Computer Requirements
Overview
The UC San Diego School of Medicine (SOM) expects all incoming Medical Students to have a laptop (or notebook) computer with wireless access, a printer, various specific software applications and internet access. It will be used for information access, instructional applications, and official communications — in class and at home.
UC San Diego does not require a specific brand of laptop computers. However, students must pay attention to the requirements provided in order for their computer to be of sufficient processing power and resolution to meet their academic needs. A range of laptop computer configurations (described as Minimal to Optimal) are acceptable. Both Apple and PC computers are acceptable.
- Minimum Configuration: This is the least expensive configuration that will meet the school's requirements. It may need some upgrading after a few years. If you already have a computer that meets or exceeds this minimum, it will be adequate to begin medical school.
- Optimum Configuration: This configuration more than meets the school's requirements and has capabilities that will be useful while at medical school. If you can afford to purchase a computer with this configuration or better, it should serve your needs throughout medical school.
Note: Chromebooks and non-Pro versions of Surface tablets are not recommended, as they cannot be used for certain required SOM-based applications.
The Office of Medical Education Technology is available to answer questions about these recommendations and show you how to configure your laptop computers for connection to the UC San Diego wireless network.
Configurations
Apple LAPTOP Configurations
| Minimum | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type | Dual-Core i5 MacBook Air | M1 8-Core MacBook Pro |
| Speed | 2.5 GHz | ~2.8x faster than previous MacBook Pro model -- 1.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 |
| Operating System | macOS (Monterey) | macOS (Ventura) |
| Memory / RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Network Adapter | Ethernet AND Wireless | Ethernet AND Wireless |
| Monitor Size | 13.3" LCD | 13.3" LCD |
| Monitor Resolution | Retina Display | Retina Display |
| Optional Drives | CD-RW / DVD ROM Drive | CD-RW / DVD ROM Drive |
| Screen Sharing Requirement | VGA or HDMI Ready | VGA or HDMI Ready |
Software for Apple Computers
| Description | Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS Application | macOS (Monterey) or newer | Updates should be run AT LEAST once per week. | ||
| General Productivity |
Microsoft Office 365 |
Outlook Email,Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, etc. O365 Microsoft Office online (PDF) allows you to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications through any web browser or install on your local computer. |
||
| WebMail Provided free by UCSD Health IS |
Students should use Outlook 365 for best efficiency across all devices (phones, iPads, etc.). | |||
| Web Browser |
Download the latest version compatible with your computer's OS. |
|||
| Security Software | Sophos Anti-Virus for MAC Home Edition |
Virus definition updates should be set to auto-update daily and system scans should be run AT LEAST once per week. |
||
| Firewall | Required by UCSD | Incorporated into Mac OS X - must be enabled. | ||
| Plug-ins |
* Required for online exams. Acrobat Reader is required for use with the online exam application - the built-in PDF reader will not function correctly. |
Free applications available for download. Carefully read the install screens as some of these Plug-ins will try to install unnecessary software/toolbars (e.g. Ask toolbar) if you don't uncheck the appropriate boxes. |
||
| File Compression / Decompression | Built-in with macOS | File Compression / Decompression included in the latest macOS | ||
| Reference Management | Optional applications for students | |||
| Curricular Calendar Synchronization | Using your mobile device (iOS & Android Supported) |
Students should consider purchasing a mobile device to access curricular resources while away from their computer. | ||
PC LAPTOP Configurations (Including tablet PCs)
Chromebooks and non-Pro versions of Surface tablets are NOT recommended as they cannot be used for certain required SOM-based applications.| Minimum | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i9 |
| Speed | 2.5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-Bit) |
| RAM | 4 GB | 32 GB |
| Network Interface Card | Ethernet AND Wireless | Ethernet AND Wireless |
| Monitor Size | 13" | 13-17" |
| Monitor Resolution | 1280 x 800 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Additional Optional Drives | CD-RW / DVD ROM Drive | CD-RW / DVD ROM Drive |
| Screen Sharing Requirement | VGA or HDMI Ready | VGA or HDMI Ready |
Software for PC Computers
| Description | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| OS Application | Windows 10, 11 64-bit | OS updates should be run AT LEAST once per week. |
| General Productivity |
Microsoft Office 365 |
Outlook Email, Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, etc. O365 Microsoft Office online (PDF) allows you to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications through any web browser or install on your local computer. |
| WebMail Provided free by UCSD Health IS |
Students should use Outlook 365 for best efficiency across all devices (phones, iPads, etc.). | |
| Web Browser |
Download the latest version compatible with your computer's OS. |
|
| Security Software | Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus (included free with Windows 10) |
Virus definition updates should be set to auto-update daily and system scans should be run AT LEAST once per week. |
| Firewall | Required by UCSD | Incorporated into Windows 10, 11 - must be enabled. |
| Plug-ins |
* Required for online exams. Acrobat Reader is required for use with the online exam application - the built-in PDF reader will not function correctly. |
Free applications available for download. Carefully read the install screens as some of these Plug-ins will try to install unnecessary software/toolbars (e.g. Ask toolbar) if you don't uncheck the appropriate boxes. |
| Reference Management | Optional applications for students | |
| Curricular Calendar Synchronization | Using your mobile device (iOS & Android Supported) |
Students should consider purchasing a mobile device to access curricular resources while away from their computer. |
Peripheral Devices
| Description | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| Printer | STRONGLY Recommended | Printing from UCSD computers requires a UCSD Imprints card (cost $0.11/page) or a printing account with campus' Educational Tech Services (ETS). A multi-functional device (copier, printer, scanner) is located inside the Student Lounge. Thus, printing at home is the most cost effective option for students. When selecting a printer, students should not only consider the initial purchase price, but also the cost of ink cartridge replacements. Additional information on printing throughout UCSD campus. |
| Portable Mass Storage | 8GB USB Flash Drive | Strongly recommended for transport of files to / from home and school. |
| Back-Up | HIGHLY recommended | Students should consider strategies for backing up important files such as writing to a CD or external hard drive. On a Mac, there is a built-in utility called Time Machine. In Windows 10 and 11, there is a utility called Backup and Restore. |
| Mobile Device | HIGHLY recommended | Students should consider purchasing a mobile device to access curricular resources while away from their computer. |
Internet Access
| Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Method | Ethernet via a wired/wireless Network Interface Card (NIC). Not supplied by UCSD |
Cable modem or DSL |
| Internet Service Providers (ISPs) | UCSD ResNet Cost included in housing fees |
High Speed Services Cox High Speed Internet AT&T High Speed DSL Spectrum |
| Note: Remote access to UCSD Library resources (including the electronic reserve system used in the core curriculum) requires that users be authenticated as official UCSD students, faculty, or staff. Use of UCSD's ResNet or UCSD's wireless access on campus (UCSD Protected network) automatically authenticates the user. If you select a non-UCSD entity as your ISP, a free VPN client must also be installed on your computer in order to enable library access from off campus. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
My current laptop computer is close to (but does not exactly meet) the minimum standards. Do I have to buy a new one?
- You can begin school with your current laptop computer and see if it is adequate to meet your needs. If access to and display of complex media (such as images or video) are a problem, you may need to rethink purchase of a new system.
Should I buy a PC or Apple computer?
- Both platforms are supported by UCSD School of Medicine's Division of Medical Education.
If I have a tablet (iPad, Surface, Galaxy, etc), do I still need a laptop?
- Yes. Unfortunately, simply having a tablet device does not meet the laptop requirement at this time. Due to the nature of the online exam and quiz program, it is recommended to use laptops for this application.
Where should I purchase my computer?
- The UCSD Bookstore Computer Center offers a large selection of computers that meet the recommendations provided in this website. There are also "special promotions" aimed at our students.