Minimum Technology Recommendations
The University of Kansas, School of Medicine (KUSoM) uses a technology-rich curriculum. The following recommendations are made with student success in mind.
Hardware
The School of Medicine supports either Windows or Mac computers but does not recommend using a tablet, netbook, Chromebook, iPad, or phone as a primary computing device. Surface tablets are acceptable devices to use during medical school. (Surface Pro X can be used with modifications to S mode). Although iPads and similar Android devices have been used successfully by some students for day-to-day use, you will NOT be able to test and utilize ExamSoft if you have an Android tablet, Chromebook, netbook, or iPad.
Please note that, aside from these requirements and recommendations, your choice of laptop is an individual matter, and should be made at your discretion. Please be aware that regardless of whether you choose a Macintosh or Windows PC, sometimes there will be minor compatibility issues if your professors or classmates are using a different platform. The School of Medicine strives to be as platform-neutral as possible in its selection of technologies for medical student education, but certain software may not be available on different devices.
First and second-year students in the School of Medicine are eligible for a one-time financial aid budget adjustment to cover the purchase of a computer. Contact the financial aid office for more information on the Computer Purchase/Electronic Purchase program.
Discounts on computer purchases are available from the KU Bookstore Tech Shop.
Component | Minimum requirements |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5 |
RAM | 8GB required (16GB recommended) |
Hard Disk | 300GB (256GB + KUMC OneDrive, 1TB) |
Display | 1080p |
Graphics Memory | 1 GB |
Networking | Wireless 802.11n/ac |
Warranty | 3 years or more |
Operating System | Windows 10 or for Mac OS 10.15 Catalina (or later) |
Internet | Broadband internet access, minimum download 7Mbps |
Software
Much of the software required is available free of charge for students in myKUMC, the institutional portal. Note that Windows upgrades are available free of charge as well.
Type | Software | Availability |
---|---|---|
Productivity | Microsoft Office 365 | Microsoft 365 |
Class Participation (required) |
Poll Everywhere | Fee assessed (downloaded during Orientation) |
Anti-virus | Windows Defender for MS Windows; ClamXav for MacOS | Free from Microsoft; Cost Clamxav.com (~$30.00) |
Anti-Malware | MalwareBytes | MalwareBytes site. Free version cleans, but does not pre-emptively block |
Web Browsers | Edge, Chrome, or Firefox | Some web applications run better with certain web browsers. Please make sure to install Firefox. Chrome is optional. |
Media Player | Windows Media Player; VLC | Media Player, free from Microsoft VLC media player |
PDF Reader | Adobe Reader | Adobe |
Optional Software | Software | Availability |
Digital Pathology (optional) |
ImageScope (Windows only)* QuPath OpenSlide |
Choose the best application for you, but some options**: Free, Leica Website (PC only) Free, QuPath (Mac and PC) QuPath Tutorial Free, OpenSlide (Mac and PC) *ImageScope is currently the only supported viewer at KUMC |
CT Image Viewer Mac* (optional) |
OsirixLite (Mac) |
Free, Santesoft Lite (instructions, access to images in July, requires login) *Utilizing a DICOM viewer is optional, students will be provided with still images |
CT Image Viewer PC* (optional) |
SanteSoft DICOM viewer (PC) | Free, myKUMC (instructions, access to images in July, requires login) *Utilizing a DICOM viewer is optional, students will be provided with still images |
Support
Students can receive assistance for their basic computing issues related to their academic work from the Customer Support, available in G110 of the Delp building. The Clinics offer:
- Advice and consultation sessions about any IT issue you're having
- Setting up email/calendars on your mobile device
- Wi-Fi setup and troubleshooting
- Installation of Microsoft 365 and KUMC sanctions software
In addition, you can contact Aziah McNamara with questions related to technology.
Student Responsibilities
Students will be responsible for having a working device that meets the minimum requirements. Our curriculum incorporates the following tasks:
- Accessing and downloading course files (documents, presentations, videos, etc.)
- Uploading collaborative assignment files (documents, presentations, videos, etc.)
- Taking Quizzes and Exams
- Participating in remote/online educational activities
- Accessing resources through different browsers
- Taking notes/annotating resources
- Presenting student-created files/media through AirMedia. Our lecture halls and classrooms are equipped with Windows PCs for use by presenters
It is the student's responsibility to maintain a backup of all work. We strongly suggest utilizing the 1TB of free storage available through OneDrive via Microsoft 365.