Computer Hardware Requirements Fall 2008

All students entering in fall 2008 must own a computer that meets either Configuration A or Configuration B below. For students entering in other class years, see Computer Hardware Requirements.

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.
Regardless of when you purchase your computer, plan on upgrading or purchasing a new computer 3 to 4 years later.

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 required if not buying a new computer	Configuration B required if buying a new computer	How To Check
memory (RAM)	2 GB or more	4 GB or more	For Windows: How Do I Determine My Computer's Processor Speed? (This also tells you the amount of RAM.) For Mac: Use the Apple System Profiler.
CD/DVD drive	CD-RW/DVD (read CDs, write CDs, read DVDs)	CD-RW/DVD±RW (read CDs, write CDs, read DVDs, write DVDs)	For Windows: Use the Device Manager. For Mac: Use the Apple System Profiler.
graphics hardware	DirectX 9 capable	Select a graphics card option upgrade if available	This is not easy to check. If you don't know how, don't worry about it.
	Configuration A	Configuration B	How To Check
network interface card (NIC)	For desktop computers: 10/100 Ethernet or faster For laptop computers: wireless 802.11g	For desktop computers: 10/100 Ethernet or faster For laptop computers: wireless 802.11n	For Windows: Use the Device Manager. For Mac: Use the Apple System Profiler.
printer	Yes	Yes
surge protector	UL 1449 listed	UL 1449 listed	UL 1449 certification is typically indicated by a stamp or a label on the device.
	Configuration A	Configuration B	How To Check
security cable	Required for laptops only	Required for laptops only
warranty	Not required	3 years parts and labor with on-site or in-store support
hardware to support the ability to transfer files	1 GB USB drive or larger	2 GB 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 1 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. We recommend the UCSF campus computer store called The Technology Store because its location on campus at 500 Parnassus is convenient and because students can receive educational discounts on hardware and software. It provides complete computer systems as well as individual items, such as printers, mice, and cables. It also sells a wide variety of software applications.

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?

Starting with your first quarter you will be required to complete assignments with Microsoft Access which is not available for Mac OS: Your options:

Work at School: You'll have free access to 24-hour computer labs with Windows computers that have Microsoft Access installed. (You'll learn more about these computer labs during Orientation.)
Work at Home:
1. Use Apple Boot Camp, which enables you to restart your Intel-based Mac with Windows Vista or Windows XP instead of OS X.
2. Use VMWare Fusion, which enables you to run Windows Vista or Windows XP within OS X on your Intel-based Mac.
3. Use Parallels Desktop for Mac, which enables you to run Windows Vista or Windows XP within OS X on your Intel-based Mac.
All of these options would require you to purchase a license for either Microsoft Windows Vista or Microsoft Windows XP. And with all of the options above you would still need to purchase a license for either Microsoft Access for Windows or Microsoft Office Professional for Windows to have an essentially equivalent experience.

Need financial help?

If you need financial assistance to pay for a computer, UCSF Student Financial Services 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 Friday, August 1, 2008.
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, 50 KB, Requires Adobe Reader).
Return the form with your paid receipt(s) or written estimate(s) to Student Financial Services.

If you have questions about financial assistance, contact Student Financial Services at finaid@saa.ucsf.edu or 415/476-4181 before you purchase the computer.

Go To: Computer Services

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