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Computer Requirements
Computer Requirements
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Should I Buy a Laptop?
A laptop (or "notebook") computer offers the flexibility of working on your computer away from home.
A laptop with network access offers the additional ability to connect to the Internet and UCSF network resources away from home (e.g., at the Library or at a computer lab).
Your ability to access network and electric power outlets depends on your location.
The table/chart below can help you decide how important a laptop with wired or wireless networking is for you.
Netbooks
Low-powered "Netbooks" are increasingly popular choices in the marketplace. These computers tend to be very lightweight (less than three pounds / 1.5 kilograms), have small keyboards and 10-inch (25 cm) screens, and are best suited for casual web browsing and email purposes.
These devices do not meet the minimum standards for UCSF students, although they may be useful as secondary (supplemental) tools.
Security Requirement
If you use a laptop on campus we require that you have an anti-theft device, such as a locking security tether/cable.
Pictured: a "backtop" computer.
| Location | Network Access | Power Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classrooms | Many classrooms have network access, some are wired, some are wireless, and some are both. Many classrooms have access to power, but not always in a convenient location. | See the UCSF OAAIS/ITS website for details about 802.11b/g wireless access at UCSF. | |
| UCSF Library | Yes, wired and wireless | Yes | For wired access: You need an Ethernet cable. For wireless access: Your laptop must have 802.11b or 802.11g wireless technology. How to connect: See Laptop Internet Access Service. The Library also offers a Loaner Laptop service, which enables you to borrow a laptop for use within the Library. |
| Student Lounge Medical Sciences S-964 |
Yes, primarily wireless but there is 1 wired connection available | Yes | |
| IRC Computer Lab |
Yes, wired only | Yes | You need an Ethernet cable. Wired connections exist at nearly every workstation. |
| Nrsg. Bldg.
Third-Floor Mezzanine |
Wireless | Yes | Public kiosk terminals are also available; this is the lounge area above the Courtyard Caffé. |
| Housing Services |
See Notes. | Yes | Some student Housing apartments have direct connections to the UCSF network, but others do not. To determine which ones do and do not, contact Housing Services. For student housing without direct connections, use dialup, DSL, cable modem, or other Internet service. For details, see Internet Requirement. |
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
Hardware Technology Resources (listed for information purposes only)
- Apple Computer - http://www.apple.com
- Dell - http://www.dell.com
- Hewlett-Packard (and Compaq) - http://www.hpshopping.com
- Lenovo (formerly IBM Thinkpad) - http://www.lenovo.com
- Sony - http://www.sonystyle.com
- Toshiba - http://www.toshibadirect.com
Revised: July 1, 2006
© Copyright 2006 University of California Regents, All Rights Reserved.