Operating System Requirement Fall 2012
For students entering in other class years, see Operating System Requirement.
Operating system requirements
|
Configuration A
|
Configuration B
|
|---|---|---|
Windows |
Any one of the following:
|
Any one of the following:
|
Mac |
Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard or later |
Whatever Apple gives you by default |
About Windows 8
Windows users: Microsoft has announced Windows 8 but as of March 2012 has not yet set a release date. We do not require this version of Windows. Additionally, we recommend that you do not upgrade to Windows 8 until the University has determined what compatibility problems might exist with it. Because of the wide number of systems, it might be many months following its release before all issues are identified and resolved.
About Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Mac users: Apple is expected to release Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion) in summer 2012. We do not require this version of OS X. Additionally, we recommend that you do not upgrade to OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion) until the University has determined what compatibility problems might exist with it. Because of the wide number of systems, it might be many months following its release before all issues are identified and resolved.
Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional for $64.95
If you want to purchase the latest version of Windows (e.g., so that you have a legal copy), we strongly recommend Microsoft's special offer for students linked below.
- Carefully review the terms and conditions, system requirements, and "Before You Buy" section before purchasing.
- To qualify, you need access to an e-mail address ending with .edu. If you don't already have this, you can log in to your UCSF email account at https://mail.ucsf.edu after receiving your email address, login, and password in your welcome letter from the Office of the Registrar.
- If you encounter difficulty with Microsoft's ordering or verification processes, see Microsoft's Frequently asked questions.
Service pack & critical updates required
We require that your computer has the most recent service pack and all critical updates installed.
- Windows 7: These are installed automatically when you enable automatic updates (see below).
- Mac: Software Update
Update automatically
We also require that you configure your computer to install operating system updates automatically.
- Windows 7: Windows Update - Enable / Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 7
- Mac: Mac OS X: Updating your software
Questions?
Send e-mail to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.
Next Software Requirement: Microsoft Office
What operating system does my computer have?
- Windows 7: Select Start. Type winver and press Enter.
- Mac: Select "About this Mac" from the Apple menu.
Where do I buy computer stuff?
You may purchase computer hardware or software from any vendor.
Older operating systems
If you have a Windows or Mac operating system that is older than those listed as required, you must upgrade to meet the requirement. Older operating systems include Mac OS 9, 10.0 Cheetah, 10.1 Puma, 10.2 Jaguar, 10.3 Panther, 10.4 Tiger, 10.5 Leopard, and Windows Vista, XP, 95, 98, 98 SE, Me, NT, and 2000.
Operating system software not provided
Unfortunately, we do not provide operating system software for you, so you are responsible for purchasing it.
