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Computer Requirements
Computer Requirements
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Internet Service Requirements
We require that your computer can connect to the Internet because of the Internet's significant usefulness in delivering information. To connect to the Internet, you must have an Internet service provider which provides the connection between your computer and the Internet.
Need Financial Help?
For students using financial aid, the student budget allows US $40 per month to contribute to the cost of monthly dial-up or high-speed access (your choice). If you expect that your monthly cost will be greater than this and/or if you need assistance in funding installation or setup costs, contact the Financial Aid office once you receive your award letter to see if your budget can be increased to cover this expense.
Internet Service Choices
If you have applied for and received Student Housing at Mission Bay or 145 Irving, your apartment includes a direct connection to the UCSF network, and this automatically meets your Internet requirement. All other students are responsible for selecting an Internet service provider and purchasing service.
- Dial-up Service:
Use a 56K V.90 modem with dial-up service such as AT&T or Earthlink or any other Internet service provider of your choice (except AOL - America Online or Compuserve, see below for a discussion). You are responsible for the cost of this service, which is typically about US $20 per month. You might choose this option if you already have such an account and don't want to learn a new system, or if you have address books or files or old e-mail that would be difficult to transfer, or if you enjoy certain features offered by that provider. If you have an existing dial-up account, contact your Internet service provider to find a dial-up phone number in the San Francisco (415) area code. The List is a web site that may help you find a service provider. - High-speed Service:
Use an installed, high-speed service such as DSL modem, cable modem, or satellite. "Broadband" is another name for high-speed service. You are responsible for the cost of this service, which is typically between US $40 and $80 per month. You might choose this option if you don't mind paying more for faster Internet access, or if you prefer the convenience of an "always on" connection, or if you prefer the convenience of being connected while having your phone line free for voice calls. The availability of these services depends on where you live. The pricing depends on which installed service you choose and what level of service you choose. The service you choose determines what kind of device (DSL modem, cable modem, or other hardware) is used -- a DSL modem from a previous provider might not be compatible with the provider you choose in San Francisco. Consequently, it is unwise to buy a DSL modem or cable modem or other such device without knowing that it is compatible with your chosen service provider. Broadband Reports is a web site that may help you find a high-speed service provider.
How Do I Choose?
If you aren't certain which option to choose, we recommend that you use dial-up service (standard). This option is significantly less expensive and more easily installed than high-speed service. You can always choose a high-speed option later. But please bear in mind that long sessions on the web can be most frustrating at dial-up speeds.
If your schedule will involve extended internet work from home, or extensive use of restricted network resources, e.g., non-public library collections, VPN connections (see below), you should choose a high-speed service. VPN is impractical on dial-up connections.
Caution: some dial-up service providers make it difficult to terminate service, so be sure you are dealing with a reputable ISP with a consumer-friendly reputation.
| TV Cable or Telephone Wires
usually bring high-speed internet service into your home. In a few areas, innovative wide-area wireless or optical fiber networks are being installed.  |
Learn more: What is DSL?, What is a cable modem?
More Resources
To obtain advice on selecting an Internet option, use resources such as: newspapers, computer magazines, friends, co-workers, search engines on the web, your local library, your local business directory.
Student Housing
Mission Bay, 145 Irving
Student Housing in Mission Bay and 145 Irving includes a high-speed network connection (10/100 Ethernet LAN) directly to the UCSF network. This is like DSL in that it's always on, but it's many times faster than a typical residential DSL connection. A single jack exists in each living room and bedroom. Routers, hubs, and wireless networking are not permitted.
Other Student Housing
Most UCSF student housing locations (other than Mission Bay and 145 Irving) do not have direct connections to the UCSF network. You may use any of the methods described here except satellite dish installations, which are not permitted. More than one phone line may be installed.
Questions?
Contact Housing Services with any questions you may have.
Access to Restricted Servers
If you need access to resources that are restricted to members of the UCSF community, you'll also need to install Virtual Private Network (VPN) software, which is provided at no charge by UCSF.
Students living in student housing at Mission Bay will have direct connections to the UCSF network. Due to security restrictions, VPN is required for complete access to UCSF resources from Mission Bay housing. These students will also need VPN to access UCSF-restricted resources at other times, such as at Internet cafes or while traveling to other cities.
America Online Users
Unfortunately, our required Virtual Private Network software is incompatible with dial-up America Online (AOL) and CompuServe. Consequently, if you use these services we recommend that you switch to a different Internet service provider for the duration of your academic stay at UCSF. AOL email accounts may now be used by customers of non-AOL ISPs.
Resources/Links
Home Page for these documents
UCSF Campus Resources
- UCSF School of Nursing - http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu
- UCSF Technology Store ("The Source") -
http://www.campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/techstore, telephone (415) 476-5062 - UCSF University Store (Bookstore/Supplies) -
http://www.bookstore.ucsf.edu - UCSF Information Technology Services - http://its.ucsf.edu
- UCSF Campus Library - http://www.library.ucsf.edu
Internet Service Providers (ISPs), listed for information purposes only
- AT&T/SBC/Yahoo - http://promo.yahoo.com/att/
- Comcast (Cable) - http://www.comcast.com
- Earthlink - http://www.earthlink.com
- Broadband Reports Magazine/Web Site - http://www.broadbandreports.com
Revised: Dec. 2007
© Copyright 2007 University of California Regents, All Rights Reserved.