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The Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston requires all students to have a personal laptop computer. This is necessary for taking exams, accessing educational and reference materials, and communicating via email with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Students are responsible for maintaining their own computers, including ensuring they have the recommended software and hardware components.

Note: It is strongly recommended that students use Windows laptops. Apple/Mac systems are also acceptable. Tablets and Chromebooks are not supported and may not be compatible with software, systems, or resources utilized at the school.

Student computers should be no older than 2 years at the time of orientation.

Prohibited Technologies

All student laptops must comply with the State of Texas Prohibited Technology policy. Devices may not contain any software, equipment, or components from vendors listed under the state’s prohibited technology ban. Review the list of prohibited technologies.

Minimum Computer Hardware Specifications

  • Intel or AMD 64-bit processor (or better)
  • 16GB RAM
  • Solid State Drive 256GB (or larger)
  • Screen Size: 13” or bigger with a resolution of at least 1024 x 768
  • Laptops must be equipped with a web camera, microphone, and speakers. Students also need headphones compatible with their systems.
  • Intel 802.11ac (or better) Wi-Fi capability
  • Operating System: US English versions of Windows 11. Windows Education or Windows 11 Pro with a TPM chip is recommended for BitLocker Full Disk Encryption.
  • Students are required to have a 3M privacy screen for their laptop.
  • Home Internet Access: Download 20+ Mbps, Upload: 3+ Mbps (recommended)

Please be aware that products in the technological world are constantly changing. Therefore, this requirement is evolving and will continue to evolve. You can expect it to change as the power, price, and quality of computers change and as the needs of students in the school change. We make every effort to minimize the impact of changes in this requirement on our students.

Software

    • Microsoft Office - latest version or a 365 subscription https://www.office.com/
    • Adobe Reader (version 23, Acrobat Pro 2020, or Acrobat Pro Cloud subscription) is required for exams containing PDF attachments
    • Internet Web Browser: Various browsers may be required for different software packages used at the CSON. We recommend installing the latest versions of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
    • Windows Defender (Included with Windows 11)
    • Discounted software available at https://uthealth.onthehub.com/

Internet Access at Cizik School of Nursing

On campus, wireless Internet access is provided in common areas and in all classrooms. Desktop computers are available for use in the Student Computer Labs located on the third floor.