Student Computer Requirement
All entering and returning PharmD students must have a computer meeting minimum UF and COP requirements.
**New Requirements for Fall 08 Incoming PharmD Students
SOFTWARE:
Incoming students Fall 08' are required to have the hard drives encrypted on their personal laptops. Whole disk encryption is just one key element in ensuring that the information on your laptop is secure. There are many whole disk encryption software packages on the market. Two products that COP IT is familiar with are TrueCrypt and PGP , many more are available and these are provided only as an example.
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.
- 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
WEBCAM REQUIREMENT
Incoming students Fall 08' are required to purchase a webcam that can connect to their laptop computers. 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.)
The College of Pharmacy does not recommend a particular brand 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 classe begin. The activity will be detailed in the "Summer 2008 Computer Competency" site within the UF E-Learning System.
Computer Hardware
- Any laptop capable of running MS Vista will meet College of Pharmacy hardware requirements
- DVD Player
- Sound Card and Speakers
- Wireless LAN Adapter Required
Computer Hardware Accessories requirements
Combined microphone (typically 3.55 mm plugs) and speaker headset.
**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.
A good headset at Best Buy will run $20-$30.
Additional software may be required for individual classes.
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.
Computer Software
- Microsoft Windows (VISTA is current OS, XP is acceptable)
- Microsoft Office (2003 or 2007)
- Acrobat Reader 8
- McAfee AntiVirus 8.0 or 8.5 http://www.software.ufl.edu free for enrolled students
- Windows Firewall or Equivalent
- Windows Defender or Equivalent
Services
- Broadband Access Required
- Gatorlink Email Address
The College will transmit materials to the student in a format that can be processed by the listed software. The student must transmit materials to the College in a format that can be processed by the listed software.
Internet access and email address are requirements. All admitted College of Pharmacy students are required to create and use a Gatorlink e-mail address as soon as possible for all college-related activity. This Gatorlink e-mail address must not be forwarded to another e-mail provider.
The College regrets that it cannot answer questions from individual students about GatorLink accounts. We suggest you call the UF help desk at 352-392-HELP. Furthermore, we cannot answer questions or do repairs on your laptop.
Broadband
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.
Special Note for WPPD Students
Students enrolled in the Working Professional PharmD (WPPD) program are not required to purchase or use a portable computer. A desktop computer may be used for our program. WPPD students may find a portable (laptop or notebook) computer with a wireless network card helpful for on-campus orientations. However, it is not required.
Revised 04-21-2008
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