Updated for Academic Year 2022-2023
WesternU students may use either Windows-based or Apple laptops. We do NOT recommend netbooks, tablets, Chromebooks, or similar devices as a replacement for a laptop; these types of devices do NOT meet the minimum laptop requirements and will NOT allow you run required software such as ExamSoft (without a WesternU, college purchased license). The exception being tablets running full versions of Microsoft Windows (e.g. Surface, Surface Pro, Surface Book, etc.); these devices are recommended because they have a full OS and you can take notes on them via a stylus. Tablets running iOS or Android operating systems are a great secondary device (especially useful for taking notes), but they are not a laptop replacement.
Please note:
- Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft nor WesternU TechSupport/IT.
- ARM-based devices will almost certainly NOT work for some of the programs you will be required to use as they will be limited to their respective app stores (e.g. Apple App Store or Microsoft Windows Store)
- These devices include, but are not limited to: Microsoft Surface X.
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Microsoft Windows 11 & Apple M1 & M2 Devices
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- Windows 11 is a fully supported operating system by WesternU IT / TechSupport, however, this is still a relatively new operating system and not something that has been deployed to WesternU computers at this time. That is to say, our knowledge and experience level with this operating system is limited.
- MacBooks with M1 and M2 chips SHOULD work on most software required at WesternU, but as with other new technologies there tends to be oddities and unforeseen compatibility issues. If you are already an Apple (macOS) user this should not prevent you from buying a new device with an M1 or M2 chip.
- We do NOT recommend switching from Windows to Apple as learning a new operating system while being a medical student is an unwise choice.
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| Hardware |
Minimum Specifications |
Recommended Specifications |
| Processor/ CPU |
Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (equivalent or better) |
Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (equivalent or better) |
| Display/ Screen |
Minimum resolution of 1280x768 (Privacy screen required for PharmD) |
Minimum resolution of 1440x900 (Privacy screen required for PharmD) |
| System Memory/ RAM |
8GB |
16GB |
| Hard Drive/ Storage |
250GB+ (SSD recommended) |
250GB+ SSD |
| Graphics/ Video |
Integrated Intel HD or AMD Integrated Vega |
Dedicated video card (1GB recommended for DMD) |
| Removable Media |
Optional: CD/DVD Drive (internal or external) |
Optional: CD/DVD Drive (internal or external) |
| Operating System |
Windows 10, 11, or MacOS (Both updated to latest version) |
Windows 10, 11, or MacOS (Both updated to latest version) |
| Ports |
• 2 x USB 2.0 (or equivalent adapters)
• HDMI or Display Adapter |
• 2 x USB 3.0 (or equivalent adapters)
• HDMI or Display Adapter |
| Software |
- Microsoft Office 365 (Included for Free)
- Modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
- Adobe Reader (updated to newest version)
- Antivirus w/ updatable definitions
- Defender included w/ Win10
- VLC Media Player (updated to newest version)
- Java (Updated to newest version)
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- Microsoft Office 365 (Included for Free)
- Modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
- Adobe Reader (updated to newest version)
- Antivirus w/ updatable definitions
- Defender included w/ Win10
- VLC Media Player (updated to newest version)
- Java (Updated to newest version)
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| Ethernet |
Optional: 10/100 internal port or adapter and Ethernet cable |
Optional: 10/100/1000 internal port or adapter and Ethernet cable |
| Wireless |
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5 or 6) (Wireless AC or AX) 5Ghz internal or USB adapter
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802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5 or 6) (Wireless AC or AX) 5Ghz internal or USB adapter
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WesternU has LIMITED 2.4Ghz coverage in many areas on campus as this is an older and less reliable technology.
You must have a device or adapter compatible with 5Ghz.
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| Webcam/Mic |
Built-In or external USB camera & microphone |
Built-In or external USB camera & microphone |
| Warranty |
Not required but recommended. See recommended column --> |
4-year warranty (Warranty duration should match or exceed the years of your program/degree) |
| Internet (ISP) Speed |
Download: 25 Mbps | Upload: 5 Mbps |
Download: 100 Mbps | Upload: 10 Mbps |
Respondus Lockdown Browser (Integrated through Elentra)
See information from Respondus website: https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/89
ExamSoft Examplify Minimum System Requirements
See information from ExamSoft's website: Examplify: Minimum System Requirements - ExamSoft
College Specific Information
COMP/CPM
- Apple iPads will be provided to students as part of their tuition. These iPads are required and expected to be used much like an assigned book. These may include management that will allow the college to push applications and settings to the iPad as needed.
CDM
- Apple iPads will be provided to students as part of their tuition. These iPads are required and expected to be used much like an assigned book.
Learn/Work from Home Information (Pandemic/COVID-19)
- Due to the Learn/Work from Home requirements and current hybrid model, many colleges are requiring that students have access to a secondary device with camera and microphone that is connected to a stable Internet (e.g. Wi-Fi, LTE) connection (in most cases a smart phone). This device must be able to run Zoom, which can be downloaded via your devices app store (e.g. Google Play Store, Apple App Store). This secondary device will allow college proctors to perform a proximity check of your learning area before/while testing to ensure WesternU's educational/integrity standards are upheld. This secondary device also ensures that TechSupport and/or proctors can remotely support you will taking a secure test (e.g. via ExamSoft).
College of Optometry
- Secondary device with camera and microphone REQUIRED (see above info)
- Vendors of software used by students at the College of Optometry have stated that their products cannot be guaranteed to work on Apple products.