University of Florida

• Hardware
• Internet
• Software
• Security
• Accessories
• OS

Hardware

All entering PharmD students must have a iPod touch (or iPhone) and a computer meeting minimum UF and College of Pharmacy (COP) requirements.

The following is the minimum recommended hardware configuration:

iPod touch

• 8GB

Laptop

• 2 Gigahertz P4 CPU or any Core 2 Duo/Quad Core with 1Gb of RAM  (or of similar performance), 80Gb Hard Drive
• CDRW
• USB port(s)
• 10/100 Ethernet Adapter for WiFi 802.11 b or g. Wireless network adapter (Laptops only)
• Sound card, and speakers or headphones
• 1024 by 768 resolution monitor
• Printer

Software

• Microsoft Office 2007
• Acrobat Reader 9
• Any update-to-date AntiVirus Software
  (McAfee AntiVirus 8.7 is provided free to enrolled students.)
• Windows Firewall or Equivalent
• Windows Defender or Equivalent

Security

“Whole Disk Encryption”
Incoming students Fall ‘09 are required to have the hard drives encrypted on their personal laptops. Whole disk encryption is just one key element in insuring that the information on your laptop is secure.
There are many whole disk encryption software packages on the market. One product UF Health Science Center is familiar with is PGP encryption software, many more are available and this one software solution is provided only as an example. HSC and COP IT will not provide technical support for your encryption software purchase.
If you are new to computers or whole disk encryption we highly advise the purchase of a commercially available product, such as PGP, where the vendor will be able to assist with the installation of their software.
APPLE LAPTOP Owners: To satisfy the whole disk encryption requirement you may use FileVault. This program should be part of your operating system when you purchased your laptop. This will encrypt only your home directory but this will be sufficient, for Apple laptop owners only, to meet encryption requirement.

**Students enrolled in the Master of Science Pharmacy online programs are exempt from the Whole-Disk Encryption and Webcam requirements.

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

Accessories

WEBCAM REQUIREMENT
Incoming students Fall ‘09 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 ...

• Quickcam Communicate STX
• Quickcam Deluxe for Notebooks

All incoming students will be required to test out their webcam before classes begin. The activity will be detailed in the "Summer 2009 Computer Competency" site within the UF E-Learning System.

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.

Internet Connection

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.

• www.thelist.com
• www.findanisp.com
• www.theispguide.com
• www.getanisp.com
• www.ispcompared.com

Operating System

Microsoft Windows (VISTA is current OS, XP is acceptable)

Windows XP required updates as of 4/20/09:

• Service Pack 3
• Windows Media Player 11
• Internet Explorer 7
• All Windows XP Hotfixes

Windows VISTA required updates as of 4/20/09:

• Service Pack 1
• Windows Media Player 11
• Internet Explorer 7
• All Windows VISTA Hotfixes

Mac's with any software enabling it to run XP or Vista is acceptable.

Special note for WPPD students

Students enrolled in the WPPD program and Master of Science in Pharmacy program are not required to purchase or use a portable computer. A desktop computer may be used for these programs. WPPD students may find a portable (laptop or notebook) computer with a wireless network card helpful for on-campus activities. However, it is not required.