Computer Requirements
The College of Medicine Computer Requirements:
Access to and on-going use of a computer is required for all students to complete their degree programs successfully. The University of Florida expects each student to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program. Competency in the basic use of a computer is a requirement.
The College of Medicine, starting with the Class of 2010, requires all students to own a laptop computer and bring it to class on a regular basis. The College of Medicine does not endorse a specific operating system or computer brand. This requirement focuses on function and current open standards.
The School of Physician Assistant Studies recommends a computer no older than 2-3 years. Students should have a current, fully-patched operating system.
We recommend students look for the following:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion 64 X2 minimum 1.8 GHz. Recommend 2.1 GHz or higher.
Memory: 1.5 GB minimum. Recommend 3-4 GB.
Hard Drive: 100 GB 5400 RPM minimum. Recommend 160 GB 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM.
Graphics: Intel GMA 3100 minimum. Recommend discrete ATI or Nvidia graphics.
Monitor: 1280 x 800 pixels minimum.
Optical Drive: DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive minimum. Recommend DVD+-R.
Wireless: 802.11g minimum. Recommend 802.11n.
Software requirements:
Malware protection -
Current, fully-patched operating system
Anti-viral software installed and up to date (essential for all Microsoft operating systems)
Anti-spyware software installed and up to date (essential for all Microsoft operating systems)
Modern, standards-compliant web browser – Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, and Netscape are good choices
The three major streaming media players/plug-ins – Real, Quicktime, and Windows Media
Standards-based email client – Must be capable of accessing campus GatorLink email
Standard “run time” environment for Java programs
Software to read/write Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint formats – Microsoft Office (version 2003 or later)
Ability to read PDF files (PDF writing recommended)
Apple laptops do work with most systems on the UF campus but their use is discouraged as there is no support for Apple products and students have had compatibility problems in the past.
