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. Windows 8 will not be supported at the School of Pharmacy for the foreseeable future, though we will make a "best effort" attempt to assist with any problems.
** 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. Due to class requirements, an Android or iOS tablet will at this time not be considered to be an acceptable substitute for a computer meeting the above requirements.
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.
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.