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Technology Requirements for Learners

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  • Audience: Student
  • Service Category: Education Applications
  • Owner Team: Library IT
  • Service:
    Technology Introduction for Learners

This page specifies campus wide technology requirements for learners who are new to UCSF or purchasing a new computer.

Learners should also review the Technology Introduction for Learners which provides an overview of technology at UCSF.

Requirements:

  1. Computer Requirements
  2. Software Requirements
  3. Secondary Device for Two-Factor Authentication
  4. Set up UCSF Email
  5. Internet Requirement
  6. Additional School Specific Requirements

Background

UCSF is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) campus and requires all learners to own a personal device for UCSF-related activities. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that devices meet or exceed a set of standards that will allow learners to participate effectively in the UCSF technology ecosystem. Technology will be an integral component of your UCSF education.

These requirements also ensure that incoming learners have installed all security software required by the UCSF Minimum Security Standards. UCSF learners have a legal and ethical responsibility to preserve and protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all confidential information, both patient and non-patient related. Security regulations are dictated by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), other Federal and California privacy laws, as well as UCOP and UCSF Policies, and Medical Center Administrative Policies and Procedures.


1. Computer Requirements

You must own a computer that meets the following minimum specifications. If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preference for Mac or PC.

 

Recommended

Minimum

Description

This configuration will likely provide adequate performance for 3 to 4 years.

This computer will likely not provide adequate performance through the end of your program.

Purchase Date

Must have been purchased within the past 3 years.

Operating System

  • Windows 11 (Pro or Education) Note: Windows 10 End-Of-Life is October 14, 2025
  • macOS - current or 2 prior released versions. Upgrade to one of the supported versions of macOS. 
  • Windows 11 (Pro or Education) Note: Windows 10 End-Of-Life is October 14, 2025
  • macOS - current or 2 prior released versions. Upgrade to one of the supported versions of macOS. 

Processor

Intel Core i5 or i7 quad-core processor (13th Generation)


Apple silicon chips

Intel Core i5 dual-core processor (9th Generation)

**ARM-based computers are currently not supported." 

Memory (RAM)

16 GB or more

8 GB

Hard Drive

256 GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)

Webcam

Must have a functioning webcam either built-in to laptop or external

Headphones with Microphone

Must have a headset comprised of headphones and microphone. Can be USB, 3.5mm jack, or wireless/bluetooth depending on computer configuration.

Warranty

1-3 years parts and labor with on-site or in-store support.

No specific requirement.

Restrictions

No ultra-low-power or budget-class processors

  • No Intel: Y-series, i3, Core M, Celeron, Pentium Silver, Pentium Gold

No tablets or Chromebooks

An iPad or Android Tablet alone does not meet our requirements; the use of a tablet as a companion device is acceptable. The use of Chromebooks at UCSF raises significant security concerns; if you have one, we recommend that you do not use it for anything involving UCSF business, research, or studies.

 

Important Information for International Learners

UCSF highly recommends that international learners wait until arriving in the United States before purchasing hardware and software. There are several important reasons based on prior experience, including:

  • Newest hardware is more readily available in the United States.
  • Costs are typically lower.
  • Warranty may not cover service in the United States.
  • Certain software does not work with foreign versions of operating systems.

Always wait to upgrade to new major versions of operating systems

UCSF has many computer systems, and it's impossible for all of our systems to be compatible with new major versions of operating systems on the day they become available. Consequently, we strongly discourage you from upgrading until UCSF Information Technology has sent an all-clear message to the community. If you upgrade before the all-clear, UCSF IT will support you as best it can, but until a permanent solution is in place, you might lose certain functionality.


2. Computer Software Requirements

You must have the following software installed on your computer. You may be prevented from connecting to the UCSF network without having all the required security software installed.

#

Software

Description and downloads

1

Operating System

Mac Users: Please upgrade to one of the supported versions of macOS to stay in compliance with security mandates.

Windows Users: Please upgrade to Windows 11. If you have Windows 10 Home Edition, you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 Education. Note: Windows 10 End-Of-Life is October 14, 2025.

2

Device Encryption

UCSF requires the use of the following file-based encryption applications that prevent unauthorized persons from accessing legally protected information. Please read and follow the instructions before installing or you may encounter issues: https://software.ucsf.edu/content/file-encryption

Mac Users: Download and run the installer from "Mac Encryption - MacOS" to enroll your Mac into Jamf Pro at UCSF that will manage and validate your computer's FileVault encryption for proper compliance.

Windows Users: Download and install Dell Encryption Enterprise BitLocker Manager - Windows 64-bit (x64). Do not use DDPE as it has compatibility issues with some versions of Windows. Windows laptops should contain TPM (trusted platform module) version 1.2 and above.

3

IBM BigFix

BigFix is used for inventory, software and patch management.

BigFix is included with Device Encryption installers.

4

Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP)

SEP includes anti-virus, anti-malware, host intrusion prevention system, and client firewall (PC only).

SEP is provided free of charge to learners. Uninstall all other antivirus software and Disable Windows Defender. No need to run multiple programs or purchase a separate license.

https://software.ucsf.edu/content/endpoint-protection

5

ForeScout SecureConnect

SecureConnector is a Network Access Control (NAC) agent used to determine if your system meets the minimum security requirements before connecting your device to the network.

Do not select the dissolvable version. Installation is rapid, taskbar icon will be visible upon completion.

https://software.ucsf.edu/content/nac-network-access-control

6

UCSF VPN

When off campus, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) client connects your computer to the UCSF network to protect the transfer of all data. VPN connection is required for access to certain library resources and is needed to send or receive your UCSF email when using desktop applications such as Outlook and Apple Mail.

https://software.ucsf.edu/content/vpn-virtual-private-network

https://it.ucsf.edu/service/vpn-remote-connection 

7

CipherCloud for Box

CipherCloud scans UCSF Box and automatically encrypts all file formats that contain matches to UCSF PHI. You will know a file is encrypted when it is renamed with a.ccsecure extension. The CipherCloud agent is required to open these encrypted files.

https://software.ucsf.edu/content/other-software

8

Office 365 ProPlus

UCSF provides Office 365 ProPlus for Mac and PC users which includes desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher (PC only), and Access (PC only). You can install Office on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones. The Office installer can be accessed by following the instructions below:

  1. Navigate to software.ucsf.edu
  2. Sign in with your MyAccess credentials
  3. Select Microsoft Office 365 from the list
  4. Follow prompts to download Office 365 Mac OS X or Office 365 Windows
  5. See the Office 365 FAQ for additional information.

9

Google Chrome

Some of our required software or websites may be incompatible with your preferred web browser. If this happens, you will need to use an alternative browser to access that particular resource. We encourage you to become comfortable using more than one browser.

https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

10

Mozilla Firefox

11

VLC Media Player

VLC programs enable you to view and listen to a variety of media files.

https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

12

Zoom Client

UCSF utilizes Zoom as its web conferencing solution and it is an integral part of delivering remote education.

https://zoom.us/download

 


3. Secondary Device for Two-Factor Authentication

UCSF requires the use of Duo Security, a two-factor authentication platform for all faculty, staff, and learners when logging into certain online applications and systems including VPN, Outlook Web, Keeper, and Apex.

Learners are required to own a secondary device that is compatible with the Duo Security platform.

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring a user to log in with a username/password combo plus a second method of verifying the user's identity. The second method is something the user has physical access to, like a cell phone or tablet. This ensures that even if a hacker manages to obtain a user's login credentials, the information is useless without access to the user's secondary device.

The first time you access https://email.ucsf.edu outside of the UCSF network, you will be prompted to enroll in Duo. Follow the on-screen prompts to enroll.

The use of the Duo Mobile App is recommended and is available on the following devices:

  • Apple iPhone or iPad, please upgrade to the latest iOS version that your device will support: Download iOS DUO App.
  • Android smartphone or tablet, please upgrade to the latest version of Android that your device will support: Download Android DUO App.

Alternatively, if you do not own a compatible smartphone or tablet, a cell phone capable of receiving SMS text messages will also meet the secondary device requirement. Standard text message rates apply. See additional information about Duo Authentication Methods.


4. Set Up UCSF Email

Before arriving at campus, you must be able to send/receive messages from your UCSF Email. Use of this email account is required for all communications involving UCSF business, research, and studies. You are expected to check this account periodically to stay apprised of all program and campus messages. In addition to being able to send/receive messages, you are required to enroll in the UCSF Password Management Tool and change your original password that was distributed by the Registrar. Please see First Time Login instructions on the Learner Accounts.

Your use of UCSF Email is governed by the University of California Electronic Communications Policy. Additionally:

  • The use of third-party email systems is not approved by UCSF. This includes the forwarding of email to outside services (e.g. Gmail and Yahoo).
  • Do not share your own or other people's email account or password.
  • Do not share our mailing list email addresses with people who are not affiliated with UCSF.
  • Do not use your email account for unlawful activities, commercial purposes, personal financial gain, chain letters, unsolicited marketing, or letter bombs.
  • When you send a confidential email, use Secure Email. Regular email is not encrypted by default.


5. Internet Requirement

You are required to have a home internet connection. Your connection speeds must be sufficient for high-quality quality group video calling on Zoom: Dedicated (not shared throughout a household) 1.5 Mbps upload and 5 Mbps download is highly recommended.

To test your connection go to: https://www.google.com/search?q=speedtest

If internet service is included with your learner housing, this meets your internet requirement. All other learners are responsible for selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and purchasing service. You are responsible for the cost of this service. Availability, speed, and pricing can vary depending on where you live and level of service you prefer.

If you’re not in campus housing and you’re using wireless at home, you must configure your wireless network with WPA encryption to comply with UCSF policy. If you’re uncertain about how to do this or how to confirm it, ask a knowledgeable friend or contact your internet service provider or the vendor of your wireless access point.


6. Meet School Specific Requirements

Your school or program may have additional or more specific requirements. Programs will notify learners prior to orientation about these specifics. Please contact your program's administration office regarding these requirements.

  • Graduate Division - contact your program administration office.
  • School of Dentistry - no additional requirements.
  • School of Medicine - no additional requirements.
  • School of Nursing - see Computer Requirements under Admitted Learner Resources.
  • School of Pharmacy - see Technology Requirements.
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Technology Introduction for Learners
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