The Computer Requirement
(The Official Computer Requirment for the Class of 2012)

All medical students are required to own a notebook computer with wireless internet capability. You will be required to use this notebook computer for various purposes throughout your four years of medical school. The cost of the notebook and accessories can be included in your financial package, up to $2,500. Students are eligible for discounts from Lenovo (formerly IBM), Dell,
Hewlett-Packard and Apple. See Where to Buy a Computer and other accessories.

What Notebook Computer should I get?

BUYING NEW
If buying a new notebook, and you want to get Vista, we recommend Windows Vista Business or Ultimate versions only. Windows XP Professional is also still supported and is a good operating system.   A good computer specifciation guide is available on the IRT website to give you an idea of the processor, speed, memory and peripherals.

The minimum requirements for Windows Vista Business are:

• Processor - at least 1 GHz
• System Memory - 1 GB
• Hard Drive - 40 GB
• Hard Drive Free Space - at least 15 GB
• Optional Support for DirectX 9 graphics:
  - WDDM Driver
  - 128 MB graphics memory
  

Please see more information at http://www.drexel.edu/irt/support/winvista/index.html

USING WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN
If you already have a notebook running Windows XP Professional that is also acceptable.  As a general rule, if your notebook computer was purchased in the last two years, you most likely do not need to buy a new one. You will be required to own a notebook for all 4 years of medical school and when to upgrade is your decision.

Drexel does have upgrade software for Windows Vista available to you if you decide to update your notebook's operating system. Microsoft provides an Upgrade Advisor that allows you to check the compatibility of your hardware system to Windows Vista editions.

In addition to the actual notebook, we suggest the folllowing (these are not requirements):

• A service contract on your notebook
• Access to a printer
• Cable lock to secure your notebook
• Internet Service Provider - for home access to the Internet
  (High-speed service such as DSL, FIOS or Cable modem is recommended)

PC or MAC?
While most of our applications will run on both Windows and Mac OS notebooks, all of the on-line curriculum resources are optimized for use by computers running Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office Professional. We recommend a Windows laptop . Macs with an Intel processor and some additional specialized software can also run the Windows operating system. Note, Drexel does not provide original Windows Operating System software, only upgrades.

Office 2007 Software
You will be able to download Microsoft Office 2007 Professional for free or purchase the actual CD for a small fee.  Software is often bundled with notebook computers, please read about the software we will provide you so you don't purchase them unnecessarily yourself.

Wireless Internet on Campus
There are 2 different wireless networks which you will see depending on which campus you are at. Your notebook will need a 802.11a/g compliant wireless adapter to work at any of the locations.

At the Queen Lane Medical Campus...
A secure wireless network called "Draco" is in place at the entire Queen Lane location. With your notebook computer and wireless Ethernet capability, you can connect to the Internet from anywhere inside the building and from some common areas outside the building. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Draco.

At the Center City Hahnemann Campus and the Main West Philly Drexel Campus...
Users here will see the Dragonfly secure wireless network and can use it, however, special registration and set-up is required. See the Computer Checklist page, item #2 for information on connecting to Dragonfly.

Please review the FAQs we've posted in order to understand what kind of notebook computer will be adequate.