Computer Requirements

The UCSD 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.

UCSD 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 UCSD wireless network.

Apple LAPTOP Configurations


 Minimum Optimum
Processor TypeDual-Core i5 MacBook AirM1 8-Core MacBook Pro
Speed2.5 GHz
~2.8x faster than previous MacBook Pro model  --
 1.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
Operating SystemMac OS X 10.14.6 (Mojave)Mac OS X 12.0 (Monterey)
Memory / RAM8 GB16 GB
Network AdapterEthernet AND WirelessEthernet AND Wireless
Monitor Size13.3" LCD13.3" LCD
Monitor ResolutionRetina DisplayRetina Display
Optional DrivesCD-RW / DVD ROM DriveCD-RW / DVD ROM Drive
Screen Sharing RequirementVGA or HDMI ReadyVGA or HDMI Ready

SOFTWARE for Apple Computers

 
 Description Comments
OS ApplicationMac OS X 10.14.6 (Mojave) or newerUpdates should be run AT LEAST once per week.
General Productivity

Microsoft Office 365
Provisioned FREE by UCSD Health IS

Outlook Email,Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, etc. 
O365 (Microsoft Office online) allows you to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications through any web browser or install on your local computer.
EmailWebMail
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.

FirewallRequired 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 / DecompressionBuilt-in with Mac OS XFile Compression / Decompression included in the latest Mac OS X
Reference ManagementOptional applications for students
Curricular Calendar SynchronizationUsing 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
ProcessorIntel Core i5Intel Core i9
Speed2.5 GHz5 GHz
Operating SystemWindows 10 (64-bit)Windows 11 (64-Bit)
RAM4 GB32 GB
Network Interface CardEthernet AND WirelessEthernet AND Wireless
Monitor Size13"13-17"
Monitor Resolution1280 x 8001920 x 1200
Additional Optional DrivesCD-RW / DVD ROM DriveCD-RW / DVD ROM Drive
Screen Sharing RequirementVGA or HDMI ReadyVGA or HDMI Ready


SOFTWARE for PC Computers

  Description Comments
OS ApplicationWindows 10, 11 64-bit
 OS updates should be run AT LEAST once per week.
General Productivity

Microsoft Office 365
Provisioned FREE by UCSD Health IS

Outlook Email, Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, etc.
O365 (Microsoft Office online) allows you to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications through any web browser or install on your local computer.
EmailWebMail
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.

FirewallRequired 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 ManagementOptional applications for students
Curricular Calendar SynchronizationUsing your mobile device
(iOS & Android Supported)		Students should consider purchasing a mobile device to access curricular resources while away from their computer.

Peripheral Devices

 DescriptionComments
PrinterSTRONGLY RecommendedPrinting 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 Storage8GB USB Flash DriveStrongly recommended for transport of files to / from home and school.
Back-UpHIGHLY recommendedStudents 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 DeviceHIGHLY recommendedStudents should consider purchasing a mobile device to access curricular resources while away from their computer.

Internet Access

 Campus HousingOff-Campus Housing
Connection MethodEthernet 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