Computing Services
2008 Student Computing Requirements
Technology is an integral part of the curriculum at IR/PS. The school has supported a student computer lab since its founding. We have recently transitioned to an environment where the school provides an infrastructure to enable students to fulfill their assignments using their own computer, preferably a notebook or laptop style computer. More workspace has been opened up for students to use their notebooks in the lab and the IR/PS Library and still be connected to the Internet. The new electronic classroom enables class members to connect their computer to a high-speed network right from their seat. Now all classrooms, seminar rooms, and study areas allow students to access the campus network and the Internet through wireless connections.
All students are required to have access to their own laptop computer for use at IR/PS. To satisfy this requirement, we strongly recommend you purchase a new computer with an extended warranty that covers your stay at IR/PS. Our experience has shown that bringing a less-than-capable computer to IR/PS severely hinders a student's ability to perform at his or her best in the extremely competitive environment. We have seen that 10% of all laptops will experience a hardware failure during the school year. We want you to be prepared.
General Recommendations
IR/PS is committed to an open, cross platform computer environment and we will support students using either a Mac or a Windows computer. Again, we highly recommend that you purchase a new notebook for use at IR/PS. The specifications below outline the minimum hardware and software that we recommend you purchase. While you may purchase your laptop anywhere, several factors should play into your decision.
At UC San Diego, the department of Academic Computer Services (ACS) offers repair services for all laptops. They are certified to do warranty work for computers manufactured by Apple, Dell, and Lenovo (IBM). You should consider this when choosing a model, should you need repair services during the school year.
The UC San Diego Bookstore Computer Center has many laptop models to choose from at very competitive prices. They offer special models that meet the IR/PS minimum requirements. The Bookstore can also provide you with Microsoft Office at a very low price. Go here to shop the bookstore online: http://bookstore.ucsd.edu/computers/computerirps.htm
Please also keep in mind that a laptop is a delicate instrument and should be treated as such. Carefully sitting it down on hard surfaces and transporting it in a padded backpack will keep your laptop healthy. Due to the fragile nature of laptops, frequent data backups are a must. You should have some kind of backup solution for your data, documents, pictures and music. An USB external hard drive is a highly recommended best solution.
2008 Laptop Minimum Specifications
| Hardware Specification | Minimum Windows | Minimum Macintosh | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or better |
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or better |
|
| Screen | 13-in active matrix LCD | 13-in active matrix LCD | |
| External Video | SVGA 800x600 | SVGA 800x600 | |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 Gigabytes | 2 Gigabyte | |
| Storage (Hard Drive) | 80 Gigabytes | 80 Gigabytes | |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM/CD-R | DVD-ROM/CD-R | |
| Modem | V.90 standard 56 KBps | V.90 standard 56 KBps | |
| Networking | 10/100 Megabit Ethernet | 10/100 Megabit Ethernet | |
| Wireless | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11b/g/n | |
| Security features | Fingerprint reader optional | N/A | |
| Videoconferencing | Camera optional | Camera standard | |
| Warranty | Coverage through June 2011 | Coverage through June 2011 | |
| Software Specification | Minimum Windows | Minimum Macintosh | |
| Operating System | MS Window Vista (not Home Basic) | MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard) | |
| Productivity | MS Office 2007 Must include PowerPoint (See Note 1) |
MS Office 2008 (See Note 1) |
|
| Virus Scan | Any current software (See Note 4) |
Any current software (See Note 4) |
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Note 1: MS Office includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Purchase MS Office Education version at UCSD Bookstore. Be sure PowerPoint is included with your purchase. MS Office 2008 for Mac does not include ability to run macros and add-ins that are required in some classes at IR/PS. Mac users may install MS Office 2004 to remain compatible until a solution is developed. See the Computing Services team for assistance. |
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Contacts: Questions about this page and IR/PS' Student Computing Requirements should be directed to Computing Services Manager Gary Hoffman, (858) 534-1989, or Computer Lab Manager Stu Motter, (858) 534-7733.
