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Learner Hardware & Software

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Purchasing Hardware and Software

You may purchase from any vendor, UCSF does not have a campus computer store or make any specific recommendations. Purchasing decisions should be guided by the Technology Requirements for Learners. Before purchasing anything, please take account of what is provided by UCSF and the discounts that are available to learners with a .edu email.

UCSF Provides

  • Microsoft Office*
  • Antivirus & Malware Protection*
  • Encryption Software*
  • Unlimited Cloud Storage on Box

*Required: visit Learner Technology Requirements for more information.

Discounted Software from UCSF OnTheHub

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Parallels Desktop and VMware
  • SPSS, Minitab, and SYSTAT
  • EndNote Desktop

Visit https://ucsf.onthehub.com for more pricing and ordering information.

Discounts for Learners

Financial Aid for Technology Purchases

A computer purchase can be an allowable add-ons to the Learner Budget. Learners are encouraged to discuss their specific situations with Learner Financial Aid staff before submitting a request. Budget exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval. Expenses must be under the learner's name and incurred during the current school year. Complete the Learner Budget Appeal Form for consideration and provide applicable documentation to be considered.

The maximum request is $2,500 during the length of your program, which may include the cost of a printer and/or supporting software. Smartphones and tablets will be considered. The computer must be purchased on or after May 1st for summer starts or August 1st for fall starts. The purchase must be documented with a paid receipt and/or a credit card statement in your name.

For more information see Exceptions to the Standard Learner Budget. If you have questions, contact Learner Financial Aid at [email protected] or (415) 476-4181 before you purchase the computer.

Recommended Software

Password Manager

With the proliferation of user accounts, remembering which passwords go with which apps can be frustrating. The use of a Password Manager can help you protect your passwords without having to remember all of them. UCSF has partnered with Keeper Security to allow free access to their password vault. With Keeper you can keep your credentials organized and auto-fill passwords across all your devices and browsers. See how to Enroll in and Use Keeper Password Vault.

UCSF Box

UCSF Box is a cloud-based file collaboration tool. UCSF Box is similar to Dropbox, and GoogleDrive but only UCSF Box and OneDrive are managed and supported by UCSF IT. UCSF Box is integrated with MyAccess and offers features such as content and task management, online workspace for collaboration, and user and group permissions. Additionally, since the implementation of CipherCloud, UCSF Box users are able to store restricted data including UCSF PHI. In addition to accessing UCSF Box online, Box has developed numerous useful productivity apps:

Box Tools: Create and edit any file, including Office, CAD and Photoshop, directly from your web browser. Use the default application installed on your computer. Files are automatically saved to Box.

Box Notes: Easily create new notes, access recently edited notes and bookmark favorite notes. Work concurrently in the same note and make revisions in real-time, together. Track changes and reference past drafts with version history.

Box Drive: Access all your Box files directly from your desktop, taking up very little hard drive space. Natively integrated into Windows Explorer/Mac Finder. Easily share and collaborate on files.

Download Box Apps for Desktop

Office 365

Office 365 allows you to access Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Teams and Outlook from any device, anywhere. UCSF's Office 365 tenant is HIPAA-compliant and all files containing PHI are encrypted.

Log in to Office 365 at office.ucsf.edu. Use Google Chrome for the best experience. 

Teams, OneDrive and OneNote are being pushed to UCSF-supported computers. To install Office 365 desktop applications on your personal computer please follow these instructions. See the Office 365 FAQ for additional information.

Mobile apps are available! To get started with Office 365 mobile apps Enroll Your Mobile Device in Intune Company Portal.

Mobile Apps

Microsoft Outlook

Access your UCSF email and calendar on your device.

Android App

iOS App

Microsoft OneNote

Sync notes across your devices to access them anytime, anywhere.

Android App

iOS App

Zoom

Take your Zoom calls on-the-go.

Android App

iOS App

UCSF Mobile

The official UCSP app puts campus information at your fingertips. Including a live shuttle map and timetable, fitness center hours, campus news, events, directory, and much more.

Android App

iOS App

Box

View, upload, and share your files while you are on the go using Box from your mobile device.

Android App

iOS App

CipherCloud for Box

Required to view secure documents on a mobile or tablet device.

iOS App