Student Technology

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Photo: Laptops, Tablets & other Mobile Devices

Laptop Standards

The College of Medicine (COM) requires that all incoming medical students purchase a portable or laptop computer. Our buildings are all wireless-enabled, and you will be able to access your campus email, student-related information, course materials, and other important web-based resources at any time using your laptop. To ensure compatibility with the existing campus technology infrastructure, the College has identified hardware and software standards for student laptops (see below). Students must bring to campus a laptop that meets or exceeds these standards. Students with laptops that do not meet the minimum standards will receive limited software support by the College. IT will not be able to offer hardware support or repair for any student-owned laptops.

Please note that the College of Medicine laptop hardware and software standards are different from University standards.

It is imperative that you adhere to the College of Medicine standards. 

Student Laptop Use Policy 

Minimum Hardware & Software Requirements

You will be required to have the following items for testing:

  • A working pair of wired ear buds (not headphones or wireless buds)
  • A working webcam

Software Discounts

Students can obtain Microsoft Office Professional for Mac or Windows at no or reduced cost by registering with MUSC email accounts at Onthehub. Kivuto’s Basic Access Guarantee gives students 31 days to access and download software. Apply for a Campus Student License Confirmation to use the software after graduation.

Another option, MUSC Office365. 

  • i-5, or i-7 processor
  • Note: 12th Gen Intel Processors are not compatible with exam software
  • 8GB RAM memory (if purchasing a new computer, 16 GB recommended)
  • Minimum 128GB Hard Drive (HDD or SSD)
  • WiFi 802.11 a/g/n or newer
  • Access to a built-in or external DVD-drive
  • Access to a working web camera
  • Note: Our exam software does not support ASUS devices
  • Note: Our exam software does not support tablet devices other than Surface Pro
  • Windows 10 Professional and 11 recommended
  • Note: Alternates versions of Windows 10 such as Windows 10 RT and Windows 10 S are not supported by our exam software
  • Microsoft Office Professional 2016 or Office 365 (provided by MUSC)
  • Adobe Acrobat PDF Viewer
  • Virus protection software provided by MUSC - Please download the version ending in .ZIP for Windows. (MUSC NetID required)
  • Quicktime or VLC player
  • Two web browsers (at minimum) 
  • M1, i-5, or i-7 processor
  • 8GB RAM memory (if purchasing a new computer, 16 GB recommended)
  • Minimum 128GB Hard Drive (HDD or SSD)
  • WiFi 802.11 a/g/n or newer
  • Access to a built-in or external DVD-drive
  • Access to a working web camera

Exam soft minimum system requirements 

NBME Web-Based Testing Requirements (PDF)

Students interested in purchasing a new Microsoft Windows® computer are encouraged to consider one with a Professional grade operating system and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip because these laptops include a native encryption application. All modern Mac computers include a native encryption application. Laptop models recommended on this page include those that can be ordered with these capabilities.

Suggested Laptop Models

Below are suggested laptop models for students considering the purchase of a new computer. Students assume all risk and responsibility when purchasing these models.

* Highly recommended: that students purchase a personal printer if it is anticipated there will be a need to print any online curricular materials that are not pre-printed.

Two Factor Authentication

Anyone checking MUSC email or using VPN or Citrix Webapps off campus to access is required to enroll in the Two Factor Authentication program.

To enroll in the program go to PhoneFactor

Please make the change to 2Factor's Authenticator App by May 31st, 2018.If you need assistance with installing and/or using the Authenticator App, please call our Help Desk at 843-792-9700.

Mobile Device Management

Program to help secure MUSC email on mobile devices.

Instructions are available for: 

Microsoft Teams Installation

The Microsoft Teams app can be downloaded from your phone/tablets app store after installing the MUSC MDM client in the section above.

Troubleshooting: There is a new process for setting up email and Microsoft Teams on your cellphones and tablets. If you have previously installed MUSC Email on your device and are experience any issues with email or Microsoft Teams this is likely why. Please follow the iPhone MDM or Android MDM instructions and FAQs in the above section to resolve installation issues. It is recommended that you uninstall the Teams app until you have completed this process then reinstall.

Please note that all email will now come through the Microsoft Outlook app installed during this process. Previously setup MUSC email through the Apple Mail app should be removed.

NET ID Password Process

  • NetID user account passwords must be changed every 180 days.
  • Each password must be at least eight characters long.
  • An updated password cannot be the same as any of the past six passwords.
  • Each updated password must have at least four changed characters from the previous passwords. 

For a complete list of the policies, please go to netid180.musc.edu

MUSC Social Media Policy

View the policy here: MUSC Social Media Policy