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Computer Requirements and Recommendations

Student Computer/Technical Specifications & Recommendations
The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston

The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston students are required to have a personal computer to access educational materials, reference material, and email for communication with faculty, staff, and other students. Students have the option to purchase a desktop or a laptop system. At this time, students are responsible for supporting their own computers and the recommended software and hardware components.

Current Minimum Hardware Specifications

  • Intel Core2 Duo Processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 60 GB Hard Drive (250 GB recommended)
  • CDRW/DVD Drive Combo
  • Sound Card
  • 1 or more USB ports
  • 3-year warranty
  • Desktop PC Monitor: 17” High Resolution Monitor
  • Laptop PC Monitor: 14”-15” High Resolution Display (15" Recommended)
  • Internet/Network access: Internal 10/100 MB Ethernet PCI Card; or a PCMCIA 10/100 MB Ethernet Card Adapter

Note: Apple Computers are not supported and may not be compatible with software, systems or resources utilized at the school.

Software

  • Windows XP Professional Operating System supports upgrade to Microsoft Vista
    Note: Please note there are currently compatibility issues with Windows Vista and some university systems.
  • Microsoft Office (Both Windows XP Professional Operating System and Microsoft Office are available at a substantially reduced price at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston Bookstore.)
  • Anti-Virus Software
  • Personal Firewall Software such as ZONE ALARM INTERNET SECURITY SUITE 6, TREND MICRO PC-cillin INTERNET SECURITY, NORTON INTERNET SECURITY, or McAFEE SECURITY CENTER to protect the computer from unauthorized access via the Internet.

Additional Recommendations

  • For laptops: an internal wireless card that is 802.11g compatible.
  • DSL or Cable Internet access at home: Due to the increased usage of Web-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard it is strongly recommended that students have high-speed Internet (DSL or Cable) access at home. On campus, Internet access is provided throughout the School of Nursing and Student Community Center in common areas, all classrooms, and in the Student Computer Labs located on the third floor.
  • The School of Nursing is in the process of upgrading to Microsoft Office 2007, and as such highly recommends you purchase the 2007 software at a discounted rate from the bookstore and/or download the appropriate plugin to open Office 2007 files.