Computer Hardware Requirements Fall 2011
All students entering in fall 2011 must own a computer that meets either Configuration A or Configuration B below. For students entering in other class years, see Computer Hardware Requirements.
How do I choose between configurations A & B?
Configuration A |
Configuration B |
|---|---|
lists the specifications we require if you have purchased a new computer within the past 2 years and do not plan on buying a new computer. This configuration will likely not provide adequate performance through the end of your program. |
lists the specifications we require if you need to purchase a new computer. This configuration will likely provide adequate performance for 3 to 4 years. |
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Regardless of when you purchase your computer, plan on upgrading or purchasing a new computer 3 to 4 years later. | |
Hardware requirements
If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget or your desire for particular features or convenience. More details: Should I Buy...?
|
Configuration A
|
Configuration B
|
How To Check |
|---|---|---|---|
memory (RAM) |
2 GB or more |
4 GB or more |
|
DVD drive |
DVD drive |
DVD drive |
|
graphics hardware |
No specific requirement |
Select a graphics card option upgrade if available |
|
printer |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Configuration A |
Configuration B |
How To Check |
surge protector |
UL 1449 listed |
UL 1449 listed |
UL 1449 certification is typically indicated by a stamp or a label on the device. |
security cable |
Required for portable computers only |
Required for portable computers only |
|
warranty |
Not required |
3 years parts and labor with on-site or in-store support |
|
hardware to support the ability to transfer files |
2 GB USB drive or larger, we strongly recommend IronKey (see below) |
2 GB USB drive or larger, we strongly recommend IronKey (see below) |
|
|
Configuration A |
Configuration B |
How To Check |
If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget or your desire for particular features or convenience. More details: Should I Buy...?
About IronKey
IronKey is a special kind of USB drive. Like any other USB drive it stores files, but unlike most USB drives IronKey is automatically encrypted. You set a password for it the first time you plug it in, and it asks for your password every time you use it. IronKey works with Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing strong security for all your data no matter what kind of computers you encounter.
As a healthcare professional, you will encounter confidential patient information and other confidential information. Federal law, California law, and University policy require you to keep this information secure. Encryption is one way to do that, and IronKey is one of the easiest ways we have found.
More details:
Transferring files
There are many occasions during the PharmD degree program when you will need to copy files from one computer to another. We require a USB drive with at least 2 GB of space, but on occasion you might need to copy a file that is too large for your USB drive. There are many ways to accomplish this task, and some of these ways may influence purchasing decisions for your computer, such as whether to purchase a wireless card or USB drive. For a discussion which helps you decide which forms of transferring files are best for you at UCSF, see File Transfer Options.
Where do I buy computer stuff?
You may purchase computer hardware or software from any vendor.
Laptops are recommended
Computers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different needs, for example: desktop, minitower, tower, laptop, all-in-one. We do not require any particular type. However, we recommend laptops because many students in our program have preferred them for mobility and flexibility reasons. See Should I buy a laptop?
What about netbooks and iPads?
Netbooks and iPads are small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive computing devices that can be a wonderful alternative to having -- and in some cases, lugging -- a regular-sized notebook computer around. However, because these devices typically have less processing power and lack certain capabilities of a traditional laptop or desktop computer, we recommend that you do not use a netbook or iPad as your primary computer hardware. However, it's fine as a companion to your primary computer.
What if I have a Mac?
The curriculum does not require any software that is available only on Windows. There are some compatibility issues with exchanging Microsoft Office documents between Windows and Mac and among newer and older versions, but in essentially all cases these issues have workarounds or solutions.
Need financial help?
If you need financial assistance to pay for a computer and internet service, UCSF Student Financial Aid may be able to help. The funding source is an additional student loan, usually a Federal Stafford Loan. The loan will not be disbursed in a single check but will be divided equally by the number of quarters enrolled during the academic year.
To receive a loan to cover computer costs, you must:
- Purchase the computer and/or related equipment on or after Monday, August 1, 2011.
- Make the purchases in your own name.
- Charge the purchases to a credit card, or if you cannot or prefer not to charge, obtain an itemized estimate, including taxes.
- You'll need to provide electronic copies of your paid receipts or written estimates. If you have more than one document, combine them into a single PDF file or ZIP file.
- Complete the 12-13 Education Expense Request.
If you have questions about financial assistance, contact Student Financial Aid at finaid@ucsf.edu or 415/476-4181 before you purchase the computer.
Next Requirement: Operating System Requirement
