Laptop INFO

Computer Policy For Medical Students

Entering in the Summer of 2018

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Provided by SOM University Technology

For medical students matriculating at the School of Medicine, University Program in July 2018, the following laptop computer policy will apply.

The School of Medicine requires that all medical students have a laptop computer for school use. The School of Medicine has determined the minimum specifications required. Only laptops with Core i-series or newer processors and Microsoft Windows versions 10 or Apple Macintosh OS 10.10 or newer will be acceptable.

In late May 2018 instructions will be sent to students describing how laptops should be configured for school use. Students having difficulty configuring their laptops will be given the opportunity to schedule an individualized/small group help session during Computer Orientation week.

Computer Orientation starts July 5, 2018. School Orientation starts July 11, 2018.

For questions, please contact David Pilasky, Assistant Dean for IT, School of Medicine University Technology via email: David.Pilasky@case.edu or CaseMEDhelp@case.edu.

Minimum Specifications

5th Gen core i5 or i7 processor

• These processors were released in the spring of 2015, and are now 3 years old. At the end of your time at medical school, these processors will be 7 or 8 years old.

8GB RAM or more

• Radiology imaging software currently requires a minimum of 6GB RAM to perform and will not run reliably on less RAM. While using the radiology program a student will likely have a note-taking application, a calculator app, and perhaps a few other productivity tools running as well. 8GB is the minimum that a student should consider.

200GB HD or larger (SSD strongly recommended)

• Windows and Mac OS use approximately 40GB of storage and we've found that students accumulate 50-100GB of materials associated with their curriculum. Computer performance is optimal when the primary hard drive volume in the system is a minimum of 30% free space. Solid State Drives (SSD) are an amazing performance boost, far more of a return on investment than any other upgrade currently available. If buying a new laptop, an SSD drive is strongly recommended.

Screen resolution 1024 x 768 or better

• While few screens have smaller resolutions than this, at least one application has this minimum specification.

Wireless 802.11ac or better

• AC wireless will afford you the greatest likelihood of always being able to connect to wireless internet service on campus. We've recently had the wireless upgraded in-house and continue to take advantage of new technologies where available.

Gigabit Ethernet built-in or with adapter

• Recommended for downloading large files

Screen 12" or larger

• A smaller screen will make taking exams a challenge as you will have to scroll up and down a lot more. The Microsoft Surface Pro has a 12” screen. Students report that it is still fine for taking exams.

4 hour or better battery life (buy a new one, if you can't meet this requirement)

• You will spend long stretches of time in which you are expected to be able to use your computer and without access to AC power. If your battery cannot sustain 4 hours of regular use, it will have a detrimental affect on your ability to participate.
• Systems that use USB C for charging have the option of an extended external battery pack, which may prove useful as your system’s battery diminishes over time.

Windows 8.1 (not home edition) or newer

• Earlier versions of Windows will reach End Of Service Life before you finish your program at CWRU.

MacOS 10.10 or newer

• Earlier versions of Mac OS will reach End Of Service Life before you finish your program at CWRU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my current laptop does not meet the recommended specifications?

A: While you're here at CWRU, working towards becoming a medical doctor, you will have more than enough reading, working and participating to deal with. You will be working towards that goal for four or more years, so we strongly recommend that you purchase a new computer that will perform adequately as a tool for your entire time here. Worrying about upgrading or replacing your computer and moving data and installing applications is a major investment of time that could be better spent. With that in mind, our minimum specifications will help you to acquire a laptop that will meet or exceed your needs for a full normal period of study. If you have other computing needs outside of pursuing your education, it is our recommendation that you use a separate computer for those needs, so that you do not risk being without your school computer on the days that you need to take an exam.

NOTE: In past years, some students have brought laptops in that were below the minimum specifications. Having a system that doesn’t meet the minimums that we’ve set out, places you at a disadvantage relative to students who have appropriately configured machines. Nearly all students who brought older laptops, bought new laptops within the first months of school.

Q: What will be installed on my laptop?

A: The university has some site licensed software that is available to students at no cost. Currently, Microsoft Office Professional Plus (Windows, includes Access) and Standard (Macs), Adobe Acrobat Professional and Symantec Endpoint Protection. Unless you plan on purchasing a new laptop, you may have an older operating system. At the time of this writing, the university has an upgrade license available for Windows 10 Enterprise which you will need to use for class work. Windows 10 Enterprise should be installed before installing any of the above software. We will send out instructions in early May on how to upgrade. The latest version of the MacOS is required and can be installed from the App Store.

Q: Beside a laptop, what other items are recommended?

A: Padded carrying case (backpack, messenger bag, sleeve, etc)

Built-in Ethernet port or Ethernet adapter

1 or more TB External hard drive for backups

Wireless optical mouse

Accidental Damage insurance/warranty

Q: What are the differences between Windows and MacOS laptops concerning my work at school and studies?

A: There are a number of differences, which are mostly inconveniences all of which have workarounds:

• Some web pages work better with different browsers.
• There is a commercial application that many students purchase for studying for the Boards during second year. It is a Windows only application. Consider borrowing a Windows computer from a classmate.
• There is a board prep application that some students purchase and use before taking the Step 1 exam. It is a Windows only application.

Q: Can I buy a laptop through CWRU?

A: If you want to purchase and obtain at a discount, a Dell or Apple laptop through the university, you may do so here:

http://www.case.edu/its/estore/

Q: I have questions or would like more information.

A: We will have a sub-page on the Admissions Office’s Accepted Central website in early Spring 2018. In the meantime, please e-mail us at casemedhelp@case.edu with any questions you might have.

FINISH UP BYOD SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Starting Monday, June 4th, for those of you who have not completed or are having difficulty with the BYOD Setup Instructions, we are going to offer online assistance to you, to get you ready for the computer orientation sessions July 5th - 10th. During these times, we will help you finish up the set up of your computer. Depending on the complexity, we can talk you through the setup with you sharing your laptop's screen with us, or with your permission, we can take control of your laptop and do the set up steps for you. You will be able to see everything we do and can take control back at any time. We will use Zoom, which is similar to WebEx or Go To Meeting. There will be 30 minute appointment slots from 1:00pm - 4:30pm each day (not on the weekend). Click on this link to reserve a session:

https://goo.gl/mhqba8

At the time of your appointment, see the call-in information below.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://cwru.zoom.us/j/494449882

Telephone:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

877 369 0926 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free)

Meeting ID: 494 449 882

REGISTER FOR COMPUTER ORIENTATION - July 5th - 10th

Starting on Thursday, July 5th through Tuesday, July 10th in 30 minute increments from 8:00 or 9:00am to 4:00pm, we will offer a series of Computer Orientation sessions. Everyone must attend only one of the sessions. During the Computer Orientation sessions, we will make sure your laptop is ready for class and do a few things that need to be done on campus including registering your network card (if you have one) and setting up your local printers. If you purchased a USB network adapter, please bring it with you so we can get it registered on the campus hardwired network.

Please go to the following URL to register for a Computer Orientation session:

https://cwrusom-med-computer-orientation.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at casemedhelp@case.edu

Student Technology Discount Program

Here is some information for the student discount program for CWRU students.

Student Roster Picture

Either before or after the Computer Orientation sessions you can have your picture taken for the Class Roster website. This picture (from about the chest up) will be shown at the White Coat Ceremony and will also follow you for the next four years! Your future clinical instructors find the class roster picture helpful in identifying you during the clinical years! You will have your picture taken wearing a white coat. We will have several coat sizes available to wear specifically for the class roster picture. Guys should wear a collared shirt and a tie! When the picture is over you can take off the tie. To reiterate, guys should wear a collared shirt and a tie! In short, you will want to look nice in this picture.