Student PC Requirements
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel P4, 2.0GHz | Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.0 GHz or > |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM *See Vista note below. |
2 GB RAM *See Vista note below. |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB | 120 GB or > |
| Modem | 56K v.90 | Cable or DSL |
| Video | Basic 16 MB card or on-board video chip |
64 MB card or > |
| Monitor | 15 inch (VGA or higher resolution) |
17 inch (SVGA or higher resolution) |
| Sound Card | Any compatible type | Any compatible type |
| Speakers | Any compatible type | Any compatible type |
| Mouse/Keyboard | Any compatible type | Any compatible type |
| Optical Drive | CD-RW and DVD | CD-RW and DVD-RW |
| USB Flash Drive | 256 MB | 512 MB or > |
| Webcam and Headset Microphone | Any compatible type *see webcam/headset microphone note below |
Any compatible type *see webcam/headset microphone note below |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP | Microsoft Windows 7 |
| Productivity | Microsoft Office 2007 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access |
Microsoft Office 2010 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access |
| Browser | Internet Explorer 8.0 | Internet Explorer 8.0 |
| Anti-Virus | Symantec Anti-Virus 10 | Symantec Endpoint Protection 11 or > |
| Miscellaneous | Adobe Acrobat Reader 9, Real Player 10, Java 1.6 (6.0), Windows Media Player 11 | Adobe Acrobat Reader 9 or >, Real Player 10 or >, Java 1.6 (6.0), Windows Media Player 11 |
| Ability to access myUMmail email account via Internet | ||
| Laptop Wireless | PCMCIA A/B/G Card | Built-in A/B/G |
- The following software can be purchased at the HS/HSL circulation desk at a substantially discounted price with student ID. Prices subject to change. Check with the HS/HSL circulation desk for current prices.
- Microsoft Operating System
- Microsoft Office
- Symantec Anti-Virus
- Miscellaneous software can be downloaded:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) - http://adobe.com (deselect any additional installations)
- Adobe Flash Player (free download) - http://adobe.com (deselect any additional installations)
- Real Player (free download) - http://real.com
- Nursing students can purchase a new Dell laptop computer at a discounted rate - University of Maryland School of Nursing Student Laptop Program
Notes:
- UMSON recommends Windows/Intel based computers to ensure full compatibility with internal systems and applications. A Macintosh brand computer may work for some operations; however, there may be instances where a Macintosh is not compatible. Please be advised that UMSON is not able to provide assistance or support of any kind for Macintosh computers.
- The School of Nursing does not recommend or support the Microsoft Vista Operating system. Students that will use the live classroom features of Blackboard on a computer running Vista will need a minimum of 2 GB of RAM.
- Students with laptops that wish to connect to the wireless network at the Universities at Shady Grove should go to the open computer lab ED I Room 207 for answers to questions and to receive wireless network registration paperwork.
- Headset microphones and webcams may be required for some programs or courses.
Computer Literacy Requirements
Each student is expected to have, at a minimum, computer literacy upon enrollment. Each student is required to have a computer that meets the UMSON minimum requirements. UMSON has a moderate number of computer laboratories available for student use during the posted hours of operation.
Computer literacy is defined as the essential knowledge needed to function independently with a computer. It is further defined as having basic knowledge about and the ability to operate the computer and software including word processing, e-mail, presentation packages e.g. Power Point, plus the ability to manage files, and use the Internet.
Students who do not feel they have minimum basic computer literacy are to seek out appropriate computer workshops or courses prior to starting their nursing program.
