Student Computer Requirements

The computer requirement for the College of Pharmacy varies based on your degree program. Click on the appropriate link to begin.

Entry-Level PharmD

“Whole Disk Encryption”
Incoming students are required to encrypt the hard drives on their personal laptops. Whole disk encryption is just one key element in insuring that the information on your laptop is secure.

There are many whole disk encryption software packages on the market. One product UF Health Science Center is familiar with is PGP encryption software, many more are available and this one software solution is provided only as an example. Please note: HSC and COP IT will not provide technical support for your encryption software purchase.

If you are new to computers or whole disk encryption we highly advise the purchase of a commercially available product, such as PGP, where the vendor will be able to assist with the installation of their software.

Please check out our Student FAQ page for more information.

WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE users: Windows 7 Ultimate edition includes BitLocker encryption software. Students can purchase this upgrade by contacting the UF Computing Help Desk at (352)392-HELP(4357). Windows Vista Ultimate edition also comes with BitLocker.

APPLE LAPTOP owners: To satisfy the whole disk encryption requirement you may use FileVault. This program should be part of your operating system when you purchased your laptop. This will encrypt only your home directory but this will be sufficient–for Apple laptop owners only–to meet the encryption requirement.

**Students enrolled in the Master of Science Pharmacy online programs are exempt from the Whole-Disk Encryption and Webcam requirements.

SECURITY TIPS: We expect our incoming pharmacy students to educate themselves and have a raised awareness of the need to secure their laptops in the Health Science Center computing environment. For more information, please see https://security.health.ufl.edu/student_new/training.shtml

  • Never store Restricted Information (patient name, social security number, address, phone, date of birth, drivers license number, maiden name, credit card number, etc) on removable media such as thumb disks, memory sticks, or cd’s; they’re too easy to lose track of
  • Never put Restricted Information in email or in an instant message
  • Never leave laptops or personal digital assistants (PDAs) unattended and unlocked, not even for a minute; They’re highly desirable, and very easy to steal
  • Use a strong password (min 8 chars and contains at least 1 letter, 1 number, 1 capital, 1 lower case, and 1 special character) on your computer so it cannot be easily guessed
  • Ensure you have set an inactivity timeout on your computer so it automatically locks requiring a password to unlock
  • Always wear your Gator 1 ID badge at all times; it helps us determine when someone else is in a place they should not be
  • Your computer activity is tracked by HSC IT services
  • We STRONGLY discourage Pharmacy students from using Peer 2 Peer software on their laptops, please refer to the bullet above

Smartphone or Tablet

All entering PharmD students must have a smartphone or tablet device:

  • iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad with iOS 6.1.3 or higher (i.e. iPhone 3GS and up)
  • Android with OS 4.0.4 or higher (i.e. Samsung Galaxy SII)

* Special note about tablet use: Tablet users are also required to obtain a computer as noted below, due to known limitations.

Computer (Desktop or Laptop)

All entering students must also have a computer meeting minimum UF and College of Pharmacy (COP) requirements as noted below.

Recommended:

  • Intel i3, i5, i7 processor or AMD equivalent
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 250GB Hard Drive
  • USB port(s)
  • 10/100 Ethernet Adapter, WiFi 802.11 b or g
  • Sound card and computer headset
  • Screen capable of 1280 by 1024 resolution or better
  • Printer

Minimum:

  • 2 Gigahertz P4 CPU or any Core 2 Duo/Quad Core (or of similar performance)
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 80GB Hard Drive
  • CDRW
  • USB port(s)
  • 10/100 Ethernet Adapter, WiFi 802.11 b or g.
  • Computer headset
  • Screen capable of 1024 by 768 resolution or better
  • Printer
  • Microsoft Office 2010 (See Special Prices for UF Students)
  • Acrobat Reader
  • Any update-to-date AntiVirus Software
    (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise is provided free to enrolled students.)
  • Windows Firewall or Equivalent
  • Windows Defender or Equivalent (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise includes an Anti-Malware module)

A broadband internet connection, defined as Cable Modem, DSL, or Satellite, is required for all students including distance education. You can search for a suitable service provider on the following lists.

*WEBCAM REQUIREMENT
Incoming students are required to purchase a webcam that can connect to their laptop computers. If your computer has a built-in webcam, you do not need to purchase a separate webcam.

The minimum technical requirements are:

  • Video resolution minimum of 640 X 480 at 15 frames per second for a 320 X 240 window
  • USB cable connection
  • Built-in microphone or separate microphones are acceptable. A webcam with a built-in microphone is easier to configure and less likely to cause a conflict with other audio hardware.
  • No special software is required. Students will use the free Windows Movie Maker to capture and produce video. (A detailed tutorial will be provided.)

*Students using video-enabled iPhones (such as the 3GS) may use their iPhones in place of a webcam.

The College of Pharmacy does not recommend a particular brand of webcam. We do tend to have more experience with Logitech webcams; however, any brand meeting the technical requirements noted above is acceptable.

Here are some webcams that meet the above requirement:

All incoming students will be required to test out their webcam before classes begin. The activity will be detailed in the “Computer and Technology Orientation” site within the UF E-Learning System, Sakai.

Combined microphone (typically 3.55 mm plugs or USB) and speaker headset.

http://media.cop.ufl.edu/scr/headset.jpg
**Note that we advise against using separate microphones and built-in computer speakers as the sound from computer speakers can be picked up from the microphone and cause feedback and distortions affecting other participants.

Quality, reliable headsets can be purchased at Best Buy or similar retailer for approximately $20-$30.

Additional software may be required for individual classes.

Microsoft Windows (8 is current OS; Windows 7, XP, and VISTA are acceptable)

Windows 8 required updates:

  • All Windows 8 Hotfixes

Windows 7 required updates:

  • Service Pack 1
  • Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows 7 Hotfixes

Windows VISTA required updates:

  • Service Pack 2
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows VISTA Hotfixes

Windows XP required updates:

  • Service Pack 3
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • All Windows XP Hotfixes

Apple OS X
Mac’s with any software enabling it to run XP, Vista or 7 is acceptable.

However, please bear in mind that the College uses PC compatible tools to create video presentations and interactive content. We strongly advise you not to buy a Macintosh. Some content is incompatible with the Mac and with PC emulators for the Mac. We will not be able to assist you if you have problems.

WPPD Program

Please refer to http://pharmd.distancelearning.ufl.edu/computer-requirements/ for computer requirements.

Master of Science Programs

The following is the minimum recommended hardware configuration:

  • High-speed, hard wired internet access
  • Laptop or Desktop Computer
  • 2 Gigahertz P4 CPU or any Core 2 Duo/Quad Core with 1Gb of RAM (or of similar performance)
  • 80Gb Hard Drive
  • CD or DVD drive
  • USB port(s)
  • Sound card, and speakers or headphones
  • 1024 by 768 resolution screen
  • Printer

Note: We use PC-compatible tools to create video presentations and interactive content. We strongly advise you not to use a Macintosh for MS program work. Some content is incompatible with the Mac and with PC emulators for the Mac. We will not be able to provide technical assistance to you if you have encounter problems using a Mac or Apple/Mac operating system.

A broadband internet connection, such as Cable Modem, DSL, or Satellite, is required. Students must use a hard-wired Internet connection to participate in live online classroom sessions. A wireless connection will not work properly with our live online instructional system (aka “Elluminate.’)

  • Microsoft Office 2003 or later
  • Acrobat Reader
  • Any update-to-date AntiVirus Software
    (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise is provided free to enrolled students.)
  • Windows Firewall or Equivalent
  • Windows Defender or Equivalent (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise includes an Anti-Malware module)

Combined microphone (typically 3.55 mm plugs or USB) and speaker headset.

http://media.cop.ufl.edu/scr/headset.jpg

**Note that the program advises against using separate microphones and built-in computer speakers as the sound from computer speakers can be picked up from the microphone and cause feedback and distortions affecting other participants. Quality, reliable headsets can be purchased at Best Buy or similar retailer for approximately $20-$30.

Microsoft Windows (8 is current OS; Windows 7, VISTA, and XP are acceptable)

Windows 8 required updates:

  • All Windows 8 Hotfixes

Windows 7 required updates:

  • Service Pack 1
  • Windows Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows 7 Hotfixes

Windows XP required updates:

  • Service Pack 3
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • All Windows XP Hotfixes

Windows VISTA required updates:

  • Service Pack 2
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows VISTA Hotfixes

Continuing Education Programs

The computer requirements for CE programs varies considerably by program. Computer requirements will be provided along with program registration materials or on the accompanying CE program web site.

Visiting Students

Smartphone or Tablet

All visiting students must have a smartphone or tablet device:

  • iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad with iOS 6.1.3 or higher (i.e. iPhone 3GS and up)
  • Android with OS 4.0.4 or higher (i.e. Samsung Galaxy SII)

* Special note about tablet use: Tablet users are also required to obtain a computer as noted below, due to known limitations.

Computer (Desktop or Laptop)

All visiting students must also have a computer meeting minimum UF and College of Pharmacy (COP) requirements as noted below.

Recommended:

  • Intel i3, i5, i7 processor or AMD equivalent
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 250GB Hard Drive
  • USB port(s)
  • 10/100 Ethernet Adapter, WiFi 802.11 b or g
  • Sound card and computer headset
  • Screen capable of 1280 by 1024 resolution or better
  • Printer

Minimum:

  • 2 Gigahertz P4 CPU or any Core 2 Duo/Quad Core (or of similar performance)
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 80GB Hard Drive
  • CDRW
  • USB port(s)
  • 10/100 Ethernet Adapter, WiFi 802.11 b or g.
  • Computer headset
  • Screen capable of 1024 by 768 resolution or better
  • Printer
  • Microsoft Office 2010 (See Special Prices for UF Students)
  • Acrobat Reader
  • Any update-to-date AntiVirus Software
    (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise is provided free to enrolled students.)
  • Windows Firewall or Equivalent
  • Windows Defender or Equivalent (McAfee VirusScan Enterprise includes an Anti-Malware module)

A broadband internet connection, defined as Cable Modem, DSL, or Satellite, is required for all students including distance education. You can search for a suitable service provider on the following lists.

Microsoft Windows (8 is current OS; Windows 7, XP, and VISTA are acceptable)

Windows 8 required updates:

  • All Windows 8 Hotfixes

Windows 7 required updates:

  • Service Pack 1
  • Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows 7 Hotfixes

Windows VISTA required updates:

  • Service Pack 2
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 9
  • All Windows VISTA Hotfixes

Windows XP required updates:

  • Service Pack 3
  • Windows Media Player 11
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • All Windows XP Hotfixes

Apple OS X
Mac’s with any software enabling it to run XP, Vista or 7 is acceptable.

However, please bear in mind that the College uses PC compatible tools to create video presentations and interactive content. We strongly advise you not to buy a Macintosh. Some content is incompatible with the Mac and with PC emulators for the Mac. We will not be able to assist you if you have problems.

“Whole Disk Encryption”
Incoming students are required to encrypt the hard drives on their personal laptops. Whole disk encryption is just one key element in insuring that the information on your laptop is secure.

There are many whole disk encryption software packages on the market. One product UF Health Science Center is familiar with is PGP encryption software, many more are available and this one software solution is provided only as an example. Please note: HSC and COP IT will not provide technical support for your encryption software purchase.

If you are new to computers or whole disk encryption we highly advise the purchase of a commercially available product, such as PGP, where the vendor will be able to assist with the installation of their software.

Please check out our Student FAQ page for more information.

WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE users: Windows 7 Ultimate edition includes BitLocker encryption software. Students can purchase this upgrade by contacting the UF Computing Help Desk at (352)392-HELP(4357). Windows Vista Ultimate edition also comes with BitLocker.

APPLE LAPTOP owners: To satisfy the whole disk encryption requirement you may use FileVault. This program should be part of your operating system when you purchased your laptop. This will encrypt only your home directory but this will be sufficient–for Apple laptop owners only–to meet the encryption requirement.

**Students enrolled in the Master of Science Pharmacy online programs are exempt from the Whole-Disk Encryption and Webcam requirements.

SECURITY TIPS: We expect our incoming pharmacy students to educate themselves and have a raised awareness of the need to secure their laptops in the Health Science Center computing environment. For more information, please see https://security.health.ufl.edu/student_new/training.shtml

  • Never store Restricted Information (patient name, social security number, address, phone, date of birth, drivers license number, maiden name, credit card number, etc) on removable media such as thumb disks, memory sticks, or cd’s; they’re too easy to lose track of
  • Never put Restricted Information in email or in an instant message
  • Never leave laptops or personal digital assistants (PDAs) unattended and unlocked, not even for a minute; They’re highly desirable, and very easy to steal
  • Use a strong password (min 8 chars and contains at least 1 letter, 1 number, 1 capital, 1 lower case, and 1 special character) on your computer so it cannot be easily guessed
  • Ensure you have set an inactivity timeout on your computer so it automatically locks requiring a password to unlock
  • Always wear your Gator 1 ID badge at all times; it helps us determine when someone else is in a place they should not be
  • Your computer activity is tracked by HSC IT services
  • We STRONGLY discourage Pharmacy students from using Peer 2 Peer software on their laptops, please refer to the bullet above