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University of Colorado Denver

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Technology Services Quick Help

Hardware and Software Requirements and Recommendations
 

Computer Requirements Effective for Fall 2011
Modified 6/17/2011

All on-campus School of Pharmacy students are required to own a computer that meets or exceeds the specifications given below. For the best user experience, however, we strongly recommend that any computer system meet or exceed the specifications given in the "Optional but Recommended" section.

Students in the Nontraditional PharmD program should consult the NTPD program office for computer requirements.

Hardware requirements are enforced only for students' computers, but we recommend that all faculty and staff observe these minimums as well. 


General Requirements

  1. Equipment must be owned or leased for the exclusive use of the student.
  2. Computer must be a laptop or tablet computer.
  3. Equipment acquisition, maintenance and security are the responsibility of the student.
  4. All computers on campus must have an approved antivirus and antispyware utility installed and regularly updated.
Hardware and Software Requirements
    Laptop Specifications
  • 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium or Core processor (other Intel or AMD Athlon processors of equivalent performance are acceptable)
  • 60 GB Hard Drive
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Audio (via motherboard or SoundBlaster 16 equivalent)
  • CD ROM or DVD-ROM Drive 16x
  • 802.11g wireless network interface (NIC)
  • Inkjet or laser printer for home use (a portable printer is not required)
    Software   
  • Operating system:
    
 Windows: Windows XP Professional SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7*
    Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later
  • Productivity Software:
      Windows: Microsoft Office 2003**, Microsoft Office 2007 or Microsoft Office 2010
    Macintosh: Microsoft Office 2008 or Microsoft Office 2011
  • Current Internet browser (such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (may be obtained at no charge on campus or from Adobe)
  • Current antivirus and antispyware software
*Windows XP Home and Windows Vista Home Basic are not allowed on any student-owned computer that will be used on campus. Student-owned computers may run Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Business but the campus does not at this time provide technical support for those versions. Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate are acceptable; Windows 7 Starter edition (standard on many netbooks) is not supported.

** Students are encouraged to have Microsoft Office 2007 at minimum, but Office 2003 is allowed.

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.

Hardware/Software Optional but Recommended

    Recommendations
  • 2.0GHz or faster Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent AMD processor
  • 2GB RAM or more
  • Hard drive larger than 60GB
  • 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 ( faculty and staff):
Windows: Microsoft Outlook 2003 or 2007
Macintosh: Mac OS X Mail or Microsoft Entourage 2008 or Outlook 2011.
    Webmail is the only method of accessing email accounts officially supported for students, but we will support the aforementioned email applications for students on a "best effort" basis.

Important Notes

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 adhered to 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.
E-mail Required 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.