricing for purchasing or leasing computers. The School of Pharmacy does not directly sell or lease computers.

Students will be asked to complete a Computer Ownership Information Statement upon entering the UCD School of Pharmacy to ensure that this policy is being followed and to allow the UCD School of Pharmacy to plan for the needs of the program and students. Students will be required to provide certain information about the student’s computer to aid in recovery in case of loss or in the event of network problems.

Electronic Mail Usage

Electronic mail (e-mail) is considered an official method and format of communication with students. E-mail may be used alone or to provide electronic "copies" of academic materials and other information (e.g. memos, newsletters, student handbook). Official university communications will be sent only to the student’s UCD e-mail address. Students will be expected to check their UCD e-mail accounts regularly.

Last updated: 7/30/09