Technology Requirements (2024)

Notice: PharmD students entering in Summer 2024 (and continuing students)

The technology requirements will be updated for 2024 (below is the archive from 2023, however the operating system requirements have been updated for 2024). Important: macOS Sonoma (14) is now officially supported by UCSF IT (Mac Users: please upgrade to macOS 14.x if still using 12.x or older.)

If you have any specific questions on device specifications or purchases in advance for 2024, please contact Alexa Tan ([email protected]). You will be officially notified before Pre-Orientation when the SOP requirements have been finalized for 2024. 

PharmD technology requirements extend and/or supersede campus requirements:

  • All PharmD students are required to meet the UCSF campus Technology Requirements for Students.
  • The requirements defined on this page are inclusive of campus requirements. Please use the information on this page.

Deadlines to complete requirements (subject to change*):

  • Mid-May to Early July 2024 (Specific dates TBD): Technology Readiness Device Checks will be conducted remotely via Zoom to verify hardware specifications and installation of software. If you have issues with any software, assistance can be provided during your appointment time. Sign-up details will be sent to your UCSF email.
  • Early July TBD (Specific dates TBD): Students are required to have a device that meets all requirements in order to be checked off as compliant.
    • If you are in a special circumstance in which you are unable to purchase a device by this deadline and need extended time, please contact Alexa Tan ([email protected]).

Introduction

UCSF is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) campus and requires all students to own a personal device for UCSF-related activities. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that devices meet or exceed a set of standards that will allow students to participate effectively in the UCSF curriculum. . Technology will be an integral component of your UCSF education. Having adequate hardware is worth the investment--your focus should be on your education, not dealing with technical issues caused by dated or underpowered devices.

These requirements also ensure that incoming students have installed all security software required by the UCSF Minimum Security Standards. UCSF students have a legal and ethical responsibility to preserve and protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all confidential information, both patient and non-patient related. Security regulations are dictated by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), other Federal and California privacy laws, as well as UCOP and UCSF Policies, and Medical Center Administrative Policies and Procedures.

Sections

  1. Laptop requirements
  2. Software requirements
  3. Set up UCSF email
  4. Internet requirement
  5. iPad and keyboard (optional)

1. Laptop requirements

You must own a laptop computer that meets the following minimum specifications. If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preference for Mac or PC.

Looking to purchase a new device?

Based on your budget, consider the recommendations below that meet all requirements.

MacBooks (use Apple model comparison tool)

  • MacBook Air, 2021 (M1)
  • MacBook Air, 2022 (M2)
  • MacBook Pro, 13-inch, 2022 (M2)
  • MacBook Pro, 14-inch, 2022 (M2 Pro or M2 Max)
  • MacBook Pro, 16-inch, 2023 (M2 Pro or M2 Max)

PC

  Recommended (for optimal performance) Minimum
Description This configuration will likely provide adequate performance for 3 to 4 years. This laptop will likely not provide adequate performance through the end of your program.
Purchase Date Purchased within the past 3 years (recommended). Earlier computer models are acceptable IF all minimum requirements below are met.
Operating System

Mac:

macOS Sonoma 14.x (please upgrade to macOS 14.x if still using 12.x or older)

- Go to "About This Mac" --> "Software Update"

Windows:

Windows 10 or 11 (Pro, Education, or Enterprise)

-Windows Home is NOT acceptable. If you have Windows 10 or 11 Home edition, you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise.

-Students can obtain ONE free license for Windows 10 or 11 Education from UCSF OnTheHub --> click on Microsoft.

-To upgrade to Windows Education, search for "Activation" from the Start menu and click the Activation shortcut. Click Change product key, enter your new product key, and follow the on-screen instructions.

-Be sure to keep a copy of the product key as it is only available online for a short period of time.

-Once your one free license is used, it cannot be transferred to another laptop. Please ensure you use your license only on the laptop you will use for pharmacy school.

Mac:

macOS Ventura 13.x 

- Go to "About This Mac" --> "Software Update"

Windows:

Windows 10 (Pro, Education, or Enterprise). 

-Windows Home is NOT acceptable. If you have Windows 10 or 11 Home edition, you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise.

-Students can obtain ONE free license for Windows 10 or 11 Education from UCSF OnTheHub --> click on Microsoft.

-To upgrade to Windows Education, search for "Activation" from the Start menu and click the Activation shortcut. Click Change product key, enter your new product key, and follow the on-screen instructions.

-Be sure to keep a copy of the product key as it is only available online for a short period of time.

-Once your one free license is used, it cannot be transferred to another laptop. Please ensure you use your license only on the laptop you will use for pharmacy school.

Processor

Mac:

Apple silicon M1 or M1 Pro chips, M2 or M2 Pro chips, M3, M3 Max and M3 Pro chips

Windows:

Intel Core i7 quad-core processor (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, or 13th Generation)

(For gaming laptops - AMD Ryzen processors are also acceptable. But must meet all other requirements.)

Older Windows or Mac models:

Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (9th gen or above)

Memory (RAM) 16 GB or more 8 GB
Solid State Drive (SSD) 512 GB or more 256 GB
Webcam Must have a functioning webcam either built-in or external.
Headphones with Microphone Must have a headset consisting of headphones and microphone.
Warranty 3 years parts and labor with on-site or in-store support. No specific requirement.
Restrictions

No ultra-low-power or budget-class processors

  • No Intel: Y-series, i3, Core M, Celeron, Pentium Silver, Pentium Gold

 

No tablets or Chromebooks can substitute your laptop

An iPad, Android tablet, or Chromebook alone does not meet our requirements. The use of an iPad or Android tablet as an extra companion device is acceptable.

Important information for international students

UCSF highly recommends that international students wait until arriving in the United States before purchasing hardware and software. There are several important reasons based on prior experience, including:

  • Newer hardware is more readily available in the United States.
  • Costs are typically lower.
  • Warranty may not cover service in the United States.
  • Certain software does not work with foreign versions of operating systems.

Always wait to upgrade to new major versions of operating systems

UCSF has many computer systems, and it's impossible for all of UCSF systems to be compatible with new major versions of operating systems on the day they become available. Consequently, we strongly discourage you from upgrading your OS to an unapproved system until OEIS has sent an all-clear message to students.

2. Software requirements

You must have the following software installed on your computer. You may be prevented from connecting to the UCSF network without having all the required security software installed.

Laptop

# Software Description Mac  PC
1

Device Encryption

(Jamf Pro or DEE)

UCSF requires the use of the following file-based encryption applications that prevent unauthorized persons from accessing legally protected information.

Download and install "Mac Encryption - MacOS". Login with your MyAccess credentials. Follow these enrollment instructions.

Quick steps: 

  1. Open the package file that you downloaded
  2. A new browser window will open -> a file labeled "MDM profile" will automatically download.
  3. Double click the MDM profile file 
  4. Go to Apple icon -> open System Settings -> go to Security and Privacy -> click on Profiles -> then click on the install button
  5. Once the file installs -> the top of the window should read "This computer is managed by UCSF". 

 

Download and install "Dell Encryption Enterprise (DEE) BitLocker Manager 11.4.0.4 - Windows 64-bit”. Login with your MyAccess credentials. Follow these enrollment instructions.
2

BigFix

BigFix is used for inventory, software and patch management. BigFix is already included with the Device Encryption installers above.
3

Examplify

You will use Examplify to take your computer-based assessments.

Login information for Examplify will be emailed to you during Orientation. More details will be provided during that time. 

Download and install Examplify Mac OS X Installer (3.4) - pick one below based on your processor

Installer for M series processors

Installer for Intel processors 

Download and install Examplify Windows Installer (3.4)
4

Zoom

Video conferencing Download and install Zoom (5.14.6)  
5 Office 365 UCSF provides Office 365 for Mac and PC users which includes desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. You can install Office on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones. Download and install “Microsoft Office 365 - Mac OS X”

Download and install “UCSF-Office365-Windows.EXE”

6

Web browsers (Google Chrome & Firefox)

We encourage you to become comfortable using more than one browser. Download and Install Chrome and Firefox  
7

Pulse Secure

Pulse Secure is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client. When off campus, Pulse Secure connects your computer to the UCSF network so you can access your email or other UCSF websites.

How to connect to VPN - Instructions

Download and install "Pulse Secure - Dual Authentication - Mac OS X" Download and install "Pulse Secure - Dual Authentication - Windows"
8 CipherCloud CipherCloud scans UCSF Box and automatically encrypts all file formats that contain matches to UCSF PHI. Download and install "CipherCloud for Box and OneDrive - Mac OS X" Download and install "CipherCloud for Box and OneDrive - Windows"
9

VLC Media Player

VLC is a media player that enables you to view and listen to a variety of media files. Download and install VLC Mac OS Download and install VLC Windows
10 Citrix Workspace Citrix is used to access our electronic medical record system called APeX. Download and install "Citrix Workspace App for Mac" Download and install "Citrix Workspace app for Windows"
11 Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP)

SEP includes anti-virus, anti-malware, host intrusion prevention system, and client firewall

Note: If your computer already has an existing antivirus system installed, you do not need to download SEP.

Download and install "SEP - macOS 10.15.4 - 13.x" Download and install "SEP - Windows (64bit)"
12 ForeScout SecureConnector ForeScout SecureConnector is a Network Access Control (NAC) agent used to determine if your system meets the minimum security requirements. Download and install "ForeScout SecureConnector - Mac OS X" Download and install "ForeScout SecureConnector - Windows 32-bit/64-bit"

Mobile Device

# Software Description iOS Android
1

Duo Mobile

UCSF requires the use of Duo Security, a two-factor authentication platform for all faculty, staff, and students when logging into certain online applications and systems including VPN, Outlook Web, Keeper, and Apex.

 

"Enrolling your first device in DUO" - Instructions

Go to Apple Store and download “Duo Mobile”

Duo icon

Go to Google Play and download “Duo Mobile”

Duo icon

3. Set up UCSF email

Before arriving at campus, you must be able to send/receive messages from your UCSF Email. Use of this email account is required for all communications involving UCSF business, research, and studies. You are expected to check this account periodically to stay apprised of all program and campus messages.

Your use of UCSF Email is governed by the University of California Electronic Communications Policy. Additionally:

  • The use of third-party email services is not approved by UCSF--including the forwarding of email to an outside service (e.g., Yahoo and Gmail).
  • Do not share your own or other people's email account or password.
  • Don’t share our mailing list email addresses with people who are not affiliated with UCSF.
  • Do not use your email account for unlawful activities, commercial purposes, personal financial gain, chain letters, unsolicited marketing, or letter bombs.
  • When you send a confidential email, use Secure Email. Regular email is not encrypted by default.

4. Internet requirement

You are required to have a home internet connection. Your connection speeds must be sufficient for high quality group video calling on Zoom and viewing videos on Mediasite: Dedicated (not shared throughout a household).

A minimum of 5 Mbps download and 1.5 Mbps upload is highly recommended.

Test your connection

If internet service is included with your student housing, this meets your internet requirement. All other students are responsible for selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and purchasing service. You are responsible for the cost of this service, which averages about $60 per month. The largest providers in San Francisco are Sonic, AT&T, and XFINITY. Availability, speed, and pricing can vary depending on where you live and level of service you prefer.

If you’re not in campus housing and you’re using wireless at home, you must configure your wireless network with WPA encryption to comply with UCSF policy. If you’re uncertain about how to do this or how to confirm it, ask a knowledgeable friend or contact your internet service provider or the vendor of your wireless access point.

5. iPad and keyboard (optional)

A. iPad or equivalent tablet (optional)

We offer no other recommendation from this list and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preferences. If you plan on using your iPad/tablet as a companion device for taking notes, you may want to consider getting an iPad/tablet with a larger screen. 

Current iOS: 17.3.1+

The following models are recommendations (use Apple iPad comparison tool)

  • iPad Pro 12.9-in (6th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-in (4th generation)
  • iPad Air (5th generation)
  • iPad (10th generation)
  • iPad (9th generation)
  • iPad mini (6th generation)

B. iPad keyboard (optional)

There are a large variety of keyboard manufacturers and designs; we offer no specific recommendation and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preferences.

C. Apple pencil (optional)

If you want the ability to use an Apple Pencil to annotate for note-taking, please check for compatibility at the bottom of Apple Pencil.

Archive

Technology requirements for student pharmacists entering in: