Computer Hardware Requirements Fall 2006
All students entering in fall 2006 must own a computer that meets the following criteria. For students entering in other class years, see Computer Hardware Requirements.
About Windows Vista
If you plan to buy a new Windows computer, we strongly recommend that you buy with the expectation of upgrading to Windows Vista when it is released sometime in 2007. You'll need more memory (RAM), better graphics hardware, and a recent processor to run Vista optimally. Ask your computer vendor for details, or see [Get Ready for Windows Vista][link defunct as of June 17, 2011].
We also recommend that you do not upgrade to Windows Vista until the University has determined what compatibility problems might exist with it. Because of the wide number of systems, it might be several months following Vista's release before all issues are identified and resolved.
How do I choose between the Minimum and Recommended configurations?
Minimum |
Recommended |
|---|---|
is better if you have purchased a new computer within the past 2 years. This configuration will likely not provide adequate performance through the end of your program. |
is better if you need to purchase a new computer. This configuration will likely provide adequate performance for 3 to 4 years. |
|
Regardless of when you purchase your computer, plan on upgrading or purchasing a new computer 3 to 4 years later. | |
Hardware Requirements
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
How To Check |
|---|---|---|---|
processor |
|
|
|
memory (RAM) |
512 MB or more |
1 GB or more |
|
hard drive |
40 GB or more |
|
|
CD/DVD drive |
CD-RW minimum |
CD-RW/DVD or CD-RW/DVD±RW |
|
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
How To Check |
monitor |
|
|
See the user manual for your monitor to determine its diagonal measurement. |
network interface card (NIC) |
|
|
|
sound |
Yes |
Yes |
|
printer |
Yes |
Yes |
|
mouse or other pointing device |
Yes |
Yes |
|
keyboard |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
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 laptops only |
Required for laptops only |
|
warranty |
Not required |
3 years parts and labor with on-site support |
|
hardware to support the Internet requirement |
56K V.90 modem or faster |
anything faster than a 56K modem, such as a DSL modem or cable modem |
To determine if your computer has a built-in modem:
|
hardware to support the ability to transfer files |
128 MB USB drive or larger |
512 MB USB drive or larger |
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 128 MB 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 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, 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 Tuesday, August 1, 2006.
- Make the purchase(s) in your own name.
- Charge the purchase(s) to a credit card, or if you cannot or prefer not to charge, obtain an itemized estimate, including taxes.
- Complete the Computer Funding Request Form (PDF, 1 page, 31 KB, Requires Adobe Reader).
- Return the form with your paid receipt(s) or written estimate(s) to Student Financial Aid.
If you have questions about financial assistance, contact Student Financial Aid at finaid@ucsf.edu or 415/476-4181 before you purchase the computer.
Go To: Computer Services
