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School of Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Medical Center

2011-2012 Computer requirements

The School of Medicine requires incoming medical students to have at least one computer, preferably a laptop, and high-speed internet access at home. Computers must meet the following recommendations to ensure access to SOM curriculum resources.

Minimum specifications

Note: A computer is essential for study at VCU and personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students. iPADs, Netbooks, eReaders and other similar devices are not suitable for a student’s primary computer.

If bringing a computer you already own, at a minimum it should:

  • Not be more than two years old
  • Have at least 3GB of RAM
  • Include a DVD/CD drive
  • Have Microsoft Office version 2007 or greater
  • Have Windows 7 Home Premium or OSX 10.5 or greater
  • Have an Ethernet port and WiFi

If you’re buying a new computer, we recommend that it:

  • Have at least 4GB RAM
  • Have an accidental damage protection warranty
  • Have an i5 or greater/equivalent CPU
  • Include a DVD+/- RW drive
  • Have a version of Microsoft Office 2010
  • Have Windows 7 (Home Premium/Pro/Ultimate) or OSX 10.6
  • Have an Ethernet port and WiFi

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Additional recommendations

  • When purchasing a new laptop with a solid state drive such as the MacBook Air, the minimum drive size should be 128GB.
  • Be advised that unless specifically required for a particular curriculum, iPADs, Netbooks and eReaders are only suitable as secondary devices for uses in class and in study.
  • Use theft deterrence options like a security cable or Lo-Jack for laptops.
  • Use a high capacity battery if available for portable devices. (laptops, etc.)
  • Be prepared to protect data with an external hard drive or an online backup service.
  • Take advantage of VCU’s getIT program.
  • Anti-Virus software provided by VCU to enrolled students at no additional cost.

Don’t pay for antivirus subscriptions.
Sophos Antivirus is available to enrolled students as a free download.

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