SIU School of Medicine Student Computer Functionality and Specifications
The SIU School of Medicine curriculum makes use of computer technology.
It is highly recommended that all students have laptop computers for
use in this curriculum. School-owned computers will also be available
for student use in common areas (libraries, computer labs, tutor rooms,
student lounges, clerkship student rooms) and through the loanable technologies
program. Use of School-owned computers and networks (including dial-in
and wireless access) is governed by written policies.
For students who already own computers, a functionality list is provided.
Computers that can perform the listed functions should be adequate for
your needs. For those who do not own computers or who are planning on
buying new computers, a hardware specification is also supplied. These
specifications are based on computers currently on the market and may
exceed those of already owned computers that can meet the functionality
guidelines.
Personal Computer Functionality Specifications (for already owned
computers):
Student computers should support the following functions:
- Web Browser
- able to handle html, frames, plug-ins
- able to handle pdf (Acrobat reader) documents
- able to handle Realmedia files
- able to handle Windows Media Player files
- able to handle ShockWave files
- Able to read /write Microsoft Office: Word, Powerpoint, Excel,
Access (not supported by Macintosh computers)
- AntiVirus Protection - The School of Medicine provides McAfee VirusScan (Requires at least 512 MB Memory and Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista; Apple Macintosh OS X (10.1.3 or later) or Power PC (G3 or later)
- Dialup capable 56K minimum
- ethernet (laptop only) optional/recommended
- IEEE 802.11b wireless (laptop only) optional/recommended
Personal Computer (Laptop recommended) Hardware/Software Specifications
(for new purchases):
- Operating System (32-bit preferred, SIUC wireless not supported on 64-bit)
- Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista preferred
- Windows XP Home Edition (for wireless use only; may not be used with School of Medicine data jacks)
- Processor Type
- Intel Celeron
- Intel Celeron Dual Core
- Intel Celeron D
- Intel Celeron M
- Intel Pentium 4
- Intel Pentium D
- Intel Pentium M
- Intel Pentium Dual Core
- Intel Pentium Extreme
- Intel Core Solo
- Intel Core Duo
- Intel Core Extreme
- Intel Core Quad
- Intel Core Extreme
- AMD Phenom
- AMD Athalon
- AMD Opteron
- AMD Sempron
- AMD Turion
- Memory: 1GB minimum (more recommended)
- Disk: 60GB minimum (80 or larger recommended)
- Modem: 56Kb, v.90, Fax (avoid Lucent modems and WinModems)
- Network: Wi-Fi Certified 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter (laptop only)
- Display: 1024x768 at 16M colors minimum
- External Ports: USB (USB 2.0 recommended)
- Battery: Lithium Ion Battery life - Better than 2 hours (laptop only)
- CD ROM: 12x (min) (CD/RW recommended), DVD (highly recommended)
- Data Backup: CD-RW (DVD+/-RW recommended)
- Extended warranty: (3 year highly recommended)
- MSOffice: (Version 2003 or newer)
- Web Browser
- AntiVirus Protection: The School of Medicine provides McAfee VirusScan (Requires at least 512 MB Memory and Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista; Apple Macintosh OS X (10.1.3 or later) or Power PC (G3 or later)
The School of Medicine does not endorse any particular make or model
of computer.
